KUSKOP Reaffirms Commitment to Empower Entrepreneurs Regardless of Political Climate
PETALING JAYA: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has reaffirmed that its programmes to strengthen Malaysian entrepreneurs will continue uninterrupted regardless of political developments or election periods, stressing that business development remains a long-term national priority.
Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the ministry’s commitment to supporting local businesses is driven by economic objectives rather than political considerations, with continuous efforts being made to help Malaysian companies become more competitive and sustainable.
He said KUSKOP’s mission is to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing businesses with the support, capacity-building initiatives and strategic programmes needed to achieve long-term growth.
“Our responsibility is to continue serving entrepreneurs regardless of whether the country is going through an election period or any other circumstances. As long as we are entrusted with this responsibility, KUSKOP will continue supporting Malaysian businesses,” he said after attending the launch of a ready-to-drink tea collaboration between Tealive and Dutch Lady Malaysia.
Also present were Loob Holding Sdn. Bhd. founder and chief executive officer Bryan Loo and Dutch Lady Malaysia managing director Veronika Utami.
Steven said one of the ministry’s flagship initiatives is the PowerUp 10K programme, which aims to strengthen at least 10,000 Malaysian entrepreneurs by improving their business capabilities and supporting expansion efforts.
He explained that the programme focuses on enhancing business competitiveness through comprehensive development rather than relying solely on financial assistance.
The ministry also encourages entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, digital transformation, market expansion and stronger operational capabilities as part of their long-term business strategies.
Looking ahead, Steven urged Malaysian companies to shift from the traditional “Made in Malaysia” manufacturing approach towards a broader “Made by Malaysia” model that emphasises local innovation, intellectual property and brand creation.
According to him, building globally recognised Malaysian brands will enable local companies to move further up the global value chain while creating greater economic value domestically.
He cited the collaboration between Tealive and Dutch Lady Malaysia as an example of how partnerships between successful local brands and multinational companies can generate mutually beneficial business opportunities.
Such collaborations, he said, combine local entrepreneurial strength with international expertise, creating products capable of competing in wider regional and global markets.
Steven added that KUSKOP intends to encourage more strategic partnerships of this nature to accelerate the development of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
He stressed that the ministry will continue implementing programmes that strengthen business capabilities, improve competitiveness and help more Malaysian companies expand sustainably beyond the domestic market, regardless of the country’s political landscape.
