TEKUN Nasional programme improves entrepreneurship at grassroots level

24 July 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Programmes by National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) to introduce their services to the grassroots will improve participation engagement in the field of business and entrepreneurship.

Datuk Gilbert Sham, a member of the TEKUN Board of Trustees, said this during the TEKUN Financing Briefing Session in Kiulu.

According to him, this was the best method for the government to directly convey TEKUN programme offered to the local community.

"With the programme, more participation from the younger generation in entrepreneurship will be evoked," he said.

According to him, TEKUN Nasional aims to assist 45,670 micro-entrepreneurs with a total allocation of RM800 million.

"The target for the state of Sabah is RM109.7 million for 5,410 entrepreneurs. Priority is given to existing entrepreneurs with dynamic business capabilities, competitiveness, and the potential for advancement to a higher level with a good payment record," he shared.

On the direction of TEKUN, he stated that it was to continue the agenda of developing Bumiputera and Indian entrepreneurs.

"TEKUN Nasional is committed to becoming an organization that helps entrepreneurs, especially the bottom 40 (B40) group, to increase their income.

"TEKUN plays a role in providing financing to at-risk groups, particularly micro-entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing bank loans," he said adding the TEKUN will also continue to focus on marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities (OKU), former military personnel, and others.

"They will also increase the involvement of female entrepreneurs with a greater focus on women entrepreneurs and single mothers.

" It is known that female entrepreneurs have good repayment discipline," Gilbert stated.

On another note, he said attention should be given to young people, especially university graduates or graduates of skills training centres, in providing space, opportunities, and encouragement for their participation.

He hoped that this programme would provide more opportunities for the local community to obtain information about the facilities and assistance provided by the government to help improve their economic status.

The event was officiated by Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau, the Tuaran Member of Parliament.

Also present were Sabah State TEKUN Manager Hemin Osumping and Member of TEKUN Board of Director, Rowindy Lawrence.