UDA Allocates Over RM2 Million This Year To Empower Local Entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA), an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP), has allocated more than RM2 million this year to support the empowerment of local entrepreneurs.

UDA senior vice- president (Investment and Asset Management) Mohd Nazri Jamiran said the initiative is expected to benefit 625 entrepreneurs, in line with KUSKOP's strategy under Thrust D, namely Expanding Market Access and Technology Adaptation.

He said the approach is designed holistically, structured and implemented in phases to ensure entrepreneurs gain wider market access and sustainable business growth.

"The implementation of this initiative is in line with KUSKOP's aspiration to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and make Malaysia a superior entrepreneurial nation," he said in a statement.

The empowerment programme will be delivered through several key initiatives, including the UDA Entrepreneur Incentive Programme (PIUU), UDA One Stop Retail Centre (MARi Mart), UDA Craft Corner (KIRANA), and the provision of business spaces under the Malaysia Entrepreneur Hub (MEH).

Mohd Nazri explained that this year’s focus will be on expanding market access, strengthening supply chains, and monitoring performance based on data to ensure each intervention contributes to business growth.

He said, PIUU is targeting 500 entrepreneurs through incentives for shop lots and temporary site rentals at UDA premises to support business entry and continuity.

Through the MARi Mart platform, UDA aims to onboard 75 new micro, small, and medium enterprise vendors, with support for vendor facilitation, product development, and branding enhancement.

 KIRANA, which is aligned with the One District One Industry (SDSI) concept, will provide exhibition spaces and strategic marketing channels for 25 local handicraft entrepreneurs.

“Under MEH, UDA is providing business spaces in strategic locations, including the Morten Walk Entrepreneurship Hub, Kuala Lumpur Heritage Valley, and Santai Camp at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, targeting 25 entrepreneurs.

“This serves as a transitional platform before potential entrepreneurs can be considered for permanent premises at UDA shopping complexes,” he said.

Mohd Nazri said that starting this year, UDA will also introduce a phased development approach that includes exposure, nurturing and establishment phases.

The approach allows entrepreneurs to assess the marketability of their products during a trial period before being considered for more permanent placement based on performance and growth potential.

Apart from physical business spaces, UDA also emphasises branding aspects, compliance with business fundamentals and access to digital sales platforms to strengthen the competitiveness of entrepreneurs.

-- BERNAMA