PELAN TINDAKAN MARA GREEN INNOVATION 2030

Pelan Tindakan MARA Green Innovation 2030 held at the Bayview Hotel Langkawi from 13 to 15tOctober 2023, it was a comprehensive brainstorming session aimed at developing an inclusive action plan for Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). The primary objective of this initiative is to create a holistic Green Mobility Hub ecosystem infrastructure in Langkawi, Kedah.

Associate Professor Dr. Muhamad Nizam bin Jali, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research & Innovation at Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), is one of the participants involved in the event. His involvement aligns with the principles of SDG 17, "Partnership for the Goals," as it emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable development objectives. Through partnerships like these, UPTM contributes to fostering innovation and building capacities that support the broader goals of sustainability and global development.

In addition to its role in development, this action plan will also act as a vital document for MARA's request for funding from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU). By securing the necessary allocation, MARA aims to pioneer innovative, eco-friendly mobility solutions that align with Malaysia's broader goals for sustainability and technological advancement by the year 2030.

This three-day workshop brought together key stakeholders, including experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, to collaboratively design the blueprint for a greener future in the region

KAJIAN KEBERKESANAN PROGRAM SKIM PEMBIAYAAN EKONOMI DESA (SPED)

Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) conducted a study "Kajian Keberkesanan Program Skim Pembiayaan Ekonomi Desa (SPED)." The study was led by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Nizam bin Jali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), with Rural Capital Berhad (RCB) as the primary contributor to its implementation. Another member of UPTM is Dr. Nan Zakiah, a lecturer at the Faculty of Business, Accounting, and Social Sciences (FBASS) also involved and played a key role in ensuring the success of this collaboration.

The Skim Pembiayaan Ekonomi Desa (SPED) is a rural financing program initiated by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) in 2001. The main objectives of SPED include: i) Developing Bumiputera rural entrepreneurs across all viable economic sectors permitted by law; ii) Encouraging the participation and development of Bumiputera entrepreneurs to create job opportunities, increase income, and establish sustainable businesses for rural communities; iii) Advancing high-potential economic sectors in rural areas.

In 2023, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through Rural Capital Berhad (RCB), successfully disbursed business loan funds to 150 small and medium entrepreneurs in rural areas throughout Malaysia. The SPED financing fund aims to assist in improving and expanding the businesses they are engaged in. With an allocation of RM 18,797,000, RCB distributed loan funds to five (5) MAIN business sectors, namely: Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Production, Tourism, and Information Technology.

A study on the effectiveness of the SPED financing program by RCB was conducted by Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, starting from November 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. The study’s respondents comprised 30 entrepreneurs who received SPED financing of RM 80,000.00 and above as the sample for the research.