Keningau: The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) is committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurs, including those in rural Sabah, through the Basic Entrepreneurship Seminar, said Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. He said TEKUN Nasional's dedication to offering a platform that provides updated insights, particularly in business digitalisation, aims to ensure local entrepreneurs thrive in business, ultimately driving local economic growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, as of July 31, a total of 1,059 seminar sessions had been held nationwide, involving 315,184 participants. "This seminar must continue to empower entrepreneurs across the country. I believe digitalisation is among the key components and must be sustained. Before COVID-19, this element (digitalisation) may not have been prominent, but it has become a major component post-pandemic."

"Thank you to TEKUN Nasional for focusing on rural entrepreneurs. Rural entrepreneurs must be given equal attention as they face logistical and geographical challenges, making online marketing increasingly vital," he told Bernama after officiating the seminar, held here today. A total of 300 entrepreneurs in Keningau and the surrounding areas attended the one-day event.

Ewon said the seminar was also held in Telupid, Kuamut, Kota Marudu, and recently in Beaufort on Sunday. "All these are rural areas. I am confident that the seminar will help entrepreneurs to update their knowledge and skills in managing, administering, and operating their businesses," he said.

Ewon commended TEKUN Nasional's provision of accessible and affordable financing, enabling micro and small entrepreneurs to seize business growth opportunities. At the event, Ewon presented a mock cheque totalling RM3.54 million to 234 entrepreneurs in the Keningau area, representing the financing provided between January and June this year.

Since its inception in 1998, TEKUN Nasional has disbursed RM1.2 billion to 66,350 entrepreneurs in Sabah and RM52 million to 2,821 entrepreneurs under its guidance in the Keningau parliamentary constituency.