SOORIAN PROGRAMME WILL INSPIRE INDIAN ENTREPRENEURS TO LEAD – MAICCI WOMEN’S WING

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) Women’s Wing has welcomed the launch of the SOORIAN programme, describing it as a transformative platform for the Indian community to rise and play a greater role in the country’s franchise sector.

Its head Hemala AP Sivam, in responding to the initiative announced by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday, said the programme reflected the government’s strong commitment to inclusive growth.

“Through strategic components such as training, mentorship and financial access, SOORIAN equips aspiring Indian entrepreneurs with the tools to grow from local business owners into successful franchisors, thus building a stronger and more self-reliant community.

“This initiative also embodies the true spirit of the Malaysia MADANI vision, ensuring that progress and prosperity are shared across all segments of society,” she said in a statement today.

Hemala expressed confidence that SOORIAN would inspire a new generation of dynamic and resilient Indian entrepreneurs who would contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economic development.

The SOORIAN (Strengthening Opportunities for Outstanding Rising Indian Aspiring New-Franchisors) programme, implemented by Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas), offers nearly RM54.5 million in value through training, revolving financing, loan facilities and capacity-building initiatives.

Targeted at Malaysian Indians aged between 18 and 60, it is expected to benefit 1,000 participants, including 400 micro-entrepreneurs and 100 franchisees or licence holders, with a portion guaranteed job placements.

The initiative will run from Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2027, and is designed to strengthen the community’s participation in franchise entrepreneurship.

-- BERNAMA