Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) has announced the provision of nearly RM3 billion under the Women Entrepreneurs Economic Fund (DEWI) this year, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs across the nation. Its Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, revealed that the DEWI initiative was launched in conjunction with the International Women's Day 2026 celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sim stated that DEWI represents KUSKOP's commitment to fostering the growth of women entrepreneurs in the country, with the goal of cultivating more "Iron Ladies" within the business sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that women entrepreneurs gain access to financing, training, and various facilities offered by the government through KUSKOP.

Sim highlighted that the initiative is set to benefit between 200,000 to 300,000 women entrepreneurs involved in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. The funding allocated for these entrepreneurs ranges from RM1,000 to RM3 million. Four agencies under KUSKOP-Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN) Nasional, and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia-will serve as the implementing agencies for the DEWI initiative.

He further explained that some of the programs within the initiative are existing ones, such as those run by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, but they have been adjusted to ensure a more integrated approach. By consolidating several previously separate initiatives, KUSKOP aims to focus efforts and resources more effectively to maximize benefits for women entrepreneurs.