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New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fund to empower Indian women entrepreneurs doubled to RM100mil
SUNGAI BULOH: The government has doubled the allocation for the Prosperity, Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) programme to RM100 million, which aims to assist Indian women in building their businesses. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the additional RM50 million would empower more Indian women through entrepreneurship. "This initiative has proven that the PENN programme is not only successful but is truly needed by the community," he said during the launch of PENN 2.0 at Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) headquarters in Bandar Sri Damansara. Launched in April last year, PENN has benefited 6,247 Indian women, with a total of RM42.7 million in funding disbursed, including support for 1,062 new entrepreneurs. Ramanan also praised the resilience of Indian women entrepreneurs, describing them as hardworking, disciplined and determined. The fresh allocation is expected to reach over 10,000 Indian women entrepreneurs through AIM. "This injection will boost support for recipients to expand their small businesses in sectors such as food, tailoring, beauty and community services." Ramanan said AIM beneficiaries under PENN have reported income growth of 20 to 30 per cent. Its 2024 non-performing loan rate was just 0.02 per cent, the lowest in the institution's 38-year history. "This is not merely a loan, it is a tool to elevate families and transform lives." Ramanan added that PENN offers micro-financing without financial statements, guarantors or collateral, alongside continuous mentorship by AIM. He said under PENN, interested applicants can apply for a loan starting from RM3,000 up to RM30,000. "The loan cost can go up to RM30,000 even if there are issues like bankruptcy, CTOS or CCRIS, so it is open to all. "It is meant to assist the underprivileged, especially those who have nowhere else to turn to," he said. Indian women entrepreneurs who are interested in the programme are encouraged to visit the AIM website or any AIM branch to apply and benefit from the support available. Last year, Ramanan announced an RM50 million AIM fund to support Indian women entrepreneurs through PENN.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Mature democracy cannot exist without free, fair and fearless journalism, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Journalists' Day (Hawana) is not a mere celebration, but a reminder that a mature democracy cannot exist without free, fair and fearless journalism, according to Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. In a Facebook post in conjunction with Hawana 2025, Ramanan said honour and recognition should be given to the journalists for their daily dedication to reporting with conscience and amplifying the voices of the people with integrity and responsibility. "I speak not only as a government leader but as someone who deeply values the trust and freedom to speak out. "I am sincerely grateful for every news report and coverage, including those involving myself and my programmes, both past and present,' he posted. Ramanan, who is also PKR vice-president, also acknowledged the media's vital role in providing a platform for him and his colleagues to advance the reform agenda. "Without you, our voices would go unheard, and without you, the people's voices would never resonate. Keep reporting the truth. Never fear speaking out for the sake of justice," he added. Hawana is celebrated annually on May 29, with this year's main event scheduled for June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the event, which is set to gather around 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad. Now in its fifth edition since its inception in 2018, Hawana is an annual occasion that brings together media professionals to honour their contributions to national development. - Bernama
