PENAMPANG, MALAYSIA | July 17, 2025 — Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has urged young Malaysians to embrace sports not only as a healthy lifestyle, but also as a powerful platform for national unity and a gateway to career and business opportunities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 National Boxing Championship, Ewon emphasised the government’s commitment to integrating sports with youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
“Sports is more than competition — it is a bridge that unites people, nurtures talent, and opens up economic potential for the younger generation,” Ewon said at the Sabah Cultural Centre in Penampang.
Empowering Youth Through Sport-Based Entrepreneurship
Highlighting various government initiatives, Ewon said his ministry has introduced financing schemes to support young entrepreneurs venturing into the sports industry.
Among the initiatives mentioned:
- The Sports Industry Financing Scheme under Bank Rakyat;
- Targeted funding via TEKUN Nasional for small-scale businesses in fitness, gyms, and sports equipment;
- Grants for youth cooperatives via the Malaysian Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM), subject to valid registration and business activities.
“We see a growing ecosystem around the sports industry — from gym management to equipment retail, coaching, events and digital content. Young entrepreneurs must capitalise on this momentum,” he said.
Government Backs National Sports with Direct Support
Representing Youth and Sports Minister YB Hannah Yeoh, Ewon also handed over a mock cheque worth RM175,000 as a grant from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to support the championship’s organisation.
“This contribution reflects the government’s unwavering support for sports as a tool for national development, social cohesion, and youth participation,” he added.
The championship, organised by the Malaysia Boxing Federation, also saw the attendance of its president Datuk Iruan Zulkefli and the President of the Sabah Amateur Boxing Association, Datuk Orlando Harumal.
Sports as a National Unifier
Ewon, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Penampang, stressed that sports remains a unifying force in Malaysia’s diverse society.
“Events like this not only identify future champions but also foster deep bonds of friendship, respect and harmony among Malaysians,” he said.
“In every match and every handshake after the bell rings, we see the values of unity, mutual respect and national pride in action.”
A Strategic Vision: Sports + Youth + Enterprise
Ewon’s remarks align with Malaysia’s broader national agenda to nurture resilient youth through a combination of healthy living, economic empowerment, and social unity. With global attention on sports as a growing industry, Malaysia aims to harness its potential as part of its inclusive development strategy.
