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JOHOR BARU: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Gate to Global programme has recorded over RM100mil in international sales this year alone, with local entrepreneurs penetrating markets in China, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand.
Mara council member Datuk Rosni Sohar said this achievement reflected a growing international demand for Malaysian-made products and the effectiveness of the agency's initiatives to help local entrepreneurs scale up globally.
"This year, about 50 local entrepreneurs have taken part in Gate to Global, with products such as coffee, snacks and seafood making their way into major international markets," she told the media after the Johor-level Mara Women's Empowerment Programme and Malaysia Nationhood Seminar here on Friday (Oct 24).
She added that Gate to Global, which supports both men and women entrepreneurs, continues to create new opportunities for small and medium enterprises to expand their business networks abroad.
"This shows that our entrepreneurs, especially women, are ready to compete globally and that Mara’s initiatives are producing real economic results," she said.
Rosni, who is also Mara Women's Empowerment Programme chairman, added that efforts to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship were also supported through its DanaNITA financing scheme, which allocated RM20mil this year to help women grow their businesses.
"In total, Mara has approved RM1.3bil in financing nationwide for women entrepreneurs, who must seize these opportunities and take charge of their financial future. Don’t wait or stay silent when such support is available," she said.
Rosni added that Mara had organised 78 empowerment sessions across parliamentary constituencies nationwide since August last year, including here, to train and mentor women in business.
She added that the sessions aim to support both new and aspiring entrepreneurs.
"For those already in business, we help them expand through training and guidance.
"For those who are just starting, we teach them how to register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), manage finances and access business counselling," she said.
She added that more than 200 women had joined the programme since its inception, with many moving from micro to medium-scale enterprises.
Rosni said the agency had also achieved RM70mil in sales from Malaysian entrepreneurs exporting to South Korea last year, and will be sending another group of 16 entrepreneurs, including women, to an international trade fair in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.
"Some of our participants are now exporting one or two containers of products per shipment to meet overseas orders. That is the level of growth we are seeing today," she said.
She noted that 90% of this year’s allocation for women entrepreneurs had already been disbursed, benefiting those involved in digital businesses, DanaNITA and Dana SPIKE schemes.
"Applicants must register with SSM, have a business account, and meet their KPIs. Those who perform well are eligible for additional financing," she said, adding that Mara continues to monitor recipients to ensure accountability and progress.
Rosni also encouraged women, especially single mothers and homemakers, to take advantage of the available programmes to build financial independence.
"When women stand on their own feet, they are better prepared to support their families and communities," she said.
She added that under the leadership of Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, they would continue to drive major reforms, including expanding technical and vocational education opportunities for tahfiz students.
"This transformation reflects Mara’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward empowerment," she said.
