Malaysia Boosts Young Entrepreneurs with National Program

The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), in collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), hosted the sixth installment of the National Entrepreneurship Champion (JAGUH) Program Series 6/2026. Held over two days at UiTM Sabah, the program drew 189 university students from seven higher learning institutions across the state.

This initiative is part of a larger national plan to conduct 12 JAGUH series throughout the year, aiming to strengthen national entrepreneurial talent. The program employs a discipline-based entrepreneurship approach, emphasizing idea generation and innovation rooted in academic skills and participant development. It targets three key sectors: high-growth and high-value (HGHV), the orange economy, and the blue economy.

JAGUH 2026 has set a goal to engage 3,000 students and graduates, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for rapid research and prototype development. To date, five series have successfully attracted 1,002 students and graduates from 57 higher learning institutions. The program highlights innovative projects with high commercialization potential and is structured in two phases, with the top 120 participants advancing to intensive, advanced development and mentorship.

Selected participants have the chance to win the JAGUH program championship and a RM5,000 cash prize. KUSKOP is actively reinforcing the national entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing strategic initiatives and financing facilities for students and graduates through its agencies. These include programs like "Be Your Own Boss" by PERNAS, financing schemes by AIM and Bank Rakyat, and mentorship programs by IKMa and UDA Holdings, alongside TVET financing by TEKUN Nasional.

KUSKOP encourages students and graduates to seize these opportunities for learning, networking, and self-discovery in entrepreneurship. In the dynamic current economic landscape, proactive and resilient individuals are essential. The ministry stresses the importance of embracing challenges and adapting to the evolving market.