Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on successful entrepreneurs to be mentors to new companies and entrepreneurs because their real experience in the business world is more meaningful than just relying on a theoretical approach. He said the development of entrepreneurs should not be implemented in a "top down" manner, but rather guided by those who have experience in managing and developing businesses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge. "The approach should not be 'top down' because the people who know what working capital is, the prices of goods, market conditions, all of these are people in the field who should know. We are only motivators, not necessarily teachers," he stated while inaugurating the SPaRK 2026 event organized by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB).

In this regard, Anwar suggested that successful entrepreneurs collaborate with new companies and also participate as speakers to share their business development experiences. This mentorship approach, he argued, would be more effective in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Earlier, Anwar launched SPaRK 2026: Business Transformation, which is PUNB's main platform aiming for financing approvals of up to RM2.25 billion from 2026 to 2030. This initiative is part of the R30 Strategic Framework designed to accelerate the growth of Bumiputera companies, enhance commercial scaling capabilities, create quality job opportunities, and strengthen the national supply chain.