Maslan urges bumiputras to change their mindset

SHAH ALAM: Bumiputras need to transform their mindset to be entrepreneurial and independent, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan says.

He said it was high time for the community to move away as wage earners to venture into business in support of the country’s vision to become a developed and high income nation.

“Most of them work for others unlike our Chinese counterparts who have been active in business for a long time.

“We should emulate this enterprising spirit and be an entrepreneurial nation,’’ he said after opening the state-level Bumiputra Youth Entrepreneur Development (Tube) mega programme by SME Corporation Malaysia here yesterday.

He said there were four aspects that were key roles for Malaysia to become a high income nation.

“They are pendidikan (education), kemahiran (skill), produktiviti (productivity) and keu

sahawanan (entrepreneurship).” Ahmad urged youths to utilise platforms such as Tube to start their own business.

He said the fourth instalment of Tube was opened for application and those who qualify can apply online at SME Corp’s website.

“This year, it is known as Tube Mega because a RM20mil allocation has been set aside and we are able to cater to the higher number of applications from budding bumiputra entrepreneurs.

“So far, RM50mil has been granted to Tube to train 1,436 entrepreneurs, of which 1,425 registered their businesses and created 3,862 jobs,’’ he added.

Open to applicants between 18 and 30, Tube was launched in 2014 with an annual allocation of RM10mil to help young bumiputras start a business.

Applicants will be called for an interview and if shortlisted, they will undergo a threeweek boot camp and business training, after which they will be required to submit a business plan and register their business.

Each of them will be given RM15,000 to start their business, which will be mentored for 12 months under a buddy system.