KUALA LUMPUR: UEM Edgenta Bhd

has launched its inaugural Young Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) to train and mentor young entrepreneurs within its vendor ecosystem.

In a statement, the company said the programme's first cohort comprises six vendors from its infrastructure solutions and asset management businesses.

The initiative aims to strengthen vendors' operational capabilities, business management skills and compliance standards to support their long-term growth.

UEM Edgenta said the six vendors were selected through a multi-stage screening process involving business assessments, desktop audits and site visits benchmarked against the Malaysia Business Excellence Framework.

The programme builds on the company's existing Vendor Development Programme, with a greater emphasis on supporting young business owners.

UEM Edgenta has partnered with Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia to provide training.

INSKEN will conduct training in business model development, leadership and strategic planning, while CIDB will focus on tender, contract and financial management, as well as management systems.

The training will be complemented by internal business development modules delivered through Edgenta Academy.

UEM Edgenta managing director and chief executive officer Shaiful Subhan said the initiative was aimed at developing a competitive and capable supplier ecosystem.

"We believe opportunities should be earned through commitment, quality and willingness to grow, not simply by how long a company has been in business.

"A strong supply chain is not built overnight. It is built by investing in people, developing capabilities and creating long-term partnerships that grow together," he said.

The company said the inaugural cohort was deliberately kept small to allow for intensive mentorship and customised training.

It added that the programme's outcomes would be evaluated to determine future investment and the potential expansion of YEP to more young entrepreneurs.