KUCHING: Institut Keusahawanan Negara Berhad (INSKEN) celebrated a milestone with a RM509,000 increase in sales revenue recorded by Sarawak micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) entrepreneurs who underwent a specialised one-on-one coaching programme.
During the graduation ceremony held here Friday night (Nov 10), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan highlighted that MSMEs are the backbone of the nation’s economy.
He stated that MSMEs in Malaysia, in terms of business establishments, make up around 97 per cent. They contribute significantly towards Malaysia’s gross domestic product, employment opportunities and the country’s exports.
“That’s why the ministry is committed to elevate MSMEs through various programmes to make sure they don’t fall behind, we want to empower them in terms of assistance packages, training programmes and employment opportunities,” he said.
The ceremony saw a total of 80 entrepreneurs graduating from three programmes under INSKEN, namely the Bumiputera Business Coaching (IBBC) Spa, INSKEN Bumiputera Business Coaching (IBBC) Bakery, and the Menu Profit Guidance Programme.
INSKEN Chief Executive Officer of INSKEN Muhd Firdaus Azharuddin said the guidance approach by industry experts was effective because they are also successful entrepreneurs in the field.
“For example, a bakery industry expert will guide entrepreneurs in the same industry because he is more skilled and has extensive experience with the ins and outs of this business,” he added.
He also said that INSKEN obliges industry experts to go to entrepreneurs’ premises throughout Malaysia to provide face-to-face guidance.
Breaking down the surge in sales revenue, RM398,000 was generated by 50 entrepreneurs enrolled in the IBBC Programmes, while over RM111,000 was recorded by 30 participants in the Menu Profit Guidance Programme.
One entrepreneur from the IBBC Programmes and two from the Menu Profit Programme successfully elevated their business status from the micro category to that of a small enterprise.
In addition, one entrepreneur from the IBBC Programme and two from the Menu Profit Programme have also successfully upgraded their business status from micro to a small enterprise.
INSKEN also expects more programmes to be implemented in Sarawak after the INSKEN Sarawak Campus started operating in early October.
