MARA allocates RM30 million to help Perak entrepreneurs expand internationally, targeting 30-40% growth in its Gate to Global programme
IPOH: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has increased its financing allocation for entrepreneurs in Perak by RM30 million for next year.
The funding aims to help local businesses strengthen their operations and expand into international markets.
MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said nearly RM26 million has been allocated for 2025 to develop Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the state.
The allocation covers financing assistance, entrepreneurial training, mentoring programmes and consultancy services.
“What we want to focus on next year is ensuring that more entrepreneurs can break into the international market, at least at the ASEAN level,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Perak MARA Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony 2024-2025.
Asyraf Wajdi said MARA’s special Gate to Global (GTG) programme provides comprehensive support to prepare entrepreneurs for international entry.
He explained that MARA helps entrepreneurs comply with the conditions and standards required by foreign markets.
The agency is targeting a 30 to 40% annual increase in participation and achievements under the GTG programme starting next year.
“We do not want entrepreneurs to merely start their businesses – we want to ensure their sustainability and support their continued growth and expansion,” he added.
He noted that only 37% of the approximately 647,000 entrepreneurs in the country are Bumiputera.
About 569,000 of these Bumiputera entrepreneurs, or 88%, are categorised as micro-entrepreneurs.
MARA has a long-term strategy to help micro-entrepreneurs progress to small and eventually medium-sized categories.
The agency also aims to significantly increase Bumiputera participation in the halal market.
Twelve entrepreneurs were selected for the Perak-level MARA Entrepreneur Awards (AURA) 2024-2025 from 35 nominations.
The awards covered categories including Lifestyle Industry, Automotive, Services, Construction, and Food & Beverage. – Bernama
