KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) launched the CGC Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP), a structured platform designed to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing young Malaysians with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to build resilient businesses and contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable MSME ecosystem. 

The programme was officially launched by YB Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, Political Secretary to the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia. 

The launch represents a significant milestone in CGC’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs beyond financing. Through CGC YEP, CGC seeks to strengthen the capabilities of young entrepreneurs, enhance their readiness for business growth, and provide them with access to valuable networks, industry knowledge and growth opportunities. 

The event also celebrated the graduation of 50 young entrepreneurs from CGC YEP Cohort 1, comprising participants from the Early Stage and Growth Stage tracks. Over the course of the three-month programme, Early Stage participants were equipped with practical knowledge and essential business insights, including business fundamentals, financial management, marketing, market access, and financing readiness. Meanwhile, Growth Stage participants completed the BANGKIT Programme in collaboration with INSKEN, further strengthening their capabilities to scale and expand their businesses. 

The completion of CGC YEP Cohort 1 marks a key milestone for participating entrepreneurs as they progress towards the next stage of their business journey. Through the programme, participants have strengthened their business capabilities, enhanced their operational readiness and expanded their professional networks.

A key strength of CGC YEP lies in its ecosystem-driven approach, which leverages the collective strengths of government agencies, academia, industry players, financial institutions and strategic partners to provide a more holistic support system for young entrepreneurs. Through initiatives encompassing capacity building, mentorship, knowledge sharing, financial education and market exposure, partners including INSKEN, Universiti Malaya, Sunway University, TVET institutions, AKPK and participating financial institutions have contributed significantly to empowering the participants’ entrepreneurial journey and strengthening the programme’s overall impact.

In his officiating address, YB Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen underscored the importance of empowering youth entrepreneurs as key drivers of innovation, job creation and economic resilience. He commended CGC and its partners for providing young entrepreneurs with the support, networks and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.  

Meanwhile, Encik Mohamed Nazri Omar, President & Chief Executive Officer of CGC, reaffirmed CGC’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout their business lifecycle. He emphasised that sustainable business growth extends beyond access to financing, highlighting the importance of continuous capability development, advisory support and strategic partnerships in building resilient and successful enterprises.

The ceremony also featured an MSME exhibition showcasing entrepreneurs from CGC YEP Cohort 1, INSKEN and CGC Financing, as well as a MyKNP showcase. The exhibition provided guests and stakeholders with the opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurs, discover their products and services, and gain valuable insights into CGC’s broader efforts to foster entrepreneurship development.

The launch of CGC YEP reflects CGC’s ongoing commitment to advancing Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through the development of entrepreneurial capabilities and enhanced access to knowledge, networks and opportunities, the programme seeks to cultivate a generation of resilient and innovative entrepreneurs who can drive inclusive economic growth and contribute to the nation’s future prosperity.

About CGC 

Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) was established on 5 July 1972. It is 78.65% owned by Bank Negara Malaysia and 21.35% by the commercial banks in Malaysia. CGC aims to assist Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTC) by providing guarantee support to enhance their financing access.

As of July 2026, CGC has availed over 550,000 guarantees and financing to MSMEs valued at over RM107 billion since its establishment. 

Beyond financing, CGC also provides comprehensive developmental support through the CGC Developmental Programme®, a “Beyond Guarantee” initiative that delivers both financial and non-financial advisory services, advisory workshops, networking sessions, and access to new markets. These initiatives are designed to enhance MSMEs’ financing readiness, strengthen business capabilities, and facilitate ecosystem connectivity through collaboration with financial institutions, industry partners and relevant stakeholders. 

Introduced on 9 February 2018, imSME is Malaysia’s first MSME online financing/loan referral platform, providing businesses with an alternative channel to access financing. To date, it has recorded over 3.23 million visits and more than 149,888 registered MSMEs.

For more information, please visit www.cgc.com.my and www.imsme.com.my. Alternatively, businesses may visit any of CGC’s branches nationwide for assistance.

SOURCE: Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Azman Idrus
Head of Strategic Management & Communications
Email: azman.idrus@cgc.com.my

Name: Eliya Ayesya Mohd Fisal
Head of Section, PR & Media, Social & Digital Media, and CSR
Email: eliya.ayesyafisal@cgc.com.my

--BERNAMA