HL: Ramanan drives first-ever KUSKOP recognition for Indian Entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR — For the first time, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), through the efforts and initiative of its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, has extended official support and recognition to Indian entrepreneurs.

The support was channelled through the Empowering Indian Entrepreneur (EIP) initiative for the Business Icon Awards 2025, organised by Nambikkai Media at Dewan Tun Razak, Bank Rakyat yesterday.

EIP serves as a strategic agenda under the MADANI government to strengthen Malaysia’s Indian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

More than just a development programme, EIP acts as a platform for recognition, capacity-building and global-standard business networking.

Ramanan, who is tasked with overseeing Indian community affairs, said the recognition reflects the government’s commitment to elevating outstanding Indian entrepreneurs while inspiring women, youth and new business owners.

“By opening avenues for recognition and strategic support such as this, I am confident that Indian entrepreneurs can not only succeed domestically but also break into international markets,” he said.

His speech was delivered by his Senior Private Secretary Datuk Anbumani Balan, who attended the event on his behalf.

Also present was Nambikkai Media founder Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther.

More than 50 entrepreneurs received awards across various categories, including leadership, women empowerment, digital industry and others.

Ramanan emphasised that EIP serves as a bridge connecting entrepreneurs to financing, business training and global networks through key KUSKOP agencies such as AIM, TEKUN Nasional, SME Corp, SME Bank, Bank Rakyat, PERNAS, IKMA and INSKEN.

These efforts align with the MADANI vision to ensure equitable and inclusive economic opportunities for all communities.

The involvement of Bank Rakyat as an official partner in hosting the awards reflects progressive collaboration between the government and private sector in strengthening the position of Indian entrepreneurs as contributors to national economic growth.

Ramanan added that the initiative is not merely about recognising individuals or companies but also about building a more sustainable and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“For the first time, implementing agencies of Indian-focused programmes such as the Indian Women Empowerment Programme (PENN) – AIM, SPUMI & SPUMI Goes Big – TEKUN Nasional, BRIEF-i – Bank Rakyat, and the Vanigham Initiative – SME Bank will honour successful Indian entrepreneurs. These individuals will serve as ambassadors and inspirational icons to encourage more participation in entrepreneurship,” he said.

As of November 2025, Ramanan has announced more than 10 initiatives worth nearly RM471.5 million dedicated to the Indian community, empowering over 13,000 Indian entrepreneurs, excluding RM100 million allocated under MITRA for the B40 Indian community.

Award recipient Manjula Subramaniam of Nhavin Enterprise, who obtained financing through the PENN programme by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, won the Leadership Excellence in 3R (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) award.

“I am truly touched by this recognition. This is a beautiful moment in my career. Thank you Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan for acknowledging us. I am speechless, thank you AIM,” she said.

Another award recipient, Sathies a/l Supramaniam of Sanwa Tours (M) Sdn Bhd, who received financing under SME Bank’s Vanigham initiative, won the Best Transportation Operations Leadership Award.

He expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it serves as motivation for him and others in the industry to strive for higher achievements.

“Thank you KUSKOP, especially Datuk Seri Ramanan, for this award,” he said.