PROTEGE@KUSKOP Carnival Opens Career and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Youths
Sintok, 18 June 2025 – The PROTEGE@KUSKOP Carnival, organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), has become a vital platform for cultivating competitive young entrepreneurs and supporting national economic development.
KUSKOP Secretary-General, Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, emphasised that the carnival is not merely academic in nature, but offers young people a pathway into the field of entrepreneurship with structured government support and mentorship.
“Success is always attainable. The government has provided numerous facilities for young people to take advantage of,” he said during the Opening Ceremony of the PROTEGE@KUSKOP Northern Zone Carnival 2025 at the Mu’adzam Shah Hall, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) yesterday.
Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, an alumnus of UUM, also emphasised the significance of employers and entrepreneurs actively participating in providing direct exposure to students.
The two-day carnival, which began yesterday, featured 60 exhibition booths from various agencies and companies. This initiative is part of a national four-series programme that encompasses the Northern, Southern, Sarawak Borneo, and Sabah Borneo zones.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, stated that the carnival aims to serve as a comprehensive platform that brings together various initiatives, opportunities, exposure, and support networks to influence the career paths of young people, whether through conventional employment or, more importantly, through the empowerment of entrepreneurial spirit.
He explained that the carnival aspires to transform the mindset of students and young people, encouraging them to view careers beyond the public and private sectors as their sole options. The goal is to foster confidence to become creators of opportunities rather than merely seekers.
He added that the university aims to cultivate graduates who possess entrepreneurial mindsets, focusing not only on business creation but also on their approach to thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and generating value within communities. Entrepreneurship is no longer an alternative; it is a necessity in today’s modern economy, especially in the post-pandemic era and the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which demands adaptability, innovation, and resilience.
“As an institution that emphasises the ‘University for All’ philosophy, UUM truly values the opportunity to serve as a bridge connecting ministry policies, industry aspirations, and student dreams through such initiatives.
“The two-day carnival featured a variety of engaging activities targeted at students, graduates, alumni, and local entrepreneurs, with participation from various KUSKOP agencies. The key highlights included the Bank Rakyat Entrepreneurship Programme, a special sharing session with PERKESO, an Entrepreneurship Seminar by MAXIS, “Jom Jumpa PROTEGE” session and open interviews conducted by prestigious companies, “he added.
He expressed hope that all participants would take full advantage of the opportunities available, build valuable networks and strategize their next steps in career advancement, entrepreneurship or personal development.
The ceremony also saw the presentation of certificates of appreciation to representatives from companies and higher education institutions, as well as lucky draws for participants.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani; Director of CEDI, Assoc. Prof. Dr Shazida Jan Mohd Khan; and senior officials from both UUM and KUSKOP.
