The Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) has partnered with the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) to roll out the ATM Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (PUVET ATM) Master Class, a pilot initiative designed to enhance market competitiveness among ex-servicemen. The scheme zeroes in on 180 small traders and micro entrepreneurs from the veteran community, aiming to unlock their commercial potential and foster robust Bumiputera representation in business.
PERHEBAT director-general Datuk Amir Md Noor outlined the ambitious vision behind the collaboration, expressing hope that participants will ultimately achieve millionaire status. Beyond improving commercial acumen, the programme seeks to cultivate strong indigenous business ownership across the nation. The selection of INSKEN reflects its demonstrated capability in field monitoring and hands-on assessment of entrepreneurial progress, moving beyond the theoretical frameworks that characterised earlier PERHEBAT initiatives.
Under the PUVET ATM framework, participants gain exposure to industry best practices and undergo three months of personalised coaching delivered by certified specialists. This structured approach enables detailed tracking of sales trajectories and performance metrics. The scheme builds on momentum established since 2023, when the initiative commenced and 313 veteran-led ATM businesses nationwide accessed funding through the Rural Entrepreneurship Strengthening Support Grant (SPKLB).
Financial support totalling RM1.6 million has been channelled to these ventures through collaborative efforts involving PERHEBAT, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), and MARA. Meanwhile, PERHEBAT's broader transformation roadmap for 2026-2035 has already delivered tangible results, with 1,224 job opportunities created by May and 631 veterans successfully placed in high-performing sectors earning between RM2,500 and RM5,000 monthly.
