Maxis partners with KUSKOP to train 6,000 entrepreneurs through Perkasa Halal digital growth initiative
(L-R) Mohamad Shiblie Abg Sapuan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund, (TEKUN Nasional); Samad Majid Zain Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer, SME Bank; YBhg. Dato' Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, Secretary General, Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development; YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development; Azizul Abdul Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Maxis; YB Dato' Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
Maxis has announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) to launch Perkasa Halal, an initiative that drives economic empowerment by supporting the growth of businesses and cooperatives in the halal economy. The collaboration combines KUSKOP’s Halal Sukses reach with Maxis eKelas Usahawan (eKU), a digital upskilling initiative for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Officiated by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, the launch was held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026. YBhg. Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, was also present.
Perkasa Halal provides a structured pathway from digital training to business growth. Through Maxis eKU, participants start by building practical digital marketing and online revenue skills. High-potential entrepreneurs can then progress to the three-month Maxis eKU Accelerator, which combines intensive learning and group coaching. They will learn to accelerate digitalisation and strengthen business formalisation readiness, supporting their transition from micro to small enterprise.
By 2029, Perkasa Halal aims to train 6,000 entrepreneurs and support 450 high-potential participants.
“Perkasa Halal reinforces KUSKOP’s commitment to advancing digital entrepreneurship and helping Malaysian halal entrepreneurs build competitive, resilient businesses. It supports the 13th Malaysia Plan’s focus on strengthening MSMEs and advancing Malaysia’s halal economy. By combining KUSKOP’s ecosystem with Maxis’ digital expertise, we can equip entrepreneurs with the skills and opportunities to expand their market reach and take Malaysian halal products beyond Malaysia.” - YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development.
“Through eKelas Usahawan, we have seen how practical digital skills can give entrepreneurs the confidence and tools to unlock new opportunities and grow. With Perkasa Halal, we want to ensure this support continues beyond a single training session, so entrepreneurs have the guidance to grow at every stage of their journey. We hope this will help halal and cooperative entrepreneurs build the resilience and readiness to compete not just locally, but on the global stage, a reflection of our brand promise, Tomorrow Begins Today, through meaningful impact.” - Azizul Abdul Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Maxis.
The journey continues beyond the programme, with graduates able to join the Maxis eKU alumni community for continued access to development sessions, industry connections and follow-up support. This network helps participants sustain their progress and unlock new opportunities to grow in Malaysia and beyond.
