UMS Labuan International Finance Faculty, Bank Islam Partner To Empower Entrepreneurs, Asnaf Community

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, Nov 21 (Bernama) – The Labuan International Finance Faculty (FKAL) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Bank Islam today to extend financial assistance and advisory support to the asnaf community and aspiring entrepreneurs in this duty-free island.

FKAL dean Assoc-Prof Geoffrey Tanakinjal said this collaboration marks the establishment of the i-TEKAD Entrepreneur Hub, a joint initiative between FKAL and Bank Islam, set to be launched in November 2024 at UMS Labuan International Campus.

“The hub is expected to serve as a platform for the proposed Labuanpreneur Living Lab, a collaborative entrepreneurial initiative involving FKAL, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on this island,” he told Bernama today. 

He said this facility would centralise programmes like People's Income Initiative-Eradication of Extreme Poor (IPR-BMT), entrepreneurship (asnafpreneur), agro-based practical learning (UniMADANI), Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM), UMS Tech Talent Hub, and the i-Tekad Entrepreneur Hub, providing a one-stop centre for entrepreneurial development under one roof at FKAL.

“The initiative aligns with UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Kasim Mansur’s vision of fostering innovative communities through the establishment of living labs across Sabah and Labuan. 

“The Labuanpreneur Living Lab aims to be a resource hub for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their knowledge and grow their businesses,” he said.

The collaboration has also received backing from UMS deputy vice-chancellor for Industry and Community Networking, Prof Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri, and UMSKAL director Assoc. Prof Mohd Rizal Abd Hamid, further strengthening FKAL’s community and industry outreach efforts.

-- BERNAMA