Kota Kinabalu: A total of 52 women entrepreneurs under the Sabah Department of Women’s Affairs (Jhewa) received product packaging and labelling grants since the programme was introduced in 2018.
Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk James Ratib, said the achievement reflects the strong entrepreneurial potential among women in the State.
“At the same time, we also celebrate the success of 32 participants who have earned the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) across various fields.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“Congratulations to all recipients. You are role models for an independent and competitive generation of women,” he said when officiating the 2025 Jhewa Product Packaging Grant and SKM Certificate Presentation Ceremony.
James said the State Government, through agencies including Jhewa, will continue efforts to build capacity, provide ongoing training and offer targeted support to ensure entrepreneurs not only sustain their ventures but also expand into broader markets, including international ones.
However, he said long-term success depends on the entrepreneur’s own commitment, discipline and determination to keep learning, innovating, and adapting to market needs.
He added that the support given is not limited to physical assistance such as packaging or certification, but also serves as a boost of confidence and moral encouragement – a sign that the government stands firmly behind women entrepreneurs.
Jhewa Director Haslina Ismail said the department remains committed to empowering women and targeted groups through capacity-building and skills development programmes.
She said investing in human capital, particularly among women, single mothers and the B40 group, will generate sustainable economic benefits for the state.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management Sector) of the Ministry Henry Idol and Deputy Chairperson of the Sabah Women’s Advisory Council Datin Fauziah DSP Abu Bakar Titingan.
