By Lasheeni Ghobi
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2025: The Malaysian government is intensifying its efforts to uplift the socio-economic status of the Indian community, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, training, and digital transformation. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a key strategy is to ensure the community remains competitive within the economic mainstream, thereby accelerating social mobility and narrowing the income gap, in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda.
Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, highlighted that the ministry, known as KUSKOP, is committed to an inclusive approach. This includes a new collaboration between the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) and the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) to implement the Malaysian Indian Community Entrepreneurship Programme (MICEP).
This program is designed to provide comprehensive support to Indian micro and small entrepreneurs. MICEP will offer entrepreneurship training and mentoring from INSKEN, with financial grants provided by MITRA to eligible participants who successfully complete the training. This structured approach aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a modern economy.
A total of 450 participants have already been selected to join the inaugural courses under MICEP, which include the Basic Entrepreneurship Course and the Basic Product and Service Development Course (KAKAPPS).
The government’s strategy is founded on the belief that a more active participation of the Indian community in the nation’s economic development will lead to a more prosperous and equitable society for all Malaysians. This initiative under the 13MP signals a robust and concerted effort to ensure no community is left behind in the pursuit of national progress.
