JAGUH 2026 Aims To Boost Entrepreneurial Talent Through AI

KOTA KINABALU, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Jaguh Keusahawanan Nasional (JAGUH) 2026 programme aims to attract 3,000 undergraduates and graduates, focusing on enhancing their entrepreneurial potential through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), in a statement today, said the initiative, in collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), seeks to strengthen the development of national entrepreneurial talent in a structured and high-impact manner.

According to KUSKOP, the programme adopts an entrepreneurial approach rooted in academic disciplines, with participants encouraged to generate innovative ideas and develop rapid prototypes.

“The implementation of the programme focuses on three main sectors, namely the High Growth and High Value (HGHV) sector, the Orange Economy and the Blue Economy,” the ministry said.

The JAGUH 2026 programme, held over two days at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah Branch, saw the participation of 189 students from seven higher education institutions across the state.

KUSKOP said this was the sixth of the 12 JAGUH series scheduled to be held nationwide this year, with the certificate presentation and closing ceremony officiated by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Mohamad Alamin today.

“To date, the programme has successfully attracted 1,002 undergraduates and graduates through five series of implementation involving 57 higher education institutions nationwide,” according to the statement.

The ministry said the implementation of the programme is carried out in two main phases, with 120 top participants selected to advance to the second phase for development programmes and intensive mentoring.

Apart from having the opportunity to showcase innovative projects and ideas with high commercialisation potential, participants also stand a chance to be crowned JAGUH programme champion and take home a cash prize of RM5,000.

To face the challenges of the dynamic economic landscape, KUSKOP has called on undergraduates to be proactive and to take advantage of available opportunities, including financing initiatives.

The strategic initiatives offered through agencies under the ministry include facilities provided by Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, Institut Koperasi Malaysia (IKMa), UDA Holdings Berhad and TEKUN Nasional.

--BERNAMA