Bank Rakyat Drives Digital Entrepreneurship Among Asnaf Through RAKYATpreneur and UNIpreneur 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia), 29 July 2025 — Bank Rakyat has launched its flagship RAKYATpreneur and Bank Rakyat UNIpreneur 2025 programmes with a renewed focus on digital transformation and technology adoption in entrepreneurship, targeting 800 promising microentrepreneurs and underprivileged students (asnaf) nationwide.

Backed by a RM3.82 million allocation, the six-month initiative — running from 1 August 2025 to 31 January 2026 — aims to enhance business capacity through intensive training, professional mentorship and access to digital financial platforms.

According to Bank Rakyat, the 2025 iteration introduces new features including the eBiz Tools Marketplace, a comprehensive digital platform offering:

• Electronic Current Account-i (eCA-i) registration
• Access to the i-BizRAKYAT business management system
• Free financial technology (fintech) solutions for up to six months, monitored by strategic partners

Participants will also receive training in product development, packaging innovation, and digital marketing as part of a broader strategy to strengthen business resilience.

Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, described the programme as a strategic initiative to elevate the competitiveness of asnaf entrepreneurs, who often face digital and economic marginalisation.

“Efforts like this not only provide economic opportunities for low-income groups, but also contribute to national GDP growth through sustainable, tech-driven entrepreneurship,” he said during the launch event at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur.

Since its inception over four years ago, the programme has benefited 2,633 participants, with a cumulative contribution of RM13.04 million. In 2024, 80% of participants began saving their earnings consistently, while 76% successfully created job opportunities in their local communities.

Datuk Ewon further expressed confidence that this technology-driven approach aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision of building a progressive, just and inclusive nation.

Bank Rakyat Chairman, Datuk Mohd Irwan Mohd Mubarak, emphasised that both programmes have evolved progressively over the years, expanding from foundational entrepreneurship training to more advanced initiatives such as:

• RAKYAT Accelerator, a Shark Tank-style platform for additional funding
• Business development support and retail exhibition opportunities in partnership with MEDC, Bank Negara Malaysia, and PROTÉGÉ

“We are confident that this initiative will empower participants to become more competitive, expand their market presence, and enhance the commercial value of their products and services,” he said.

Several alumni of the programme have achieved notable success:

• Mohammad Zamzum Duhari, a RAKYATpreneur participant, exported his local food products to the UK and Dubai after participating in the 8th International Food Expo “Our Brand” in UFA, Russia, with support from MATRADE
• Aina Syazwani Mohd Najib, a student from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), founded the Scrafrosie brand, which now operates a physical outlet and was recognised under the iTEKAD success story by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) and Bank Negara Malaysia
• Mohd Nazim Rozlee, a student with speech and hearing impairments from Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu, now runs a coffee kiosk called ‘Coffee Deaf’, exemplifying determination and inclusive entrepreneurship

The launch event also featured a sustainable marketplace with over 50 entrepreneurs showcasing local products including food and beverages, crafts, cosmetics, apparel, and accessories.

This initiative reflects a growing trend among Islamic financial institutions to support grassroots economic development through innovation and technology — a model increasingly relevant across regional and global development frameworks.