KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — The RM50 million allocated for Indian women entrepreneurs via the Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) programme is believed to be able to empower and secure the future of the group.
Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) Women’s Wing head S. Hemala said the fund also recognised the struggle of Indian women entrepreneurs in Malaysia.
“Many Indian women need support, cooperation, guidance and even funds to develop their business and move forward,” she said in a statement today.
On Saturday (April 13), Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk R. Ramanan said Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) had allocated a RM50 million special fund to empower Indian women entrepreneurs via PENN.
He said the allocation utilises AIM’s internal funds and will benefit over 7,100 new Sahabat Usahawan India, increasing the total beneficiaries of the Skim Pinjaman Ikhtiar AIM to 10,200, including 3,100 existing entrepreneurs.
Commenting further, Hemala said MAICCI is ready to assist the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry and AIM in making PENN a success through strategic collaboration, especially by holding awareness campaigns.
“I am confident that more women entrepreneurs can be born through this programme, which will certainly have a significant impact on the country’s economic development,” she said.
Starting today, members of Sahabat Usahawan AIM can submit applications for PENN at 124 AIM branch offices nationwide.
— Bernama
