PENAMPANG, Aug 16 – The UDA BizFrancais Pernas Carnival, held over three days at Buhavan Square in Sabah, is targeting total sales of RM4.25 million through the participation of about 70 local entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said on Saturday.
Of the total, RM4 million is expected to come from BizFrancais Pernas, while UDA entrepreneurs are projected to contribute RM250,000, he said when officiating the event.
Ewon said the joint programme by UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) and Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS) reflects government agencies’ synergy in strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem and expanding economic opportunities at the grassroots level.
“This carnival not only strengthens entrepreneurial development in urban areas but also brings it directly to rural communities,” he said.
Launched in 2022, the UDA Carnival aims to provide a more conducive market access platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while fostering business networking and empowering local brands.
UDA currently manages over 1,000 retail lots nationwide and runs several initiatives including the UDA Entrepreneur Incentive Programme (PIUU), UDA Bizznita, UDA 4 Youth and UDA Preneur to nurture more successful entrepreneurs.
Ewon added that the government remains committed to strengthening socio-economic development in Sabah through business opportunities, provision of commercial premises, access to financing and entrepreneurship training under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
“My hope is to see UDA further expand its role in Sabah, in collaboration with the state government and local authorities, so that more local entrepreneurs can enjoy equal opportunities as in other states,” he said.
