By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has urged young people to explore business opportunities through franchising, which has proven to be viable and sustainable.
He said this is because franchising enables young entrepreneurs to receive guidance, continuous training and marketing support from the parent company, thereby helping them build their businesses more quickly and sustainably.
“I am proud to see young people venturing into the franchise sector, where two of the three franchise partners of SugarBun Express Inanam are only 26 years old and have already become job creators for 10 employees at this outlet.
“This development proves that the franchise business has great potential. Therefore, I welcome the participation of more young entrepreneurs in this sector, especially through successful local brands,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the opening of SugarBun Express at EG Mall, Inanam.
This is SugarBun’s 165th outlet nationwide, and the company plans to open another 40 new outlets over the next three years.
Ewon stressed that both the State and Federal Governments have various support initiatives to help develop the franchise industry, including financing, training and entrepreneurial guidance.
“The government remains committed to empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as one of the main drivers of the state’s economy.
“The franchise model is among the best platforms for young people to start a business in a more structured manner,” he said.
He expressed hope that SugarBun will continue to grow as a franchise brand that Sabah can be proud of, not only nationwide but also at the international level.
Ewon (centre), launching the outlet with the franchisor (right), and franchisee (left).
