Adly (second from right) launching LTAT’s Warrior Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme in Butterworth. At left is Mohamad Ashraf. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
A new programme is earning praise for helping Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans successfully transition into entrepreneurship after their service.
Participants in the inaugural Armed Forces Fund Board’s (LTAT) Usahawan Wira (Warrior Entrepreneur) Empowerment Programme 2024/2025 credit the initiative with opening a world of possibilities for them.
Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Mohd Nor Asri Abdul Kadir, 44, was one of the 29 veterans in the first cohort to successfully complete the programme and graduate with a certificate.
“It has opened our minds and exposed us to new opportunities, showing us how we can venture into civilian life through entrepreneurship.”
Mohd Nor Asri, who served for 21 years, said the programme taught him business marketing and sales management.
It also helped enhance his business acumen and financial literacy, equipping him with the knowledge needed to manage and grow his enterprise confidently, Mohd Nor Asri said.
The former Bintara Kanan (CPO) completed his military service in 2020.
He has since ventured into F&B and also trades in rare and vintage items which he sells at flea markets in Selangor.
Former Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Nor Azlina Md Noor, 45, described the programme as life-changing, giving her the confidence and skills to start her own business.
She said the training modules, especially those focusing on financial management and business planning, provided practical guidance for veterans interested in becoming entrepreneurs.
“The programme empowered us to see our potential beyond uniformed service.
“It taught us how to stand on our own feet and contribute to society through business.”
She learned within six months how to use the online platform to increase sales for her frozen food business.
The Warrior Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme was designed to enhance the socio-economic resilience and entrepreneurial capacity of MAF veterans.
The inaugural phase delivered strong measurable results, with the MAF veterans completing six months of training and mentorship, recording an average 216% increase in income alongside substantial improvements in business acumen and financial literacy.
Beyond financial outcomes, the programme also fostered greater confidence, stronger family well-being and a renewed sense of purpose among participants, signalling a holistic model of post-service empowerment.
LTAT is now rolling out a 2025/2026 programme which will engage over 35 MAF veterans identified through collaboration with the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat).
The upcoming phase will combine digital and in-person mentoring over six months, focusing on financial literacy, innovation and market access to strengthen MAF veteran-led enterprises across the northern region.
LTAT chief executive Mohamad Ashraf Md Radzi said programmes like these reflected the board’s long-term vision to uplift the welfare of the nation’s heroes.
“It is a comprehensive empowerment model that builds resilience and promotes sustainable well-being among our veteran community,” he explained.
He said the programme exemplified LTAT’s broader commitment under “Ekonomi Madani”, strengthening financial inclusion and promoting equitable growth through entrepreneurship.
He noted the success of this programme proved that financial empowerment and social progress could move in tandem within one ecosystem.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, who launched the programme at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Butterworth, Penang, said the programme played a crucial role in helping MAF veterans transition successfully into entrepreneurship after retirement.
He said the initiative was vital as more than 60% of MAF veterans ventured into business after completing their service.
“Through the programme, participants receive comprehensive training covering financial management, business operations, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to improve their knowledge and income-generating potential.
“Many of our veterans, some of whom have retired for up to 10 years, are involved in business.
“This programme helps them strengthen their business understanding and increase their income,” he added.
Adly said the training covered a wide range of sectors, including F&B, retail, furniture making, and manufacturing, with a growing emphasis on digital entrepreneurship to ensure veterans remained competitive in today’s market.
He said the knowledge gained, from managing capital to identifying business opportunities, was essential to helping them stand on their own and continue contributing to the nation’s economy.
