Karnival UDA 2025 showcases Business, Culture, and Community in Focus

16 August 2025

PENAMPANG: The Karnival UDA 2025 currently in full swing at Buhavan Square, Penampang, brings together entrepreneurs, local communities, and the public in a lively celebration of commerce, culture, and community.

Running from 15th to 17th August, the event is jointly organised by UDA and BizFrancais Pernas, offering a packed programme of exhibitions, entertainment, and activities from 9am to 10pm on both days. There are some 70 participants in the event.

The event was launched by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Datuk Ewon Benedick. Also present was Johari Shukri Jamil, President/Chief Executive Officer of UDA Holding Berhad.

On the first day, five Asnaf entrepreneurs, most of whom are involved in various types of handicrafts, were awarded RM3,000 each to support their businesses. They all agreed that they would utilise the funds to expand their ventures.

Rusnah Akup

Rusnah Akup, who resides in Putatan, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the generous contribution. She explained that the funds would significantly assist her in increasing her production of handcrafted items and enable her to participate in a wider range of markets beyond the usual exhibitions and weekly markets she currently attends.

She shared her aspiration to expand her reach further, saying, "If possible, I would love to sell my handicrafts in other states or even internationally, so that more people can appreciate and enjoy my work."

Rusnah also took the opportunity to thank the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for their support and generosity. She conveyed her hope that this assistance would open new opportunities for her and help her grow her small business.

Theresa Joseph Aisyah Abdullah

Meanwhile, Theresa Joseph Aisyah Abdullah, who specialises in crafting exquisite crystal flower arrangements and hails from PPR Sepanggar, expressed her sincere gratitude for the generous contribution she received.

She shared that, as a small business owner operating for the past five years, this support would be instrumental in helping her to expand her production capabilities and develop a broader range of handcrafted products. Theresa explained that the additional resources would enable her to refine her craftsmanship, access new markets, and ultimately increase her income, which is vital for her and her family’s well-being.

She also took the opportunity to warmly thank the Minister and UDA for their ongoing support and generosity. Theresa emphasised that such assistance is crucial for entrepreneurs like herself, who are striving to build sustainable businesses amidst challenging economic conditions. She expressed hope that this act of kindness would inspire more entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and contribute positively to the community’s economic growth.

Rashid Kalam

Meanwhile five franchisors were accorded their certificates during the event. Uncle Bob was one of the recipients, represented by Franchise Manager Rashid Kalam.

He shared, “We are very happy with the certification and we thank UDA and the Ministry for bestowing us the certification.”

“Since its inception in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, our company embarked on a journey to test the market in Sabah in 2002. The decision proved to be a strategic move, as the positive reception from Sabah's consumers significantly contributed to our growth.”

“Starting from roadside stalls, we gradually expanded to establish our own outlet kiosks. Today, we proudly operate 87 outlets across Sabah, of which 64 are franchisees. Nationwide, our presence has grown to 130 outlets, with Sabah serving as the vital testing ground that validated our system’s effectiveness before expanding across Malaysia.”

“Our outlets are well-distributed throughout Sabah, including in Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and many other locations. This widespread presence underscores our commitment to serving the community and strengthening our brand in the region.”

“Our key differentiator lies in the uniqueness of our chicken. We take pride in being the pioneer of the term "Ayam Gunting" (cut chicken) in Malaysia. While now common in the market, the term originated from us. Our strength also lies in the quality of our products; from the marination process to the specially tested powders we use, all ingredients meet high-quality standards established since 2002.”

Our growth has translated into significant employment opportunities. Initially, the founders were directly involved in sales, but over the years, our team has expanded to over 500 employees across various sectors, including operations, manufacturing, and office administration. We have three main offices: our headquarters in Kota Kinabalu, and branches in Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.”

“For those interested in franchising, we advise potential partners to thoroughly understand the support systems provided by the franchisor. It’s important to look beyond the product or brand and focus on the company's core values, mission, and vision. A strong foundation and shared commitment are key to long-term success.”

Ms Lai

Financial schemes were accorded to eight companies, one of which was Shuren learning centre who was accorded RM75,000. Represented by Ms Lai the founder of a growing tuition and daycare centre who shared insights into their current operations and future expansion plans. Currently, the organisation offers tuition services for primary and secondary school students, operating across five branches in Sabah. These branches are located in Asia City, Likas, Damai, Pavilion Bundusan, and Plaza Kingfisher.

Looking ahead, Miss Lai revealed plans to expand into Sarawak, specifically targeting Miri as the next location. In addition to tuition services, the organisation also runs a daycare center at Taman Milik, catering to children aged 2 to 12 years old under the brand Mohu Daycare.

The organisation also provides programmes for adults, including English and Mandarin courses tailored for working professionals. When asked about their franchising model, Lai clarified that they are the licensor, with no licensees currently in operation. All existing branches are still directly managed by the company.

However, she noted that there is significant potential for future licensing partnerships. The company collaborates with young and new licensees, assisting them with financing, construction, and eventual ownership transfer, supporting their growth from the ground up.

Regarding the funding scheme, Lai mentioned that a recent event involving a donation of $75,000 was allocated to support the Pavilion Bundusan branch. She emphasised that the event was mainly a ceremonial acknowledgment, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to community development.

Meanwhile the carnival goes on with a property showcase and a series of talks drawing interest from potential homebuyers and investors keen to learn more about property developments across Sabah.

Local flavours are also in abundance at the Jualan Madani section, where visitors can purchase a wide range of locally made products, from food and handicrafts to fashion and household goods, all proudly produced by Sabahan entrepreneurs.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, live performances and family-friendly activities are taking place throughout the day, creating a vibrant setting for attendees of all ages. The carnival also features a number of exclusive promotions and special offers, providing value for visitors while supporting local businesses.