Kuala lumpur: Agrobank has unveiled a significant RM50 million allocation to its Agro Pintar Niaga Programme (AgroPintar) aimed at enhancing microfinancing access for microentrepreneurs. This initiative is supplemented by an additional RM5 million in i-TEKAD matching grants. The announcement was made by the group president, Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, during the programme’s launch.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AgroPintar programme is designed to support microenterprises through business and contract farming financing schemes, benefiting over 4,000 microentrepreneurs, particularly from low-income communities. The programme not only offers financial support but also includes essential modules on entrepreneurship and business ethics. Tengku Ahmad highlighted the programme’s focus on financial literacy, covering crucial areas such as financial management, credit risk control, and debt management.
Tengku Ahmad, who also serves as Agrobank’s chief executive officer, emphasized that the ultimate goal is to enhance microentrepreneurs’ competitiveness and decision-making capabilities, aiding them in making effective business decisions. Participants will receive structured guidance, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for sound financial and business decision-making, thus improving their business management capacities.
He also mentioned that the programme’s impact and effectiveness would be monitored six months after participants join. The programme aligns with Agrobank’s mission to nurture resilient, forward-thinking, and sustainable entrepreneurs, drive positive economic outcomes, and foster social development among microentrepreneurs.
The initiative is spearheaded by Agrobank’s centre of excellence (ACE) and microfinance division, underscoring the bank’s commitment to empowering microentrepreneurs across Malaysia. Additionally, Agrobank launched a financial literacy video series in collaboration with the Financial Education Network (FEN) at the same event. The 12-episode series features social media influencer Sir Asai and is aimed at promoting financial awareness among school students. It seeks to instill healthy financial habits through the 3S approach – Spend, Save, and Share – encouraging responsible money management from an early age.