KUSKOP Strengthens Sabah’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Unlocks Borneo’s Economic Potential – Ewon

KENINGAU (Sabah, Malaysia), 7 August 2025 — The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), is intensifying efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with Sabah positioned as a strategic focal point for inclusive and sustainable economic growth in East Malaysia.

Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasized that this initiative is part of a national agenda to empower the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector — the backbone of the nation’s economy.

“Sabah holds unique strengths across various sectors including agriculture, tourism, halal food industry, and digital services. This immense potential must be unlocked through integrated strategies involving financing, capacity building, and market expansion,” he said.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 MADANI Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme (Program Maju Usahawan MADANI) held at Hotel Juta, Keningau.

Also present were SME Bank Chairman, Dato’ Muslim Hussain, and CEDAR (Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research) CEO, Amirul Imran Ahmat.

According to Ewon, KUSKOP is placing special emphasis on strategic entrepreneurial groups including micro-entrepreneurs, women, youth, and early-stage startups (operating under three years), in line with the Government’s MADANI vision of inclusivity.

“My presence here is not merely ceremonial — it represents KUSKOP’s unwavering commitment to empower entrepreneurs through holistic and high-impact initiatives,” he said.

Ewon expressed appreciation to SME Bank and CEDAR for spearheading the programme in Sabah, highlighting that it serves not only as a training ground but also as a strategic platform for professional networking, industry collaboration, and market access at both domestic and international levels.

As of June 2025, more than 1,600 entrepreneurs have benefited from the programme nationwide, including around 240 participants from Sabah — a figure that reflects the strong trust and reception of the business community.

Ewon further stated that the MSME sector contributes 39.1% to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment to nearly 7.86 million Malaysians.

“These are not just numbers — they represent the strength of the people in creating value and national prosperity. Every investment in entrepreneurship is an investment in the future of the country,” he stressed.

Ewon explained that sessions like these provide a crucial opportunity for direct engagement between the government and entrepreneurs, allowing agencies such as SME Bank and CEDAR to assess on-the-ground realities and needs.

“Feedback from entrepreneurs will inform the redesign of training modules, the creation of new initiatives, and the implementation of more responsive and high-impact policies,” he said.

He added that a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem depends on effective synergy among all stakeholders — government, financial institutions, state agencies, and industry players.

“This synergy is key to building a progressive, sustainable, and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision that upholds balance between economic progress and social well-being,” he explained.

As a native of Sabah, Ewon expressed his vision to position the state as a reference point for community-based, innovative, and inclusive entrepreneurship — not only in East Malaysia but across the ASEAN region.

“With strong partnerships, pro-entrepreneurial policies, and the resilience of Sabah’s people, I firmly believe this state can emerge as a leading example of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial transformation,” he concluded.