KUSKOP Strengthens Strategies to Empower Bumiputera Entrepreneurs, Driving Malaysia’s Economic Aspirations
SHAH ALAM (Malaysia), October 2, 2025 — Malaysia’s Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen Bumiputera entrepreneurship through integrated strategies aimed at boosting their economic contribution and enhancing competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the initiatives align with the national agenda outlined in the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13), with a strong focus on scaling up micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“PuTERA35, under Driver 2: Competitiveness and Scaling Up, sets the target of raising Bumiputera enterprises’ contribution to GDP by 15% by 2035. This strategy not only enhances competitiveness but also ensures Bumiputera entrepreneurs become key drivers of Malaysia’s socioeconomic growth,” he said.
Ewon made the remarks during his official visit to Glide Technology Sdn. Bhd., a high-performing Bumiputera company recently awarded a 4-star rating under the SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement (SCORE) by SME Corp. Malaysia.
He noted that Glide Technology’s achievement demonstrates Bumiputera firms’ capacity to meet international competitiveness benchmarks, positioning them as high-potential MSMEs ready to penetrate global markets.
At the core of KUSKOP’s strategy is the Vendor Development Programme (PPV), a national platform designed to nurture innovative, competitive and globally scalable Bumiputera companies.
So far, KUSKOP has partnered with 38 Anchor Companies spanning major national industries, providing vendor firms access to mentorship, training, technical expertise, and research collaboration.
Two flagship initiatives under the PPV are the Vendor Innovation and Commercialisation Grant (GIPV), which drives product innovation and market readiness, and the Vendor Capacity and Capability Development Programme (PPKV), which strengthens firms through training, accreditation, certification, and market access; both serving as critical instruments to boost Bumiputera productivity, reduce import dependency, and expand their economic footprint across regional and global markets.
Glide Technology was a recipient of the PPKV grant in December 2024, which enabled the acquisition of advanced testing equipment to support its production of lubricants and petroleum-based products.
During the visit, Ewon also inaugurated Glide Technology’s new R&D laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities under the PPKV scheme. The lab is expected to strengthen research capacity to serve Malaysia’s energy sector and wider Southeast Asian markets.
He further launched the MPOB-GLIDE Palm Oil-Based Insulating Oil, the first-ever 100% palm oil-based electrical insulating oil developed by a Bumiputera company in collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
“This partnership proves the potential of resource-based innovation to not only add value to Malaysia’s palm oil industry but also open new market opportunities in the energy sector. Such smart partnerships should be expanded further,” he said.
Ewon stressed that KUSKOP will continue to spearhead the creation of an inclusive, resilient and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with the Malaysia Madani vision.
“I believe Glide Technology can emerge as a model Bumiputera high-impact company that creates jobs, elevates Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage, and one day, be listed on Bursa Malaysia. This is our vision of building an entrepreneurial nation and a prosperous Malaysian family,” he said.
