KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, Datuk Ewon Benedick
has been appointed as the first Chancellor of the Malaysian Cooperative Entrepreneurship University (UKKM).
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, Dato’ Sri Suriani Dato’ Ahmad, and former Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Mohamad Fauzi Harun, have been appointed as Pro-Chancellors, respectively.
The inauguration ceremony for the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellors of UKKM was held at the World Trade Centre here today.
When approached by reporters after the ceremony, Ewon said that the appointment was in accordance with the constitution of UKKM as a specialised institution in the field of entrepreneurship and cooperatives.
“I am confident that with the latest accredited programmes at UKKM, it will provide opportunities for Malaysians to choose UKKM for higher education in the field of cooperative administration and management.
“At this ceremony, I have also launched two new programmemes at UKKM, namely the Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship programme and the Executive Programme, Bachelor of Business Administration in Cooperative Management (Honours).
“I believe these programmes will attract working Malaysians to pursue their studies at UKKM,” he said, adding that the programmes are suitable for working individuals as they are conducted after working hours.
Furthermore, he mentioned that it is also an alternative for those who are already working but aspire to enhance their academic achievements.
Ewon believes that with the latest programmes and initiatives implemented by UKKM, it will contribute to the national cooperative movement, particularly in terms of administration and management.
“We have 15,809 cooperatives with approximately 7.2 million members nationwide, and the cooperative movement achieved a total revenue of RM64 billion last year.
“This is a significant amount that surpasses our initial target, but I believe that cooperative administration and management can still be improved,” he added.
