Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) has concluded its CGC100 Youth Entrepreneurship Programme with 100 young Malaysians graduating from the initiative and 58 graduates registering businesses that have collectively created 86 new jobs.
The milestone was marked at CGC’s headquarters as the corporation celebrated the 30 graduates of CGC100’s third and final cohort.
Launched in 2022 in collaboration with PINTAR Foundation and with support from the Ministry of Education, CGC100 was designed for young Malaysians aged 18 to 23 from unserved and underserved communities, particularly those from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) backgrounds.
The programme combined structured entrepreneurship training, mentoring, financial literacy education and hands-on business experience to help participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to start and grow businesses.
From Entrepreneurship Training to Registered Businesses
The final cohort, conducted between August 2025 and February 2026, brought together 30 participants from across Malaysia.
Over six months, participants were exposed to business fundamentals, branding, digital skills, financial literacy and sustainability. They also had the opportunity to develop and pitch their own business ideas.
Graduates have since established businesses across sectors including agriculture, food and beverage, fashion and services.
According to PINTAR Foundation’s post-programme impact assessment, 58 per cent of graduates generated income from their businesses after completing the programme.
The assessment also found that an increasing number of graduates have moved into the RM10,000 to RM50,000 monthly revenue bracket, pointing to progress in business resilience, growth potential and commercial sustainability.
Building Financially Ready Young Entrepreneurs
A key objective of CGC100 was to equip aspiring entrepreneurs not only with business knowledge, but also with the financial literacy and financing readiness required to navigate the business landscape.
CGC Chairman Dato’ Mohammed Hussein encouraged the graduates to view setbacks as part of the entrepreneurial journey and to be willing to take calculated risks.
“One of the greatest advantages of being young is that you can afford to fail. No successful entrepreneur reaches the top without experiencing setbacks along the way,” he said.
He added that young entrepreneurs should be prepared to take calculated risks, describing risk-taking as an important element of entrepreneurship.
Graduates Reflect on Their Entrepreneurial Journey
For some participants, CGC100 marked the beginning of their first serious steps into entrepreneurship.
Kaliswaran A/L Seran, 23, from Pulau Pinang, joined the programme without an existing business but said he gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.
“I started the programme with only an interest in entrepreneurship. Today, I have not only gained valuable entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, but also the confidence, direction and mindset needed to pursue my business aspirations,” he said.
Nur’zuriatina binti Zamri, 23, from Pahang, said the programme helped participants build confidence while developing practical business skills.
“CGC100 is not just about building businesses. It serves as a catalyst for change by providing practical business knowledge and skills, building confidence, and giving entrepreneurs the courage to grow their businesses and pursue greater opportunities,” she said.
For Alexander Conrad Johnny, 19, from Sarawak, the programme also changed how he viewed entrepreneurship and the role of ideas in creating wider impact.
“Entrepreneurship is not merely about building a business, but about having the courage to view challenges from a different perspective,” he said.
Continuing the Programme Through CGC YEP
With CGC100 now completed, CGC is continuing its youth entrepreneurship efforts through the CGC Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (CGC YEP), which will become its flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative.
While CGC100 primarily focused on young Malaysians from TVET backgrounds, CGC YEP is open to aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 from all backgrounds.
The broader eligibility is intended to allow the programme to reach a larger and more diverse group of aspiring entrepreneurs.
CGC YEP will build on the foundation established by CGC100 by equipping participants with business knowledge, practical skills and financing readiness, while supporting them in developing sustainable businesses and creating employment opportunities.
CGC President and Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nazri Omar said the corporation recognises that financing alone is not sufficient to help entrepreneurs succeed, highlighting the importance of capacity building, experiential learning and guidance.
The programme is also expected to expand its reach, with CGC looking at collaborations with corporates, government-linked companies and the private sector.
From 100 Graduates to a New Generation of Entrepreneurs
CGC100’s conclusion marks the end of one programme, but its impact will continue through the businesses established by its graduates and the employment opportunities they have created.
With 100 young Malaysians completing the programme, 58 registered businesses and 86 new jobs created, CGC is now broadening its youth entrepreneurship efforts through CGC YEP.
The next phase will extend entrepreneurship opportunities beyond a specific educational background, with the aim of helping more young Malaysians build sustainable businesses and contribute to the country’s economic development.
