Kuala lumpur: Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) is broadening its support for young entrepreneurs beyond access to financing through the CGC Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP). In a statement today, CGC said the structured programme aims to equip young Malaysians with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to build resilient businesses and contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme was officially launched by Political Secretary to the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, at Bank Negara Malaysia here yesterday. The launch also saw 50 young entrepreneurs graduate from CGC YEP Cohort 1, comprising participants from the Early Stage and Growth Stage tracks.
Over the three-month programme, participants in the Early Stage track gained practical knowledge and essential business insights covering business fundamentals, financial management, marketing, market access, and financing readiness. Meanwhile, participants under the Growth Stage track completed the BANGKIT Programme in collaboration with the Institute for Entrepreneur Development (INSKEN), aimed at further strengthening their capabilities to scale and expand their businesses.
"The launch of CGC YEP reflects CGC's ongoing commitment to advancing Malaysia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through the development of entrepreneurial capabilities and enhanced access to knowledge, networks, and opportunities, the programme seeks to cultivate a generation of resilient and innovative entrepreneurs who can drive inclusive economic growth and contribute to the nation's future prosperity," said CGC.
Yii, in his speech, underscored the importance of empowering young entrepreneurs as key drivers of innovation, job creation, and economic resilience. He commended CGC and its partners for providing young entrepreneurs with the support, networks, and opportunities needed to navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment.
Meanwhile, CGC president and chief executive officer Mohamed Nazri Omar reaffirmed the corporation's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout their business lifecycle. He said sustainable business growth went beyond access to financing, highlighting the importance of continuous capability development, advisory support, and strategic partnerships in building resilient and successful enterprises.
According to CGC, a key feature of CGC YEP is its ecosystem-driven approach, which brings together government agencies, academia, industry players, financial institutions, and strategic partners to provide holistic support for young entrepreneurs. Among the programme's partners are INSKEN, Universiti Malaya, Sunway University, TVET institutions, the Credit Counselling and Management Agency (AKPK), and participating financial institutions.
Their involvement supports various aspects of the participants' entrepreneurial journey, including capacity building, mentorship, knowledge sharing, financial education, and market exposure. The launch ceremony also featured an MSME exhibition showcasing businesses by participants from CGC YEP Cohort 1, INSKEN, and CGC Financing, as well as a MyKNP showcase. The exhibition provided guests and stakeholders with the opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurs, discover their products and services, and gain insights into CGC's broader efforts to foster entrepreneurship development.