AIM continues to empower female entrepreneurs, fight hardcore poverty, says Dr Wan Azizah

HULU SELANGOR: The Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) has assisted many female entrepreneurs from all walks of life in expanding their businesses, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The former deputy prime minister also said female entrepreneurs who received help from AIM should be role models to others on how to succeed in business.

“Learn from these women who are so hardworking in their business. They could expand their business with little capital and assistance,” added Dr Wan Azizah.

At the same time, the Prime Minister's wife said when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister in 2022, one of his main goals was to eliminate hardcore poverty.

“That is why Anwar is working day and night to put a full stop to hardcore poverty,” said Dr Wan Azizah during the high tea event with AIM members.

Around 200 women entrepreneurs from Hulu Selangor were present.

Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan has commended Wan Azizah for being Malaysia's first woman deputy prime minister, noting that she has broken new ground for women's leadership in the nation.

He emphasised that her contributions as deputy prime minister have been significant, highlighting her launch of the i-Suri scheme, designed to protect housewives, enhance their financial security, and acknowledge their invaluable role in society. The i-Suri scheme has continued to operate to this day despite several changes in the government.

Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) was established in 1987 but began flourishing when Anwar served as the finance minister in the early 1990s.

He established the Tabung Ikhtiar, a fund that provides financing to the impoverished, especially women, helping them to become Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia partners.

Ramanan said this financing has been instrumental in helping many women emerge from poverty through entrepreneurship, and women have proven to be consistent in repaying the funds.

Recently, he launched a new program under AIM, PENN – which stands for Prosperity, Empowerment & a New Normal for Indian Women. It is a special fund of RM50mil made available to Indian AIM Entrepreneurial Partners, with financing of up to RM30,000 each.

He said the program is set to benefit more than 10,000 female Indian AIM partners. It aims to create a thriving and competitive Indian entrepreneurial community that can elevate their businesses to greater heights while contributing to society and the country.

Applications have been open since April 15, 2024, and can be made nationwide at all 124 AIM branches.

He expressed hope that many female Indian entrepreneurs will take advantage of this opportunity to expand their businesses and, in turn, boost their family incomes.