The programme placed particular emphasis on issues and challenges faced by Bumiputera entrepreneurs and formed part of ongoing efforts to empower MSMEs nationwide. YAB Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy had been appointed as Special Advisor to MPUPK by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, on 11 April 2025. In addition to responsibilities in the development of MSMEs and Bumiputera entrepreneurs, the Special Advisor also played a key role as the main intermediary in enhancing strategic cooperation between the Federal Government and State Governments.
The Ground Engagement Programme and dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) through SME Corp. Malaysia, successfully brought together 220 participants comprising Bumiputera entrepreneurs and companies, as well as representatives from state governments, Federal agencies, local authorities, financial institutions, Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), associations and chambers of commerce from Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Perak. The strong attendance and positive response reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the state and regional levels.
“As we move into the year 2026, which marks the beginning of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan period, the Government remains committed to charting a more structured direction in the development of the nation’s MSMEs. The country’s target is to increase the contribution of MSMEs to the economy from 39.5% in 2024 to 50% by 2030. Although this is a high target, it is not impossible to achieve. Therefore, open dialogue approaches such as today’s session are hoped to be able to address the fundamental issues faced by entrepreneurs, thereby enabling MSMEs to contribute more significantly to the national economy,” said YAB Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy in his speech.
The Dialogue Session with Bumiputera Entrepreneurs served as the main component of the programme and provided a platform for entrepreneurs to directly voice issues and challenges faced in their businesses. The session also clarified the role of MPUPK in coordinating Government policies and assistance to ensure they genuinely reached entrepreneurs at the grassroots level, while highlighting various Government support measures and initiatives to assist Bumiputera MSMEs.
“Various initiatives have been implemented under MPUPK, which is the highest policy-making body for MSMEs, including improvements in programme implementation through the reporting of the Integrated SME Action Plan (SMEIPA). With aligned and integrated coordination, SMEIPA can help reduce issues of programme overlap and fund leakages among the Ministries and agencies involved in entrepreneur and MSME development,” said YBrs. Encik Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia and concurrently the Permanent Secretariat Head of MPUPK, further elaborated on MPUPK.
In addition, various activities were organised, including forums, success-sharing sessions, briefings by SME Corp. Malaysia and TERAJU, as well as business matching sessions. Anchor companies involved included MYDIN Mohamed Holdings, Uniti Asia, MyGalore and the Government initiative DesaMall@PERDA. The programme also involved the Perlis Gagasan Entrepreneurs Group and FIKRISZ (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Also present at the dialogue session were YB Dato’ Haji Rashidi bin Zinol, Chairman of the Penang State Committee on Trade, Entrepreneur Development and Rural Affairs; YB Dato’ Amizar bin Abu Adam, Chairman of the Pahang State Committee on FELDA Affairs, Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs; YBhg. Dato’ Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan, Chief Executive of the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), and YBrs. Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia.
