Maxis Empowers Sabah Entrepreneurs With Digital Skills, Driving 57 Pct Revenue Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- A total of 52 entrepreneurs in Sabah have completed the Maxis eKelas Usahawan Accelerator programme, a digital upskilling initiative aimed at helping participants expand their businesses online, achieving an average 57 per cent increase in monthly revenue.

Maxis said the three-month programme, conducted in collaboration with the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC), is part of a strategic partnership between Maxis and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to support the development of local entrepreneurship.

“By applying digital marketing skills to grow their businesses online, the group achieved an average 57 per cent increase in monthly revenue.

“Comprising entrepreneurs from urban and rural communities across Sabah, they represent a diverse range of industries, including food and beverage, services and handicrafts,” Maxis said in a statement today.

It also said that through the programme, participants leveraged artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to create promotional materials, manage social media platforms and develop content strategies more effectively.

According to Maxis, the programme’s impact enabled participants to shift from producing content focused solely on products to creating more engaging material, including behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials and educational tips.

Meanwhile, Maxis chief corporate affairs officer Azizul Abdul Rahman said the telecommunications company was proud to continue supporting communities in Sabah in enhancing their digital capabilities.

“It is encouraging to see participants leveraging AI to create more impactful content and reach new customers online. This aligns with our belief that ‘Tomorrow Begins Today’, as we strive to foster connectivity that enables entrepreneurs to connect and explore new opportunities," he said.

SCENIC chief executive officer Mohd Lan Muslim said the success of the cohort reflected the potential of Sabah’s business community when provided with strong support.

“Their progress demonstrates how digital adoption can drive meaningful growth, while collaboration among fellow entrepreneurs fosters continuous learning,” he said.

"This effort is in line with SCENIC's ongoing commitment to strengthening Sabah's creative economy and innovation ecosystem by equipping local businesses with the knowledge, networks and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy," he said.

Mohd Lan added that SCENIC was pleased to collaborate with Maxis in building a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sabah.

Sharing her experience, programme graduate and Alternative Crafts founder Sylvia Desmond Lee described the programme's impact as extending beyond business development through its alumni network.

"This programme has transformed my approach to marketing. I now use AI-powered tools to better understand customers and build a stronger online presence.

"It has also given me the confidence to continue learning from others who are on the same journey. The community has shown me that business growth is not just about individual success, but also about progressing together," she said.

Maxis eKelas Usahawan is a digital upskilling programme designed to empower Malaysian entrepreneurs, particularly those from the B40 group, with the digital tools and skills needed to grow their businesses online.

Its first cohort saw 60 entrepreneurs from the Central Region complete the programme in April last year, and the initiative has since been expanded to Sabah to support entrepreneurs in the state.

-- BERNAMA