Project UMBI Helps 1,400 Micro-Entrepreneurs Gain Income Predictability

A three-year initiative developed by UKM’s Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) and supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation is helping over 1,400 Malaysian micro-entrepreneurs achieve greater income stability amid rising living costs.

Focusing on the food and beverage micro-sector, Project UMBI prioritizes operational predictability and daily financial continuity over rapid business expansion. Early findings from a sample of 534 participants show that over 78 percent can now dependably support themselves and their families, with 86.6 percent earning under RM6,000 in monthly profit.

Project UMBI

Project Lead Researcher Dr. Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman emphasized that for roadside vendors and home-based operators, reliable earnings matter more than scale, directly improving a family’s ability to cover food, healthcare, and education expenses.

The initiative has seen growing participation among women and single mothers seeking financial autonomy while balancing family duties. President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Carlos Pagoaga, highlighted that fostering consistent daily operations forms a vital foundation for household and community resilience nationwide.

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