Agrobank’s AUM Program Helps More Companies Boost Sales

SUNGAI PETANI, April 1 (Bernama) -- Efforts by Agrobank to assist entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses have borne fruit, with more companies successfully increasing their sales last year.

Agrobank President and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said a total of 41 companies that participated in the Agrobank Upward Migration (AUM) Programme last year recorded improved sales performance.

“In terms of sales performance, 41 companies recorded increased revenue compared to the previous year, with total accumulated sales for 2025 reaching RM38,717,074.24, an increase of RM9,783,335 (33.8 per cent) from the previous year.

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“This growth reflects the effectiveness of the AUM Programme in enhancing the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs while strengthening their business capacity,” he said.

He added that the AUM initiative, managed by the Agrobank Centre of Excellence (ACE), aims to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food security sector to grow sustainably, thereby contributing to local economic development.

“Through guidance from Agrobank coaches and the entrepreneurs’ own determination, nine companies successfully secured additional financing totalling RM546,000 through the AUM Programme,” he said.

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Meanwhile, 51 local entrepreneurs from Kedah, Perlis and Penang who participated in the programme were celebrated at an Excellence Aspiration Ceremony held at a hotel here last night.

Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said the ceremony served as a platform to recognise the achievements of entrepreneurs from Penang, Kedah and Perlis who have demonstrated commendable performance.

He added that the AUM Programme is designed as a 12-month entrepreneurial development initiative integrating theoretical learning and practical application and that this approach is reinforced through comprehensive modules covering financial management, digital marketing strategies, corporate planning, and standardised business management practices.

At the same event, Agrobank also recognised five companies for outstanding achievements in various categories, including Sales Growth awarded to Bertuah Ventures Enterprise (ayam penyet restaurant); Business Expansion (Herbagus Trading – health food processing); Job Creation (AHN Legacy Trading – supplier and trader of fried chicken snacks); Innovation Creation (Yushita Food Industri – supplier and seller of keropok lekor); and Capacity Expansion (Financing) (Wan Onion Trading – wholesaler of dried food products).

Job Creation award recipient Muhammad Afif Hidayat Muhammad Nazri, 25, said the AUM Programme greatly helped him manage his sales records more systematically.

“In the past, I had issues with accounting… sales were high but I could not see where the profits went… now everything, including profit and loss, is recorded in detail.

“Through Agrobank’s financing, I was able to further expand my business. I started with a small canopy stall in Pendang with capital of RM2,000… now I have nine branches and 13 employees,” he said.

Sales Growth award recipient Muhammad Tuah Nur Alif Sahazali, 34, described the programme as a ‘teacher’ that helped guide and expand his business.

“Previously, we felt stuck… we did not know what to do… like having no mentor. With coaching sessions, we now have ‘teachers’ who help us a lot.

“With their guidance, we have increased our sales and now operate two branches in Nibong Tebal and Batu Kawan, Penang,” he said.

Another recipient, Business Expansion award winner Azuki Tahir, 59, said he has been working with Agrobank since 2014 and now owns a second factory in Penang.

“Our business started with our own farm producing health products based on cat’s whiskers herb, but we have since expanded into satellite farming, which helps more people generate income,” he said.

-- BERNAMA