SANDAKAN: Forty participants have completed the 2026 Urban Community Economic Empowerment Programme (PEKB), marking the final phase of SWEPA’s physical monitoring in Sandakan.
The six-month skills programme, aimed at strengthening family finances, was first carried out in 2025. The participants were selected by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
SWEPA project person in-charge Karen Wong said participants had learned mobile phone repair, equipping them with practical skills and new opportunities to improve their family finances and build more secure futures.
Karen said the team and trainers monitored their progress, provided coaching and mentorship, supported them through challenges and encouraged their entrepreneurial development as they worked towards the programme’s key performance indicators (KPIs).
She said their enthusiasm, perseverance and willingness to learn had been inspiring.
Karen said although the final visit marked the end of formal monitoring, it was only the beginning of their continued growth.
She also thanked the SWEPA project team and trainers for their professionalism, commitment and tireless efforts in delivering the programme in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, despite the challenges faced.
At the PEKB 2026 dinner, SWEPA president Betty Epin described the programme as a platform for transformation.
She said the dinner was not merely an opportunity to enjoy a meal, but also a chance to show appreciation and strengthen bonds among participants.
Betty described the participants as agents of change who dared to step out of their comfort zones to build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
She said they had demonstrated strong commitment, determination and a willingness to learn to improve their own and their families’ economic well-being.
“PEKB is not just a training programme, but a platform for transformation,” she said.
Betty urged participants to use the experiences, skills and connections gained through PEKB 2026 as valuable assets as they moved forward.
She said the journey of entrepreneurship and economic improvement was full of challenges, but resilience and knowledge could help them overcome them. – Wu Vuide
Karen and Betty (seated), with the 40 participants who completed the PEKB programme.
