Kuala lumpur: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has committed an additional RM30 million in financing for entrepreneurs in Perak in the coming year. This initiative aims to enhance business capabilities and facilitate expansion into international markets.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki revealed that for 2025, nearly RM26 million has been allocated specifically for the development of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Perak. This allocation will encompass financing assistance, entrepreneurial training, mentoring programs, and consultancy services. The focus for the next year is to enable more entrepreneurs to penetrate international markets, especially at the ASEAN level.
MARA's special Gate to Global (GTG) program will provide comprehensive support to ensure entrepreneurs are prepared for international entry. This involves meeting the conditions and standards required by foreign markets, with MARA playing a crucial role through the GTG initiative. Asyraf Wajdi emphasized this during his address at the Perak MARA Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony 2024-2025, where he also presented awards to outstanding entrepreneurs.
Asyraf Wajdi further mentioned that MARA aims for a 30 to 40 percent annual increase in participation and achievements under the GTG program starting next year. He expressed confidence in the program's steady growth and success due to MARA's supportive approach toward entrepreneurs, focusing not only on business initiation but also on sustainability and growth.
Currently, about 37 percent of the approximately 647,000 entrepreneurs in Malaysia are Bumiputera, with 88 percent categorized as micro-entrepreneurs. MARA has a long-term strategy to assist micro-entrepreneurs in advancing to small and medium categories. There is also an aspiration to increase Bumiputera participation in the halal market, an area where their current involvement is relatively low.
Meanwhile, the MARA Entrepreneur Awards (AURA) 2024-2025 in Perak recognized 12 entrepreneurs from 35 nominations across various categories, such as Lifestyle Industry, Automotive, Services, Construction, Food and Beverage, Special Entrepreneur Program, Inspirational Woman Entrepreneur, TVET Entrepreneur, IPMA Graduate, MARA MADANI Wakaf Entrepreneur, and Best Brand.