Kuala Lumpur, 3 August 2021

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and AEON CO. (M) BHD. (AEON) launches PUPUK@AEON, a collaborative initiative to empower micro entrepreneurs nationwide.

The initiative is one of the efforts under the Small Entrepreneur Digitalisation Empowerment Program (PUPUK) launched by Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently. It is a digitalisation initiative under the People’s Protection and Economic Rehabilitation Package (PEMULIH) to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the launch of PUPUK@AEON held virtually earlier today, MCMC was represented by its Chairman, Dr. Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek while AEON was represented by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Shafie Shamsuddin.

Through this collaboration, MCMC together with AEON have identified 100 micro entrepreneurs with the potential for empowerment under PUPUK@AEON initiative. They have been involved in running small businesses through community internet centres (PIK) located all over the country. Among the products that are being marketed are food pastes, cakes, chips, frozen foods as well as sewing products such as face masks and daily wear.

PUPUK@AEON is committed to empower micro entrepreneurs through systematic digitisation method for online sales and marketing that is more effective and competitive. At the same time, AEON will provide its readily available ecosystem for business development opportunities to them. They include the utilisation of AEON’s product sales and services, physical and digital marketplace, logistics network and communication channels, as well as financial services through AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad.

For MCMC, PUPUK@AEON programme will create opportunities for entrepreneurs through the community internet centres (PIK) to sell their products at AEON outlets physically and online soon. Through the assistance provided by selected PIKs together with AEON, these micro entrepreneurs will be guided in terms of marketing strategy and packaging for them to do business at AEON outlets.

With the right collaboration and guidance, it will not only give a boost to the income sources of the micro entrepreneurs involved but it will also strengthen their competitiveness to compete in the wider market.

Shafie Shamsuddin said, “AEON is very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with MCMC in empowering these micro entrepreneurs that we have identified. It is our hope to play a role that has a positive impact to allow them to broaden the business and grow it exponentially.”

“We believe that through PUPUK@AEON, enhanced businesses will also improve the economic status of the entrepreneurs, create employment opportunities and generate income for the local community. With the community internet centres (PIK) as the axis of the activity supported by a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem, steadfastness and continuous efforts, it is not impossible for these micro entrepreneurs to grow to a larger scale and to also contribute to the nation’s economy,” Shafie added.

PUPUK@AEON is one of the various corporate responsibility programmes by AEON under the sustainability initiative for the nation, AEON Sayap Bagimu. In the spirit of succeeding together, through encouragement and aid for the people in need, especially in these challenging times, it extends assistance and support for education, community, selfdevelopment and motivation that is creatively expressed through artistic drama series, growth programmes for micro, small and medium enterprises, and many more.