KUCHING – The PERANTIS-PENDAYA 2.0 programme is focusing on strengthening entrepreneurship, leadership and economic sustainability among Dayak women, with organisers highlighting the role of local skills and cultural heritage in developing new business opportunities.
The programme was launched in Kuching on 19 September as part of efforts to support women entrepreneurs and encourage greater participation in leadership and decision-making. It is a collaboration involving the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri said the initiative was intended to help improve the competitiveness of women entrepreneurs while providing opportunities for participants to develop their leadership and business capabilities.
She said Dayak women had demonstrated creativity through products inspired by local art, culture and heritage. Among the examples highlighted was Pua Kumbu weaving, which combines traditional knowledge with opportunities for product development and entrepreneurship.
“Entrepreneurship is not merely an avenue for generating income, but a platform to utilize skills, creativity, and heritage so that they endure, flourish, and benefit future generations,” she said during the launch ceremony at the Dayak Chamber Tower.
Nancy also stressed the importance of introducing entrepreneurial thinking to younger people. She said developing the ability to recognise a product’s potential, understand its market and build it into a sustainable source of income could help create longer-term economic opportunities.
The PERANTIS programme, implemented through the Department of Women Development (JPW), also includes a leadership development component. The programme provides mentoring and opportunities for participants to learn from women with experience in different professional and public fields.
Since its implementation in 2024, PERANTIS has mentored 1,247 participants with guidance from 25 women figures across 10 areas. These include political leadership, the economy, social affairs, technology, law, security, well-being, education and health.
Nancy said the experience-sharing element was important in helping participants build confidence and develop the skills needed to take on leadership responsibilities.
“Knowledge breeds confidence, confidence fosters courage, and courage gives rise to authoritative female leaders,” she said.
She encouraged women involved in the programme to maintain and expand their professional networks, exchange knowledge and support others seeking opportunities in business and leadership.
The focus on entrepreneurship also places emphasis on connecting traditional skills and cultural knowledge with contemporary economic activity. For women working with locally inspired products, such an approach can provide a way to preserve elements of heritage while exploring new markets.
The programme’s wider leadership component similarly seeks to expose participants to experiences from different sectors. Mentorship and direct knowledge-sharing are intended to give participants access to practical perspectives on leadership, decision-making and professional development.
The launch was attended by KPWKM Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) Mohamad Daud Muhammad Arif, National Welfare Foundation chief executive officer Nurdina Harun, DCCI vice-president Dr Florince Christy and WESNA Kuching president Dr Carolina Sandra Giang, along with other guests.
PERANTIS-PENDAYA 2.0 is organised by the Women Empowerment and Sustainability Network Association (WESNA) Kuching. The programme combines its entrepreneurship and leadership elements as part of a broader effort to support women’s participation in economic and community development.
