PENANG, 10 January 2026 – Attention to street hawkers, small businesses, and micro entrepreneurs are continued to be given with the organisation of ‘Program Pemerkasaan Penjaja, Peniaga Kecil, dan Usahawan Mikro Negeri Pulau Pinang’ (Program Usahawan MADANI 2026).

This special programme, which is aimed at empowering the abovementioned communities, is organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), with the support provided from a division under the Prime Minister’s Department, the ‘Bahagian Penyelarasan Penyertaan Bumiputera Pulau Pinang, Unit Penyelarasan Pelaksanaan (Implementation Coordination Unit/ICU) Pulau Pinang’ in providing the fund.

The programme is aimed at improving the people’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by raising the level of their skills, building strategic networks as well as providing access to the latest information/knowledge and technology.

The State Exco for Trade, Entrepreneurial and Rural Development, Dato’ Haji Rashidi Zinol stated in his speech when officiating the event, the targeted groups play a major role in driving the local economy, aside from being essential contributors to household incomes and providing job opportunities.

He further stated that, small entrepreneurs are still faced with the lack of knowledge in management, challenges in digitalisation, limited access to funding, and limited market network, all of which need to be dealt with in a continuous and collaborative manner.

By using a holistic approach, the programme combined knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, social innovation, and building a support network with the respective government agencies, financial institutions, and industry partners.

In line with the need to utilise digital economy, the abovestated programme also focused on the development of online business capacity, with the involvement of a mission-based technological company, FunnelEvo.

Participants were given guidance based on the practical modules which include Master TikTok Live – Structure, Script and Closing Technique, Introduction to Digital Branding, Content Marketing as well as management strategies and supporting databanks.

The state government is committed towards supporting the entrepreneur empowerment initiative which would bring a direct impact on the growth of human capital, skills development, and the strengthening of support networks for the local entrepreneurs.

The ‘Program Usahawan MADANI 2026’ is expected to become the catalyst in the emergence of more micro-entrepreneurs who are competitive, with sustained growth and would be able to contribute to the economic solidity of the state and the country.

Meanwhile, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed emphasised that, the University APEX agenda needs to continue focusing on empowering the disadvantaged groups through the transfer of knowledge and technology which are research-based.

He added, it would be really important to assist them in generating income, raising their living standards, and opening more job opportunities.

Original Text & Photo: Unit Peneraju Inovasi Sosial dan Pemindahan Ilmu, Industry & Community Network Division (BJIM) USM/ Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin