Kuala lumpur: Agrobank continues to strengthen its commitment to developing local entrepreneurs through the Agrobank Upward Migration (AUM) programme, with a particular focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the food security sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agrobank group president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin stated that the initiative, implemented by the Agrobank Centre of Excellence since 2021, is designed to support entrepreneurs in scaling up their operations while contributing to the country's economic growth.
He explained that the AUM programme, which ran from December 2023 to January 2025, recorded encouraging progress with the participation of 73 companies representing five state coalitions. Of these, 57 companies reported an increase in sales, with 34 achieving growth of more than 20 percent. Additionally, 15 companies secured additional financing amounting to RM9,221,000.
The 12-month structured programme included both physical and online classroom training sessions, alongside on-site coaching at the entrepreneurs' premises. The modules covered key areas such as Financial Management, Digital Marketing, Business Target Setting, and Corporate-style Business Management. The programme also provided one-to-one coaching, allowing entrepreneurs to receive tailored guidance to build sustainable and future-ready enterprises.
The initiative aims to create opportunities for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs who have the potential to expand their businesses further. Participants can apply the skills and knowledge gained to enhance their competitiveness and ensure their enterprises' sustained survival and growth.
At the AUM excellence aspiration ceremony, Agrobank recognised 10 companies for outstanding achievements in Sales Growth, Business Expansion, Job Creation, Capacity Building (Technology), and Capacity Building (Financing). Among the recipients was Alif Dzulfarhan Mohamad Shaharudin, who noted a significant increase in output and profits at his ruminant feed mill. He credited the marketing and account management modules for strengthening his business operations in Batu Kikir, Negeri Sembilan.
Another recipient, Mohd Shafie Md Isa, expressed that the programme enabled him to view his business more holistically. Before joining, he was uncertain about his business's profitability, but post-programme, he gained clarity in planning appropriate improvements, leading to optimal income generation. Mohd Shafie was recognised under the Sales Growth category.