Entrepreneurship Program in schools were among proposals accepted by KUSKOP in budget dialogue: Ewon

14 Sept 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: The proposal to establish an Entrepreneurship Program in schools are among those accepted in the Budget Dialogue 2024 for the Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives ministry (KUSKOP).

Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that the proposal was discussed with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

He expressed hope that the program can be implemented next year.

"I warmly welcome this proposal and have discussed it with the Minister of Education, and she is very supportive of it. At the ministry level, I have also requested a special discussion involving the ministry, the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMA), Angkasa, and the Ministry of Education on how we can make the school entrepreneurship development programs successful," he said.

Speaking to the media after officiating the School Cooperative Day Celebration at SMK Tansau on Thursday, Ewon who is also Penampang Member of Parliament pointed out that the establishment of an entrepreneurship program in schools is crucial to produce more successful young entrepreneurs in the country.

"The ministry and its agencies have various existing financing schemes, such as grants for young entrepreneurs and the Protege Program specifically for graduates.

"I believe the proposal to establish this entrepreneurship program is necessary as early preparation for students to engage in the business field and subsequently produce competitive young entrepreneurs," he said.

According to Ewon early exposure to entrepreneurship for students is essential to enhance their knowledge in this field as a foundation for starting businesses after completing their studies.

"After completing their studies, they can start businesses or establish their own companies and not solely rely on salaried employment. By having their own businesses, they can provide job opportunities for other fellow graduates," he said.

During the event, Ewon approved a request from SMK Tansau’s Cooperative for RM50,000 to help improve the cooperative's sales performance. Previously, he also provided the same contribution to four school cooperatives at SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, SMK Limbanak, SMK Bahang, and SM St. Michael, all in Penampang.

Also present were SMK Tansau’s Principal Rusmadi Ahmad, Deputy Director of SKM Sabah, Sairah Basrin, senior education officials from Penampang, representatives from IKMa, and teachers.