RM40 Million to Aid Franchise Business

Managing Director of Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS), Syed Kamarulzaman SZK Shahabudin, sat down with a Bisnes Metro journalist to discuss about the plans to develop 250 entrepreneurs as well as the business of franchises in 2012. On the matter of franchises, the question raised was whether or not the industry was limited to only the food and beverages (F&B) sector.

According to Syed Kamarulzaman, this was not the case. It is a popular belief because there are many F&B franchises available; however, franchising is open to all other businesses as well. He lists the services industry alongside the business of education as some examples of possible franchising opportunities.  

Among the steps taken by PNS to ensure that the franchising industry continues to expand include a new approach to informing entrepreneurs about franchising opportunities. PNS Managing Director listed two types of approaches; the first being directed to entrepreneurs with an idea that could be franchised and the second to those who wish to franchise their own businesses.

Again, he emphasises that this opportunity is open to all entrepreneurs, not limited to just the F&B sector. Lastly, in the previous year, PNS had aimed to introduce ten new franchisors; though they were successful in only introducing eight.

They expect an increase in the number of entrepreneurs they would assist from 170 to 250 entrepreneurs through the RM40 million which has been expected to be budgeted for the current year. With this in place, PNS hopes to further strengthen the franchise industry in Malaysia.

 Click here to view the full interview in Bahasa Malaysia.