In a strong demonstration of the MADANI Government’s dedication to inclusive and equitable progress, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, YB Dato’ Sri R. Ramanan, officiated the impactful Vanakam MADANI event held in Penang today. The initiative was designed to uplift Indian entrepreneurs by providing tailored financial aid and strategic support to enhance their growth and success.
The event brought together nearly 400 Indian entrepreneurs from across the state, symbolizing a strong sense of unity, resilience, and shared determination to advance the Indian business community within Malaysia’s economic framework.
The event included a comprehensive briefing and the official presentation of funds under several key initiatives led by KUSKOP — namely PENN, SPUMI, SPUMI Goes Big, and BRIEF-i. A total of RM932,000 was distributed to more than 20 recipients through these programmes.
The allocated funds are intended to support micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, many of whom are venturing into business ownership for the first time.
“This initiative goes beyond simply providing financial aid; it is about fostering long-term economic resilience within the Indian community and enabling them to succeed as an integral part of the nation’s development goals,” Ramanan stated.
This event builds on the momentum generated during the launch of PENN 2.0, officiated by Ramanan on June 3, 2025, where he announced an additional RM50 million in funding—bringing the programme’s total allocation to RM100 million.
So far, PENN has supported 7,074 Indian women with a combined financing total of RM48.3 million. Significantly, over 1,000 of these recipients are first-time entrepreneurs who successfully started their own businesses with the financial backing and guidance provided through the programme. In Penang alone, PENN has empowered 214 Indian women entrepreneurs, with total disbursements amounting to RM1.23 million since the programme’s inception.
Ramanan expressed his sincere gratitude to all implementing agencies under KUSKOP—such as Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), TEKUN Nasional, Bank Rakyat, SME Corp, and SME Bank—for their unwavering dedication to delivering tangible outcomes on the ground. He gave special recognition to AIM CEO, Dato’ Shamir, for his instrumental role in coordinating the Penang edition of Vanakam MADANI.
The event was further enriched by the presence of prominent stakeholders and community leaders, including Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Penang State Executive Councillor for Housing and Environment; Kumaresan Aramugam, Board Member of the Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM) and State Assemblyman for Batu Uban; Gunarajah George, Member of the Board of Trustees for TEKUN Nasional; Dato’ Seri N. Gobalakrishnan, President of the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI); Datuk S. Parthiban, Chairman of MICCI Penang; and Hemala A.P. Sivam, Head of the MAICCI Women’s Wing.
As part of its continued efforts, KUSKOP is committed to further enhancing the Vanakam MADANI platform to increase participation among Indian entrepreneurs and expand access to financing, capacity-building, and growth opportunities.
“The MADANI Government remains steadfast in its pledge to ensure that no community is left behind in Malaysia’s progress. Every initiative, including Vanakam MADANI, is a testament to our dedication to fair, just, and inclusive nation-building,” Ramanan concluded.
Earlier, Datuk Anbumani Balan, Political Secretary to YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan, highlighted in his speech the various efforts and initiatives introduced by KUSKOP under Ramanan’s leadership aimed at strengthening the economic position of Indian entrepreneurs.
The Vanakam MADANI event in Penang stands as a powerful reflection of the MADANI Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the Indian entrepreneurial community through inclusive, strategic, and sustained support. With significant funding disbursed, strong institutional backing, and the active participation of key stakeholders, the initiative not only celebrates progress but also reinforces a clear vision for the future—one where no community is left behind in Malaysia’s journey toward equitable and holistic national development.
Source: Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP)
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