MAICCI Women's Wing Welcomes SOORIAN Programme

• MAICCI Women's Wing embraced the SOORIAN programme
• The program assists the Indian community in playing a larger role in Malaysia's franchise industry
• Hemala AP Sivam stated it indicates the government's emphasis on inclusive growth

Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) officially launched the 'SOORIAN' programme, which will enhance the Indian community's participation in the entrepreneurship and franchise industry.

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the programme would benefit 1,000 trainees with assistance worth RM54.5 million in terms of training, revolving financing, loan facilities, and capacity-building activities to upgrade entrepreneurial capability and business opportunities.

The participants will undergo training relevant to their skill levels and will be placed in appropriate sectors with a minimum of RM1, 700 to RM2, 800 salaries. Out of them, 500 participants will be assured of full placement.

The two-year programme between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027, focuses on franchise training, placements, and franchise building for Indian entrepreneurs.

SOORIAN also comprises a Halal awareness programme for 50 companies, of which at least 10 are likely to become Halal certified and 20 could be included in the Franchise Development Programme (FDP).

A further 400 small entrepreneurs will be provided with micro financing assistance and 100 franchisees or license holders will qualify for franchise or licensing financing facilities.

Applications are currently underway for Malaysian Indians between the ages of 18 and 60, either individually or as corporate representatives, and can be made online at the Pernas website or at Pernas offices. All the businesses involved should be Syariah-compliant and duly registered.

Pernas CEO Datuk Nur Azam M. Taib said that the franchise model remains a robust platform for economic development and inclusiveness among the Indian community.