110 entrepreneurs benefited from guidance programmes

25 November 2023

By AVV

KOTA KINABALU: One hundred and ten people successfully completed two guidance programmes by the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), namely the INSKEN Bumiputera Business Coaching (IBBC) and the Profitable Menu Guidance Programme for the year 2023.

The Minister of Entreprenuer Development and Cooperative Datuk Ewon Benedick in his speech during the Graduation Ceremony of the INSKEN Guidance Programme, Sabah Edition for the year 2023 stated that he was impressed by the approach of the INSKEN programme, which was based on the concept of entrepreneurs mentoring other entrepreneurs.

INSKEN had gathered a group of experienced entrepreneurs as Industry Coaches to provide one-on-one guidance to other entrepreneurs in their respective fields of expertise.

According to him, this approach had shown positive development through the measurable success of the programme with the increase in sales revenue of RM 1.64 million. It was a testament to the effectiveness of the guidance received by the participants, particularly in Sabah.

“Additionally, there have been notable achievements, with five entrepreneurs successfully increasing their sales revenue and transitioning their businesses from the micro to small category. As a Sabahan, I am proud to witness the progress of local entrepreneurs who contribute to the country's economy,” he said.

The guidance programmes in Sabah was the result of collaboration with Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM). It was conducted in Penampang, Semporna, and Tawau in the middle of 2023. On the other hand, the IBBC Homestay programme was a collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Malaysian Homestay Entrepreneurs Association, held in Kota Kinabalu.

Ewon said such collaborations were wise steps, as no organisation should operate in isolation. This is the function of all agencies under the Ministry, each with complementary roles.

This year, the Ministry had received valuable inputs through engagement sessions with stakeholders such as associations, business councils, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), cooperatives, and government agencies. One of the inputs received was the need for more entrepreneurship training and guidance for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, including micro and informal entrepreneurs in Sabah, he said.

“Therefore, the opening of the INSKEN Sabah Campus in May this year was a fitting step to assist entrepreneurs and sustain their businesses. All entrepreneurs here have taken a wise step in seeking knowledge through the guidance programmes organised by INSKEN. They not only receive comprehensive modules but also expand their networks with fellow entrepreneurs in the same industry.”

He also said that as entrepreneurs, they should continuously seek knowledge to become resilient, creative, innovative, and competitive in order to strengthen their businesses and he expressed his hope that programmes and events like this would inspire Sabah entrepreneurs to move forward.

He expressed his appreciation to INSKEN for continuously empowering the entrepreneurship network throughout Malaysia, adding that Sabah entrepreneurs had greatly benefited from their efforts to enhance and advance businesses.