Maxis equips Sabah entrepreneurs with digital skills, driving 57% revenue growth
Caption: (Front row 4th to 6th from left) Muhammad Sallehuddin bin Mohd Dilif, Principal Assistant Secretary, Franchise and Vendor Development Division, Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), Azizul Abdul Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Maxis, and Larainn Jaminih, Manager, Corporate Service, Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC), with the Sabah graduates.
Maxis celebrated the graduation of 52 Sabah entrepreneurs from its eKelas Usahawan Accelerator Programme, a three-month digital upskilling programme. Delivered in collaboration with the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC), a key driver of innovation and the digital economy in the state, the programme also forms part of Maxis' broader collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) to develop local entrepreneurs.
By applying digital marketing skills to grow their businesses online, the cohort achieved an average 57% increase in monthly revenue. Drawn from both urban and rural communities across Sabah, the entrepreneurs represented diverse industries such as food and beverage, services, and handicrafts.
Through the programme, participants used AI-powered tools to design promotional materials, manage social media platforms and develop content strategies more effectively. As a result, they moved beyond simple, product-focused posts to a wider range of engaging content, including behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials and educational tips.
“Maxis is proud to continue supporting communities in Sabah as they strengthen their digital capabilities. It has been encouraging to see participants embrace AI to create more impactful content and reach new customers online. This reflects our belief that ‘Tomorrow Begins Today’, as we foster a network that enables participants to connect and unlock new opportunities.” - Azizul Abdul Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Maxis
“The success of this cohort reflects the potential of Sabah’s business community when given the right support. Their progress demonstrates how digital adoption can drive meaningful growth, while peer-to-peer collaboration encourages continuous learning. This initiative aligns with SCENIC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Sabah’s creative economy and innovation ecosystem by equipping local businesses with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We are pleased to partner with Maxis in fostering a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sabah,” - Mohd Lan Muslim, Chief Executive Officer of SCENIC
Graduate Sylvia Desmond Lee, founder of Alternative Crafts, reflected on the programme’s wider impact through her engagement with the alumni network.
“The programme transformed how I approach marketing. I now use AI-assisted tools to better understand my audience and build a stronger online presence. It has given me the confidence to keep learning from others on a similar journey. The community has also shown me that business growth is not just about individual success, but about progressing together,” - Sylvia Desmond Lee, founder of Alternative Crafts
