KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) has launched a new franchise initiative called the Soorian programme, aimed at providing financing and training assistance for local Indian entrepreneurs and franchisers.
Launched by Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, the programme will provide both financing and training assistance for over 1,000 Indian participants nationwide in its initial phase.
Among these participants will be 20 prospective franchisors, 100 prospective franchisees, 400 small entrepreneurs, and 500 job placement participants.
Financing assistance will include loans of between RM3,000 and RM20,000 for small entrepreneurs, as well as loans of between RM3,000 and RM350,000 for those in franchise licensing.
The loans themselves can be paid back over a period of up to 10 years max at a flat 4% interest rate to not burden participants, according to Ramanan.
He said franchise entrepreneurs under the programme will also receive basic franchise training and halal awareness training, arranged by Pernas.
Meanwhile, the 500 job placement participants will be given the opportunity to find new jobs through arranged pitch interview sessions with multiple renowned franchise companies.
“These participants are guaranteed a job as we will pair them with the company best suited to their skills, with expected beginning salaries expected to be up to RM2,800.
“Through this, we ensure that everyone either has income or the funding they need to expand their business or get into franchising,” Ramanan said in his speech at the Soorian’s launch event on Wednesday (Oct 8).
Those interested can begin applying for Soorian either online via Pernas’s website or at Pernas's offices starting yesterday, with the programme to begin in January next year.
He also called upon other private sector entities to work hand in hand with Pernas to implement Soorian nationwide.
“Soorian is not just an economic initiative but a bold desire to uplift the potential of the Indian community to become part of a strong, competitive, and resilient national economic chain that generates significant spillover effects,” Ramanan added.
Pernas chief executive officer Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib said the Soorian programme is designed to help the Indian community develop their entrepreneurial potential in the franchise sector through mentorship, training, and financing.
He said this will include hands-on training and industry placement opportunities with reputable brands under its group, such as 1901 and Gloria Jean’s Coffees, to provide Soorian participants real franchise operation experience.
“Pernas aims to nurture more competitive Indian entrepreneurs with the potential to become future franchisors — contributing to economic unity and the well-being of the Madani society.
“This will both open up more business opportunities and build economic resilience for the Indian community, enabling them to become self-reliant and generate sustainable income,” he said in a speech at the event.
