CGC graduates second cohort and launches third to empower Malaysia’s young entrepreneurs
The Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC), in partnership with PINTAR Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Education, has marked another milestone in its flagship CGC100 Youth Entrepreneurship Programme. The event celebrated the graduation of 20 participants from the Fast Track Cohort Two while officially launching Cohort Three, expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs from B40 and M40 communities.
The CGC100 initiative is designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent among Malaysians aged 18–23, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and adaptability to build sustainable ventures. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has grown into a platform delivering measurable impact—helping participants transition from informal businesses to formal enterprises and connecting them with financing and mentorship opportunities.
CGC Chairman Dato’ Mohammed Hussein highlighted the long-term vision, noting that the programme was about more than just tools:
“It is about igniting a mindset where young people see problems as opportunities to innovate and contribute to a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Similarly, CGC President & CEO Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak reinforced CGC100’s role as a bridge to opportunity, calling on stakeholders across Malaysia’s MSME ecosystem to co-invest in nurturing young talent.
Transformative Journeys and Real-World Impact
Graduates of Cohort Two shared how CGC100 transformed their business outlook. Villjohne Necent, a 23-year-old creative arts entrepreneur from Melaka, credited the programme with giving him the structure to pursue his dream of opening a creative café merging art and sports. From Sabah, 21-year-old Carmelina Taunek (Clement) explained how the training helped streamline her family’s hydroponics business, while Ali Iskandar Padzil, 23, from Pulau Pinang, gained the insights to grow his food venture.
With each cohort, the programme demonstrates its measurable success. To date, 70 graduates across three tracks have launched ventures in 20 different industries, creating 61 new jobs and driving higher incomes. Impressively, 80% of participants have formally registered their businesses, and 71% of financing applicants secured full funding.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of graduates reporting high satisfaction and 85% stating the programme met or exceeded expectations.
Cohort Three: Building the Next Wave of Entrepreneurs
Running from August 2025 to February 2026, Cohort Three will take in 30 participants through a six-month curriculum covering business fundamentals, ESG, branding, digital economy skills, financial literacy, and pitching practice. With a curriculum co-developed with PINTAR Foundation and practical input from industry, the programme aims to ensure graduates are business-ready and able to thrive in Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape.
CGC called on the broader ecosystem—financial institutions, corporates, and government bodies—to join hands in scaling such initiatives nationwide, strengthening Malaysia’s pipeline of resilient, innovative entrepreneurs.
