iTEKAD: Empowering Malaysia’s low-income microentrepreneurs

Through its iTEKAD programme, Bank Negara Malaysia is setting low-income microentrepreneurs on the path towards sustainable financial futures.  

“iTEKAD is a blended finance initiative which combines philanthropy and commercial financing solutions to help low-income micro entrepreneurs generate higher and lasting income,” says Bank Negara Assistant Governor, Suhaimi Ali. “Under the program, participants receive seed capital to acquire business assets, structured business and financial management training, and access to microfinancing.” 

iTEKAD (which means ‘my determination’) has already helped over 6,000 entrepreneurs, and Bank Negara is working to scale it up further, bringing in additional public and private stakeholders to support the initiative. 

Watch the video to see how the program has transformed the lives of Azmi, a cobbler, Amanina, a barista, and Aina, a university student. You can also learn more about iTEKAD on the Bank Negara website.