New IKMa Ipoh Branch To Empower Perak’s Cooperative Movement

IPOH, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Datuk Ewon Benedick, officiated the new Ipoh branch of the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa) yesterday, which is set to serve as a centre of excellence, driving the growth and development of cooperative education in Perak.

Ewon said the centre will offer a range of training programmes focused on financial management, entrepreneurship, and digitalisation, aimed at enhancing the skills of the state’s 1,734 registered cooperatives.

“With over 80 course modules available, IKMa is conducting more than 700 courses nationwide this year, with plans to expand to 830 courses next year.

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“The set up of the new office will further strengthen the cooperative movement in Perak, benefiting local authorities (PBT) and contributing to the nation’s economy,” Ewon said.

The launch was followed by the announcement of the Islamic Socioeconomic Development Foundation-Universiti Keusahawanan Koperasi Malaysia (ISDEF-UKKM) Education Fund, which aims to support B40 students in pursuing their educational goals without financial barriers.

Also present at the event were UKKM chairman Datuk Dr Rosli Mat Hassan; IKMa‘s deputy director-general (Human Capital Development) Mohd Zaib Mat Yunus and its Ipoh branch head, Nur Faeza Yahya.

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Ewon said the IKMa Ipoh branch, operational since 2023, has achieved significant success, with 11 cooperatives from Perak ranked among the top 100 cooperatives nationwide.

“This reflects the vital role played by IKMa in Perak, along with the contributions of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission in the state and the spirit of collaboration within the cooperative movement itself.

“At the ministry level, we remain committed to fostering partnerships, engagement, and initiatives to advance the cooperative movement. We also welcome collaborative efforts from all parties with cooperative institutions,” he said.

He added that the IKMa Ipoh branch conducted 25 programmes last year, increasing to 35 programmes this year.

Looking ahead to 2025, the IKMa Ipoh branch has outlined targeted training and guidance programmes to strengthen the cooperative movement in Perak, focusing on key areas such as management, governance, and digitalisation.

Notable programmes for 2025 include Jom@Coop, Tunas-Kop, INPAK, C.O.D.E, and collaborations with the Perak state government and higher education institutions in the state.

IKMa Ipoh is also planning strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in 2025 for a graduate cooperative education programme.

-- BERNAMA