TEKUN National, A Bulwark For MSME In Time Of Crisis - Sim

BANGI, May 12 (Bernama) -- The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) plays an important role as a bulwark in assisting and protecting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing various global crises, said Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim.

He said in an increasingly challenging world, TEKUN Nasional now shouldered greater responsibility to ensure that entrepreneurs, especially Bumiputeras, continue to survive and grow their respective businesses.

"We are indeed facing various types of challenges, some of which are sometimes beyond the country's control such as geopolitical crises, geoeconomics, oil and energy supply disruptions, trade wars and other global challenges.

"You (TEKUN Nasional) are the frontline defenders to not only protect them (entrepreneurs) but also help boost businesses," he said when speaking at the TEKUN Nasional 2026 Appreciation Ceremony here yesterday.

Meanwhile, when speaking to reporters, Sim suggested that TEKUN Nasional adopt the 3C approach, which is efficient and fast, careful and sophisticated to ensure that it remains relevant and can play its role in helping MSME entrepreneurs more effectively.

He said in terms of efficiency and speed, applications and financing approvals need to be processed in the shortest possible time.

"In the past, it may have taken two weeks to a month or more, but now it (needs to be completed within) seven days," he said.

Regarding the careful element, Sim said that TEKUN needs to examine each application to prevent entrepreneurs from being burdened with unaffordable debt.

“Give guidance to all entrepreneurs under TEKUN Nasional so that they can succeed in their respective businesses and ultimately be able to repay their debts to TEKUN,” he said.

He said the third aspect, which is sophisticated, requires TEKUN Nasional to help entrepreneurs venture into technological and high-value sectors including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital.

At the TEKUN Nasional 2026 Appreciation Ceremony, Sim celebrated the dedication and contributions of TEKUN Nasional members in empowering businesses in Malaysia with five categories of awards presented to 247 recipients.

Also present were TEKUN Nasional chairman Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of KUSKOP Datuk Mohamad Alamin and secretary-general of KUSKOP Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

Meanwhile, Pahang TEKUN Nasional manager Hassan Anuar, who received the Best State Award and the Excellence Award, said the additional allocation announced by Sim was believed to open up more opportunities for entrepreneurs to obtain financing and strengthen their respective businesses.

“I hope that all entrepreneurs out there come to the TEKUN office, meet with us and take this opportunity because the government has provided a lot of funds.

“This is an opportunity that entrepreneurs out there need to make the most of so that they can become more successful, competitive and able to survive the current economic crisis and business challenges,” he said.

The recipient of the Best Individual Collection Performance Award, Adam Naquiddin Abd Rahim who is an assistant officer at the Seremban branch, expressed his appreciation to the TEKUN Nasional management for the continuous support given.

“This success does not only belong to me, but to the entire TEKUN Nasional family and I hope to continue to work together to help entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs of TEKUN Nasional achieve success in the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA