CEDAR DRIVES TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT BY UPLIFTING OVER 3,000 MICRO ENTREPRENEURS NATIONWIDE THROUGH THE MAJU USAHAWAN MADANI INITIATIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (“CEDAR”), the dedicated capacity building and training arm of Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia (“SME Bank”), has empowered more than 3,000 micro entrepreneurs nationwide through the Maju Usahawan MADANI (“MUM”) initiative. Mandated under the National Budget 2025 with an RM2 million Government allocation, the MUM initiative reflects a strong collective effort to strengthen Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape. Delivered by CEDAR, the programme continues to uplift underserved groups through inclusive and practical development support and has strengthened the foundations of women, youth-led and early-stage enterprises. This direction aligns closely with the MADANI Economic Framework and the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 in advancing inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Amirul Imran Ahmat, Chief Executive Officer of CEDAR said, “The strong response to the MUM initiative, which has supported more than 3,000 micro-entrepreneurs across 90 cohorts nationwide through both on-ground and hybrid online delivery, reflects the rising ambition of Malaysia’s homegrown entrepreneurs. The participation of 1,256 (42%) female entrepreneurs and 757 (25%) youth entrepreneurs highlights the programme’s impact on two integral segments shaping the nation’s entrepreneurial landscape. We truly value the Government’s continued confidence in CEDAR, strengthened further under the expanded mandate in the National Budget 2026, which includes another RM2 million allocation. This support reinforces our drive to nurture even more high-potential entrepreneurs in the year ahead, and the continuation of the MUM initiative under Budget 2026 affirms this long-term commitment.”