Kota kinabalu: The three-day UDA Carnival with BizFrancais Pernas, concluding tomorrow at Buhavan Square, is set to play a key role in bolstering entrepreneurship development and expanding market opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sabah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event has attracted participation from 70 entrepreneurs associated with BizFrancais Pernas and UDA, representing a spectrum of business backgrounds. This has made the carnival an inclusive platform catering to diverse societal interests. The event aims for sales reaching RM4.25 million over its duration, offering visitors a broad array of products and services.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s goal to enhance market access, fostering an environment that supports the country’s entrepreneurial sector. This includes the development of strategic networks and branding efforts to cultivate competitive and sustainable entrepreneurs.
Ewon further explained the significance of the collaboration between UDA and Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) as a testament to the synergy among the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) agencies. The partnership is focused on empowering local entrepreneurs across various regions, extending support beyond major cities to grassroots levels.
During the carnival’s opening ceremony, Ewon emphasized that the event serves not only as a sales platform but also allows KUSKOP agencies to provide direct services and support to both current and aspiring entrepreneurs. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), KUSKOP aims to bolster the franchise, MSME, cooperative, and social enterprise sectors in Sabah, thereby enhancing the socio-economic status of local entrepreneurs through business growth opportunities.
Johari Shukri Jamil, President and CEO of UDA Holdings Bhd, noted that the collaboration with Pernas aligns with the Blue Ocean Strategy, leveraging combined resources, expertise, and networks to create value for entrepreneurs and the local community. He remarked that since 2022, the UDA Carnival has been a principal platform for community engagement and support of local entrepreneurs.
The collaboration with Pernas and the BizFrancais programme, initiated by Pernas in 2019, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the entrepreneur support network and promoting franchise industry opportunities in the country. Johari reaffirmed UDA’s dedication to supporting KUSKOP’s objectives in reinforcing the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, in accordance with its role as a property developer and provider of competitive commercial spaces.