Photo shows Mojuntin (right) shaking the hand of Epin to mark the collaboration between SCC and Swepa.
By JT
PENAMPANG: The Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) and Sabah Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Association (Swepa) have forged a collaboration to introduce the Dayang Programme for Economic Empowerment through a special session for women on Empowering Women through Knowledge & Inspiration.
DAYANG represents Daya Upaya Peluang Usahanita or Young Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Programme, which is a key initiative under the Sabah State Budget 2025. It was officially launched by Deputy Chief Minister II and Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun last year.
Malaysian citizens, who are young women entrepreneurs in Sabah aged 18-55 years, and have registered businesses here or intend to register them through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), are eligible to apply for the Dayang Loan.
DAYANG is a strategic partnership programme between SCC and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS). Applicants are required to undergo mentoring training by IDS for 18 months upon loan disbursement.
At the meeting between SCC and Swepa on Thursday (Nov 5) to mark their collaboration on the Young Women Entrepreneurship Programme, SCC Chief Executive Officer Charles Peter Mojuntin stressed that empowerment is not just about giving women a seat at the table, but the freedom to build a table of their own.
He said while the concept of DAYANG is under the stewardship of IDS, the role of SCC is particularly significant.
“IDS contributes expertise in research, entrepreneurship development, capacity building and policy implementation, while SCC brings extensive experience in financing and credit management.
“Together, the two institutions have developed a programme that seeks to address not only the financing needs of women entrepreneurs but also the broader challenges that often determine whether business succeeds or fails,” Mojuntin explained.
Asked on what is special about the Dayang Programme, the CEO said it is different from a conventional SCC loan because it is not just financing but constitutes a complete package, combining capital with training, mentorship, marketing exposure and continuous monitoring.
“The Dayang loan is designed to address capital, technology, market and network constraints,” he added.
The special session on Empowering Women Through Education & Inspiration (for ladies only) to showcase the Dayang Programme is free and will be held on Nov 14 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the SCC’s Head Office Auditorium, Donggongon.
President of Swepa Betty Epin thanked SCC for giving women entrepreneurs a chance to be acquainted with the Dayang Programme for business startups or expansion.
“And through Swepa, members are able to empower themselves through education and training towards developing their leadership potential to the fullest,” she said.
According to Epin, three award-winning speakers, who are members of Swepa, will be sharing their insights and experiences to inspire and empower women in the areas of entrepreneurship, leadership and personal growth. They are Anne Antah, Rachel Chan and Vellarry Yong.
Also present at the meeting were SCC Deputy CEO (Operation) Patricia Chow, Credit Manager Rachellyinna Tanggau, Credit Officers Neanna Dalansing and Caroline Monica Dee, Swepa Past President Lai Fui Nar, Executive Secretary Emmie Lumihan, Head of Training Committee Chin Kui Jin, and member Melissa Della Joy.
