Kuala Lumpur: Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick was proclaimed the first Chancellor of the Universiti Keusahawanan Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM).
His Ministry’s Secretary General Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad and ex-Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fauzi Harun were appointed as Pro-Chancellors.
The UKKM Chancellor and Pro-Chancellors proclamation ceremony was held at the World Trade Centre here Thursday.
Met by reporters after the ceremony, Ewon said the proclamation was to fulfil UKKM’s constitution as a specialised study institution in the field of entrepreneurship and cooperatives.
“I am very confident that with the latest accredited programmes at UKKM, it can open up space for Malaysians to choose UKKM to pursue higher studies in the field of administration and cooperative management,” he said.
At the event, Ewon also launched two of UKKM’s latest programmes, namely the Entrepreneurship Doctorate Programme and the For Executive Programme, Business Administration Degree in Cooperative Management (Honours).
“I believe these programmes can attract the interest of Malaysians who are working to continue their studies at UKKM,” he said and added that these programmes are very suitable for working people because it is carried out after working hours.
In addition, he said, it is also an alternative for those who are already working but wish to improve their achievements in the academic field.
Ewon believes that the latest programmes and initiatives implemented by UKKM can help the national cooperative movement, especially related to the administration and management of the cooperative movement.
“We have 15,809 cooperatives with a membership of around 7.2 million across the country and the cooperative movement achieved revenue of RM64 billion last year.
“This is a large amount that exceeds our initial target. Even so, I believe that the administration and management of the cooperative can still be strengthened.
“That’s why we want UKKM to play a big role in the academic context of education and studies for members of the cooperative movement and members of cooperatives and Malaysians to help develop the cooperative sector in this country,” he said.
