USM PENANG, 28 July 2026 – A range of initiatives have been planned to ensure that entrepreneurs not only gain access to financing, but are also supported through training, mentoring, digitalisation, and market expansion.

This was stated by the Deputy Secretary-General (Entrepreneurship Development) at the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), Datuk Saidatu Akhma Hassan, when officiating the closing ceremony of the National Entrepreneurship Champions 2026 (Jaguh Keusahawanan Nasional 2026/JAGUH 2026) programme here.

“This programme was implemented in 13 series across the whole country with a targeted participation of 3,000 students and graduates combined from various higher education institutions.

“It also reflected the importance on the usage of digital technology including AI to expedite the process in research, idea development, prototype production, and establishing business models,” she said.

Saidatu Akhma explained, “With the support of the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) as the implementing agency, along with the collaboration of higher education institutions across the Northern region, mentors, strategic industry partners, and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Sector of the Student Development Centre, BHEPA USM as host, the programme successfully brought together 225 students from eight higher education institutions (IPTs) in Penang.”

“Presently, this programme has successfully gathered up to 2,189 participants from 149 higher education institutions throughout the country,” she added.

Meanwhile, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, said that programmes akin to this usually correlates with the economic landscape and the job industry which is becoming more dynamic and challenging.

“Focus on High Growth High Value (HGHV) sectors, the Orange Economy and the Blue Economy including areas such as digital technology, engineering, creative content, maritime, logistics, and agri food offers vast opportunities for young talents to grow and contribute to national development,” he said.

Also present at the programme were the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Development Affairs and Alumni, Professor Dr. Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya; Deputy Director, USM Student Development Centre, Dr. Hazrul Abdul Hamid; Deputy Division Secretary, Entrepreneurship Training and Culture Section, Elya Marini Darmin; key officers from the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development; key officers from Public Institutions of Higher Learning in the Northern region; and committee members of the National Entrepreneurship Champions, Series 12/2026 programme.

Original Text & Photo: Media and Publications Unit, Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA), USM/Translation: Nurin Wardina Mohd Hanif, Intern@MPRC