Ewon appointed as the first Chancellor of UKKM

28 June 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick has been appointed as the first Chancellor of the Malaysian Cooperative Entrepreneurship University (UKKM).

At the same event, the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Dato' Sri Suriani Dato' Ahmad and former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fauzi Harun were appointed as Pro-Chancellors.

The inauguration ceremony for the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellors of UKKM was held at the World Trade Centre here yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Ewon said that the appointment was in line with the constitution of UKKM as a specialized institution in the field of entrepreneurship and cooperatives.

"I am confident that with the latest accredited programmes at UKKM, it will provide opportunities for Malaysians to choose UKKM for higher education in the fields of cooperative administration and management.

"At this ceremony, I also launched two new programmes at UKKM, namely the Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship Programme and the Program For Executives, Bachelor's Degree in Cooperative Business Administration (Honours).

"I believe these programs can attract the interest of Malaysians who are working to pursue further studies at UKKM," he said, adding that they are suitable for working individuals as they are conducted after working hours.

He also mentioned that it is an alternative for those who are already working but aspire to enhance their academic achievements.

Ewon believes that with the latest programmes and initiatives implemented by UKKM, it can help the country's cooperative movement, especially in terms of cooperative administration and management.

"We have 15,809 cooperatives with a membership of around 7.2 million nationwide, and the cooperative movement has achieved a turnover of RM64 billion last year.

This is a significant number that exceeds our initial target, however, I believe that cooperative administration and management can still be further strengthened.

"That is why we want UKKM to play a major role in the academic education and studies context for cooperative members and the people of Malaysia to collectively help develop the cooperative sector in the country," he said.