Kuala lumpur: The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Datuk Ewon Benedick, has urged university students to venture into entrepreneurship and create their own careers, rather than relying on existing job opportunities. Speaking at the launch of the Bank Rakyat UNIpreneur and RAKYATpreneur programmes at the Bank Rakyat Twin Towers today, Ewon highlighted the importance of cultivating independent, self-reliant entrepreneurs who are prepared to face the challenges of today's economy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon emphasised that by registering their businesses legally, students can access various forms of government support, such as training, financing, and guidance from agencies like TEKUN, MARA, and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia. He stressed the importance of students emerging as entrepreneurs, not just job seekers.

Since its launch in 2020, the RAKYATpreneur programme and UNIpreneur programme, now in its fourth year, have supported 2,633 individuals, with a total contribution of RM13.04 million as of December 2024. Ewon emphasised that these figures reflect much more than statistics-they represent real stories of lives changed, aspirations achieved, and potential unlocked.

He also stressed the importance of digital skills in expanding markets and improving operational efficiency, particularly for rural products. 'Digitalisation is key to building a more inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with the nation's digital economy goals and the MADANI Economy framework,' he added.

Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat chairman Datuk Mohd Irwan Mohd Mubarak said the 2024 programme report showed that 63 per cent of RAKYATpreneur participants saw an increase in sales within six months, while 80 per cent began saving consistently, and 76 per cent created job opportunities for their communities. For the UNIpreneur programme, 65.6 per cent or 328 participants also saw an increase in sales, and all participants began saving consistently.

In 2024, the programmes have been enhanced through the RAKYAT Accelerator initiative, providing additional funding to support potential alumni. By 2025, the focus will shift to product development, packaging, and the integration of financial technology (fintech). 'Entrepreneurs will gain access to digital platforms like the eBiz Tools Marketplace, opening of Electronic Current Accounts (eCA-i), the use of i-BizRAKYAT, and free fintech solutions for three to six months, with monitoring by strategic partners," he said.

For this year, RM3.82 million has been allocated for the implementation of both programmes, which are expected to benefit 800 participants from Aug 1, 2025 to Jan 31, 2026.