In January 2019, the Malaysian government launched the Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (PROTÉGÉ) programme, an initiative under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) that’s dedicated to providing professional training and education for growing entrepreneurs.

In the span of a year, the participation in the Protege program witnessed an increase of approximately 12,000 individuals from 2023 to 2024. This significant growth brings the programme one step closer to achieving its target participation rate, currently standing at 84%.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro SMEs face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The key to navigating this complex environment lies in their ability to continuously learn and adapt. This is where the significance of training and development programmes comes into sharp focus. These programmes are not just beneficial but essential for SMEs, providing the tools and knowledge required to stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth.