MECD’s Skim Usahawan Siswazah

MECD’s Skim Usahawan Siswazah or its abbreviation SUS is a 5-day training course intended to nurture young Malaysian entrepreneurs especially those who have recently (or not so recently) graduated. It is part of the many programs and training initiatives provided by the MECD, which stands for Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development, set up in 2004.

In the program, attendees will be first exposed with the characteristics and quality of an entrepreneur, and they will be given some sort of test or assessment to gauge if they are cut out to be in the entrepreneur world. The assessment could come in a series of test questions that study how you will react to certain scenario or circumstances. In a way, it is a good exercise to generally measure if we are really into business.

The core content of the training will be the development of business plan, or popularly termed as RP (Rancangan Perniagaan) by the consultants and bank officers. Aspiring entrepreneurs will be guided step by step on how to produce an RP that can meet the criteria for getting financial helps from institution, especially the SME Bank.

Apart from the educational materials, another interesting aspect of this scheme is that each participant, upon the completion of the program, will be given a certificate that allows them to apply for business financial help, which will be provided by the SME Bank. The financial loan ranges between RM20,000 and RM250,000, and for certain specified ranges, different terms and conditions will apply.

Consultancy service will also be leveraged by experienced consultants to the participants before the final copy is presented to the SME Bank for final review and evaluation. As a rough guide, entrepreneurs interested to get financial loan from SME Bank need to have a business entity (registered with Suruhanjaya Sekuriti Malaysia or SSM), a premise, a min of 10% from the required loan, and a well prepared business plan (RP).

The cost for the 5-day program is only RM250, and this includes meals and accommodation for 4 nights of stay. Usually, SUS will be conducted in a 4 or 5 star hotel. Bear in mind that this is a subsidized program, so you’re paying a very much lower price for the length and place you’re staying, and what you get in return. To be eligible for Skim Usahawan Siswazah program, prospective participants must be of 35 years old maximum age and hold a Degree not more than 10 years.

How do I register?

To register for the program, first, you need to check the upcoming program calendar with MECD website (click here to get the timetable). Look for Skim Usahawan Siswazah - SUS, and a list of available dates and venues will be available. You can choose to register with any date convenient to you, but keep in mind to adhere attending the course at the date you requested.

MECD will send you a mail to your home address if you’re selected for the program. In case you realize you will not make it for the event, contact the organizer, or else you may stand a chance to be blacklisted and won’t be called for any further courses you register later on.