Mindef allocates RM630,000 to boost MAF veteran entrepreneurs under master class programme, says deputy minister

“SEREMBAN, May 20 — The Defence Ministry, through the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat), has allocated RM630,000 to assist 180 small traders and micro-entrepreneurs among Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans in joining the MAF Veterans Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme (PUVET ATM) Master Class. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the pilot programme focuses on boosting sales, market access, productivity and branding to strengthen the competitiveness of veteran entrepreneurs in today’s market, including the use of digital technology. He said the debut initiative is being carried out through a strategic collaboration between the ministry and the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP), via Perhebat and the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), to consolidate efforts to empower veteran entrepreneurs. “For the initial phase, we are targeting 180 MAF veteran entrepreneurs in Melaka, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to join the INSKEN entrepreneurship master class, at RM3,500 per participant, before it is rolled out nationwide. “This initiative is aligned with the MADANI Economic Framework and the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), under which future MAF retirees and veterans are to be nurtured as economic drivers. As such, the exposure and training provided must be relevant, competitive and can be effectively applied in the wider market,” he told reporters after witnessing the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Perhebat and INSKEN here last night. Adly said the collaborative effort aims to map the progress of the ministry and its agencies as a whole, particularly in expanding veterans’ access to reskilling and upskilling opportunities, entrepreneurship incentives and business matching programmes. He said the scope of cooperation also includes developing high-impact entrepreneurship programmes based on the latest business modules and practices, as well as research and development and strategic data sharing to strengthen the entrepreneurial capacity of MAF veterans. Participants of the PUVET ATM Master Class programme will be equipped with business knowledge comprising marketing, operations, digital skills, finance and administration, he said, adding that they will also receive intensive one-to-one coaching from certified industry experts over three months, along with strategic monitoring of their sales performance. He said that each year, at least 5,000 personnel complete their service, with nearly 70 per cent going on to become entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Adly said the first-quarter report on Perhebat’s Transformation Plan showed that 718 job opportunities were created, with 449 veterans successfully securing jobs in the aerospace, automotive, logistics and services sectors, with salaries ranging from RM2,500 to RM5,000. “So far, 313 MAF veterans have benefited from the Rural Entrepreneurship Empowerment Support Grant (SPKLB), through Perhebat’s collaboration with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and Majlis Amanah Rakyat under the PUVET ATM initiative, totalling RM1.6 million nationwide,” he added. — Bernama

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