KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah state-level Tunas Niaga Programme (Protune) 2025 recorded total sales exceeding RM1.4mil over nine months of implementation, proving the strong potential of entrepreneurship development among school students in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister III and state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said Protune companies from participating schools achieved overall sales of RM1,408,632.26 with a net profit of RM380,098.41.
He said this achievement demonstrates the dedication, creativity, and commitment of students and their teacher-mentors in developing their respective school companies.
“However, true success is not only measured by sales or profit, but by the experience, confidence, and leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills built throughout the programme.
“May the knowledge and experience gained during this period produce new entrepreneurs who can compete and create more job opportunities in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 roadmap and the Sabah First vision.
“I also agreed to increase the prizes for the 15 finalist schools, with each school receiving an additional RM2,000 under the Minister MINDET Special Entrepreneurship Development Fund.
“In addition, I approved an additional RM10,000 under the same fund for the school company that won the Protune 2025 Award,” he said after officiating the Protune state-level Convention Awards ceremony 2025 here on Wednesday (Aug 5).
The program was organised by SEDCovest, a subsidiary of state-owned SEDCO, in collaboration with the Sabah State Education Department.
Ewon said the state government through MINDET continues to support Protune’s implementation by channelling entrepreneurship development allocations to SEDCovest to ensure the school-level entrepreneurship agenda is sustained.
He added that out of 45 schools participating across Sabah, 15 schools qualified for the finals.
According to him, PROTUNE alumni statistics also show positive impact: 68 per cent pursued further studies, 21 per cent are employed, nine per cent are job-seeking, and two per cent chose to venture into entrepreneurship.
“These statistics prove that PROTUNE not only introduces entrepreneurship but also builds self-confidence and soft skills as preparation for higher education, employment, or business.
“In an ever-changing economy, we need more young people who can create job opportunities. Therefore, PROTUNE is crucial in producing innovative, resilient, and competitive young entrepreneurs,” he said.
At the event, SMK Sepagaya Lahad Datu won the Best Protune Company Award and received RM2,500 cash, along with a trophy and certificate.
