Alor Gajah, Melaka, 29 November 2024 – A business grant amounting to RM435,000.00 will benefit 29 Asnaf Entrepreneurs registered under the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) through the Pioneer Entrepreneur Program (Tunas Perintis Usahawan).
his program is a strategic collaboration between SME Corp. Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), and MAIM.
Designed to meet the needs of Asnaf participants, the training-based program is inspired by the Bumiputera Youth Entrepreneur Development Program (TUBE), an existing initiative under SME Corp. Malaysia that has successfully produced many young entrepreneurs. To date, the TUBE Program has trained 8,543 youth and disbursed business grants totaling RM125.84 million.
The Pioneer Entrepreneur Program aims to improve the livelihood of Asnaf Entrepreneurs through innovative entrepreneurial activities. It also seeks to enhance their resilience and identity, enabling them to become competitive in managing their businesses while transitioning from being zakat recipients to zakat contributors.
The MAIM Pioneer Entrepreneur Program builds upon initiatives previously implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia in collaboration with other Islamic Religious Councils, such as the Baitulmal Entrepreneur Development Program (TUB) with the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and the Zakat Entrepreneurs Program (TUZPP) with the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP). These programs have collectively trained 134 Asnaf Entrepreneurs, with 49 participants achieving a combined sales revenue of RM4.53 million and RM1.6 million, respectively.
During his speech at the closing ceremony of the MAIM Pioneer Entrepreneur Program, Mr. Rizal Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, stated, “Participants who successfully present their Business Plans are eligible to receive a Business Start-Up Grant of up to RM15,000.00 each. All participants are required to regularly report their business status to ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of their business performance.”
At the same ceremony, Mr. Rizal also presented mock grant cheques, participation certificates, and awards for the Best Business Plan and Best Participant. Also in attendance were Mr. Shaifulfazlee Mohamad, Secretary of the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM), and Mr. Rizal Dato’ Nainy, CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia.
