Ewon introduces an Incentive Award for small entrepreneurs and cooperatives

10 June 2024

TUARAN: An Incentive Award to inspire and motivate small entrepreneurs and cooperatives was announced by Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.

He announced that the Incentive Award includes a cash prize of RM10,000, a trophy, and a certificate for small entrepreneurs and cooperatives that demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial performance, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

"As a Minister, Member of Parliament, and State Assemblyman, I have allocated a specific budget to recognize and celebrate excellence within our community.

"In this regard, I am introducing the Award for vendors, small entrepreneurs, and small cooperatives who, in my view, can serve as role models and a source of inspiration for others in the entrepreneurial world.

"I will not burden ministry agencies but will instead utilize a portion of the Minister's, Members of Parliament's, and State Assemblymen's allocations for this new initiative. Nonetheless, I will consult the agencies under my Ministry to determine the criteria for recipients of this Incentive Award," he explained.

Ewon made this statement while delivering a speech to inaugurate the eighth annual general meeting of Saradan Tenghilan Development Village Cooperative Berhad (KOPDESA) here recently.

He also announced that KOPDESA will be the recipient of the Incentive Award for the first small cooperative category and will receive the award at his office on June 14.

According to Ewon, KOPDESA, established eight years ago, has shown outstanding business performance, excellent cooperative management, and feasible business development planning.

"From the report submitted by SKM to me, KOPDESA generated an income of RM513,000 last year, and its financial statements are audited annually, and it holds annual general meetings.

"KOPDESA not only develops businesses with the assistance of SKM, capital strength, and the cooperation of its members but has also collaborated with local leaders and the community to succeed in various activities.

"After reviewing all the reports, I agree to award the Incentive Award in the small cooperative category to KOPDESA. May their success serve as an example and motivation to other small cooperatives. I also have high hopes for KOPDESA to join the league of larger cooperatives in the future," he said.

Last year, KOPDESA received a development grant from the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) amounting to RM80,000 for the purchase of two cabins for retail service purposes and also for the purchase of stingless bee logs and the addition of retail goods stock.

KOPDESA also secured an extra grant of RM18,000 to enhance a cooperative E-Commerce platform and to market their cooperative products on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Ewon also inaugurated the KOPDESA Mart building, which was built with support from SKM.-ends