KOTA BELUD — Hari Terbuka INSKEN Kampus Sabah (HATI) program has become a strategic platform to empower micro and small entrepreneurs through mentorship from BisCounsellors and Industry Coaches.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that the program is part of 233 training and guidance initiatives by the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) planned nationwide this year, including the Seminar Usahawan MADANI.
He stated that nearly 200 of these programs have already been carried out across the country.
“INSKEN programs continue to receive very encouraging responses. So far, more than 500 participants have joined the HATI Program in Sabah alone.
“In Sabah, the program has already been held in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Sepanggar, and today in Kota Belud. It will next continue in Keningau and Tawau. This proves our commitment to expanding the program’s reach throughout Sabah,” he said.
Ewon shared this with reporters after officiating the HATI INSKEN program at Tag Valley, Kota Belud.
He noted that Sabah has recorded one of the highest participation rates in INSKEN programs since the establishment of its regional campus office in the state in 2023.
He added that INSKEN’s programs feature experienced instructors known as Industry Coaches — successful entrepreneurs who provide practical exposure and inspiration to participants.
“Programs like this demonstrate the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), to strengthening the national entrepreneurship ecosystem. It also widens access to knowledge, technology, and business support, especially for hawkers and small traders.
“In Kota Belud, the HATI program focused on introducing technology usage techniques, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to help entrepreneurs manage their businesses more efficiently and profitably,” he said.
Ewon also shared success stories of several social enterprises and cooperatives, such as Dapur Digital, Silent Teddies, Haos Ek, and the Langkawi Taxi and Limousine Drivers Cooperative, which have turned challenges into business opportunities.
He expressed hope that entrepreneurs attending the program will fully utilize the knowledge and mentorship provided to strengthen their businesses and inspire others.
