Sabah UDA Carnival With BizFrancais Pernas A Platform To Strengthen Entrepreneurship Ecosystem For MSMEs In Sabah

PENAMPANG, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The three-day UDA Carnival with BizFrancais Pernas, ending tomorrow at Buhavan Square here, has the potential to be a catalyst in strengthening entrepreneurship development and opening up more opportunities for Sabah-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their markets.

The participation of 70 entrepreneurs from BizFrancais Pernas and UDA, representing various business backgrounds, has made the carnival an inclusive and relevant platform for all segments of society. Visitors have been able to enjoy a wide range of products and services, with sales targeted at RM4.25 million over the three-day event.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick said the initiative aligns with his ministry’s aspiration to provide a more conducive market access environment in support of the country's entrepreneurial sector. This includes developing strategic networks and strengthening branding towards producing competitive, innovative, and sustainable entrepreneurs.

He added that the strategic collaboration between UDA and Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) reflects strong synergy among the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) agencies in empowering local entrepreneurs, not just in major cities, but extending down to grassroots levels.

“This carnival is not just a sales platform for entrepreneurs, but more importantly, it allows KUSKOP agencies to directly provide services and support to current and aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said during the carnival’s opening ceremony today.

Ewon also stated that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), KUSKOP will focus on empowering the development of the franchise, MSME, cooperative, and social enterprise sectors in Sabah to strengthen the socio-economic standing of local entrepreneurs through business growth opportunities.

President and CEO of UDA Holdings Bhd, Johari Shukri Jamil, said in his speech that the collaboration between UDA and Pernas is in line with the Blue Ocean Strategy, combining resources, expertise, and networks to create greater impact for the benefit of entrepreneurs and the local community. Since 2022, he noted, the UDA Carnival has been one of the agency’s main platforms for reaching out to communities and supporting local entrepreneurs.

“This year, the collaboration with Pernas through the BizFrancais programme reflects our joint commitment to strengthening the support network for entrepreneurs. The BizFrancais programme, organised by Pernas since 2019, aims to promote the franchise industry and provide direct exposure to franchise opportunities in the country,” he said.

Johari also reiterated UDA’s commitment to supporting KUSKOP’s efforts in strengthening the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with its mandate as a property developer and provider of competitive commercial spaces.

-- BERNAMA