Caring initiative: Perak Women, Family, Social Welfare, Cooperatives and Entrepreneur Development committee chairman Datuk Salbiah Mohamed (fifth from left) handing over AmBank Islamic’s iTEKAD programme business capital contribution to one of the aid recipients, in the presence of (from left) AmBank Islamic syariah management chief Reizal Amiruddin, Perak Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) (sector 1) deputy-director Kumaresan Lingam, Eqhwan, STeP director Mohamad Rozlan Mohamad Razalli and Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak zakat distribution division general manager Rohizan Omar.
AmBank Islamic’s iTEKAD programme is reinforcing its commitment to empower micro-entrepreneurs, expanding beyond the initial focus on asnaf (underprivileged) beneficiaries.
This initiative builds upon the success of AmBank Islamic’s previous iTEKAD programmes in Selangor and Johor.
The latest iTEKAD programme by AmBank Islamic is organised in collaboration with the Perak State Entrepreneur Secretariat (STeP) and supported by Bank Negara, witnessed the handing over of seed capital contributions to the recipients in Perak involving an allocation of RM250,000.
The iTEKAD programme is a blended funding initiative providing seed capital, micro financing, and structured upskilling and training for low-income micro-entrepreneurs.
The effectiveness of this programme will be monitored by STeP, covering key aspects such as business growth, financial resilience, employment and upskilling.
The programme’s value proposition includes facilitating business activities, providing micro funding support, improving entrepreneurial skills and enhancing digital capability for micro-entrepreneurs.
AmBank Islamic chief executive officer Eqhwan Mokhzanee said, “We are delighted to broaden our support for micro-entrepreneurs, encompassing not just the asnaf group but beyond.
“The iTEKAD programme underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth for all Malaysians, encompassing asnaf and non-Muslim microentrepreneurs.
“AmBank Islamic remains steadfast in its commitment to instigate positive change, drive local economic development and support micro-entrepreneurs as they pursue sustainable success through the expanded iTEKAD programme.”
Eqhwan added: “We express gratitude to Bank Negara for its matching grant, further fortifying the iTEKAD programme as a collaborative platform for financial institutions to actively contribute to the enduring prosperity of the communities we serve.”
To improve entrepreneurial skills and digital initiatives for business viability, AmBank Islamic has allocated RM100,000 from its zakat fund.
Under this component, participants will be registered with DuitNow QR or mTAP, a card acceptance solution as a supporting infrastructure to increase their digital capacity by undergoing a seamless collection payment process.
For mTAP, each approved participant will be funded up to RM2,000 for a 24-month free line subscription and a free mobile phone under the Maxis Promo Package.
The iTEKAD programme, initiated by Bank Negara in 2020, aligns with the 2022 budget’s goals, aiming to generate sustainable income for micro-entrepreneurs.
As part of the 2024 budget, the government has allocated a RM25mil matching grant for the iTEKAD programme.
