More than 160 Indian community entrepreneurs from various sectors gathered yesterday on 17th May, for the TEKUN Nasional Basic Entrepreneurship Seminar, a key initiative designed to uplift small and micro businesses through early exposure, training, and access to financing. The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
Organised by TEKUN Nasional, the seminar is focused on strengthening foundational business knowledge among entrepreneurs with emphasis on systematic business planning, financial management, and long-term sustainability. Individuals who participated in it were also introduced to the wide array of financing facilities offered by TEKUN.
In his opening speech, YB Dato ’Sri Ramanan reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“The government will continue to ensure that entrepreneurs, especially in Selangor and across the country, receive comprehensive support. TEKUN’s efforts in providing accessible and affordable micro financing platforms are key pillars in empowering small entrepreneurs”
In January 2025, YB Dato Sri Ramanan announced an additional allocation of RM100 million for the SPUMI and SPUMI Goes Big programme, the highest amount since the initiative was introduced in 2008. This move reflects the continued commitment of the MADANI Government to empower Indian entrepreneurs nationwide.
Since it’s launch, the SPUMI Programme has disbursed RM516 million in financing to 27,289 entrepreneurs nationwide. For the year 2025 alone (up to 30 April), RM16.4 million has been distributed to 648 Indian entrepreneurs, underscoring the programme’s continued impact.
Broadly, TEKUN Nasional has played a transformative role in Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape. From it’s establishment in 1998 until April 2025, TEKUN has approved RM10.3 billion in financing for over 600,000 entrepreneurs across the country. In 2025 alone, RM252 million has been channeled to 11,698 entrepreneurs, highlighting it’s vital role in strengthening the microenterprise and SME sectors.
Adding to these initiatives, YB Dato Sri Ramanan officially launched the Empowering Indian Entrepreneurs (EIP) Programme, a targeted business management training initiative under TEKUN Nasional. Designed specifically for Indian Entrepreneurs, EIP will roll out nationwide, beginning in Selangor and the Federal Territory, to equip participants with critical skills for business operations.
“Seminars like this are crucial as they equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to grow their business sustainable”, he emphasized, noting that the EIP initiative will offer long-term support beyond financing.
The launch of EIP initiative marks a vital step towards building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. By combining targeted training with accessible financing, the programme equips Indian entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to run a sustainable and competitive business. Through ongoing efforts like this, TEKUN Nasional continues to champion inclusive growth, providing microfinancing schemes that reinforce Malaysia’s socio-economic development goals that aligns with Malaysia MADANI vision.
