By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah-level Tunas Niaga Programme (Protune) 2025 recorded more than RM1.4 million in sales during its nine-month implementation, highlighting the strong potential for entrepreneurship development among school students in the state.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said participating Protune companies recorded total sales of RM1,408,632.26, with a net profit of RM380,098.41.
He said the achievement reflected the determination, creativity and commitment of students and teacher mentors in developing their respective school-based companies.
“However, true success is not measured solely by sales figures or profits, but also by the experience, confidence and skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving and teamwork developed throughout the programme.
“Hopefully, the experience and knowledge gained during this period will help produce new entrepreneurs who are able to compete and create more job opportunities.
“I have also agreed to increase the prizes for the 15 finalist schools, with each school receiving an additional RM2,000 under the Minister’s Special Entrepreneurship Development Fund.
“Additionally, I have agreed to allocate an extra RM10,000 under the fund to the school company receiving the Protune 2025 Award,” he said after officiating the Protune Sabah-level Convention Awards Ceremony 2025.
The programme was organised by SEDCovest, a subsidiary of SEDCO, in collaboration with the Sabah Education Department.
Ewon said the ministry would continue supporting Protune through entrepreneurship development allocations channelled to SEDCovest to ensure the school-level entrepreneurship development agenda continues.
He said 15 out of 45 participating schools throughout Sabah had qualified for the final round.
Protune alumni statistics also showed the programme’s positive impact, with 68 per cent pursuing further studies, 21 per cent employed, nine per cent seeking employment and two per cent venturing into entrepreneurship.
“These statistics prove that Protune not only introduces entrepreneurship but also builds self-confidence and soft skills as preparation for higher education, employment or business ventures.
“In an ever-changing economy, we need more young people who can create employment opportunities. Therefore, Protune plays an important role in producing young entrepreneurs who are innovative, resilient and competitive,” he said.
Ewon hoped Protune would continue to be strengthened to produce more creative, innovative and competitive young entrepreneurs while contributing to Sabah’s economic development.
At the ceremony, SMK Sepagaya Lahad Datu won the Best Protune Company Award and received RM2,500 in prize money, along with a trophy and certificate.
Ewon presenting the winning prize to SMK Sepagaya Lahad Datu.
