Penampang: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, through its agency TEKUN Nasional, is set to establish Malaysia’s inaugural TEKUN TikTok Shop studio in Penampang, Sabah. This announcement was made by Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who indicated that the studio, located at the TEKUN Penampang Branch Office, is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to be inaugurated on February 16.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative is a collaborative effort between the government, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and TikTok Malaysia. The aim is to introduce a novel method of business operations for entrepreneurs in Sabah. Minister Ewon Benedick noted that while many entrepreneurs are familiar with selling products and services online through social media, the dedicated studio intends to streamline the process for them.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the TEKUN Nasional Basic Entrepreneurship Seminar, Ewon described the TEKUN TikTok studio in Penampang as a pilot project with plans to expand it nationwide. He expressed optimism that the fully equipped studio, supported by TikTok Malaysia, would cater to the needs of entrepreneurs, particularly in Sabah. The initiative will begin with one studio in Sabah, with its success being evaluated before similar facilities are established across other states in the country.

Moreover, Ewon revealed plans for another studio to be constructed soon at TEKUN’s Kuala Lumpur headquarters. He also mentioned that TikTok Malaysia and TEKUN Nasional had already facilitated courses for several entrepreneurs, with further training sessions planned to ensure continued support.

Ewon highlighted that Sabah was chosen as the first location for the TEKUN TikTok studio due to his vision of transforming it into a high-income state, breaking away from its historical association with high poverty rates. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to developing the entrepreneurship and cooperative sectors across the nation through initiatives that are responsive to current needs and circumstances.