About Us - Association Of Malay Entrepreneurs

Association Of Malay Entrepreneurs - KESUMA

Association Of Malay Entrepreneurs - KESUMA

OUR VISION & MISSION
To instil entrepreneurs spirit among Singaporean and to create Business Networking
Empowering the underprivileged in Singapore through Enterprise
The Association of Malay Entrepreneurs (KESUMA) is a not-for-profit organisation registered with the Registry of Societies in Singapore since 2003. We support underserved communities, including at-risk youth, single-parent families, and low-income individuals, through long-term empowerment rather than short-term aid.
Our mission is to transform lives by equipping beneficiaries with entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and mentorship, enabling them to become self-reliant and business-minded individuals. Through our programmes, competitions, and mentorship initiatives, many of our participants have gone on to lead and own their own businesses.
Our Story
Empowering Entrepreneurs Since 2003
KESUMA was conceptualised in 2002 during a visit to Singapore by Mahathir Mohamad. Following discussions with Mr. Ibrahim Ariff, the vision of building a strong entrepreneurial platform took shape.
In June 2003, KESUMA was officially registered as a non-profit organization with the Registry of Societies in Singapore.
Since then, KESUMA has grown into an inclusive association open to entrepreneurs and corporate members across Singapore, regardless of race or religion.
What We Do
We empower entrepreneurs through:
Business seminars & professional courses
Overseas study missions
Global networking opportunities
Entrepreneurship events for youth
Trade linkages with overseas government agencies
Our Purpose
We exist to develop capable, competitive entrepreneurs and to strengthen Singapore’s business ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and global engagement.
Dr. Ibrahim Ariff
(President)

Mrs Milah H Bakri
(Secretary)

Mr Karim
(treasurer)

Mr Aziz Hassan (Committee Members)

Dr. Raden Supardi Budiyono
(Committee Members)

Mrs Ariana Burhanuddin
(Committee Members)

Mrs Nur Diyana Binte Taha
(Committee Members)

S M Hussain
(Committee Members)
Article in Zao Bao – 8 January 2018
ZB (8 Jan, p7), “7 WeCare PALs pledge to give back 5,000 community hours this year”
Seven organisations from the ethnic sector pledged to contribute 5,000 hours to help the community at the event. The two-day exhibition at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) also aimed to introduce these PA partners and their activities to residents.
Madam Zainon Arshad, a beneficiary of the PA-Kesuma Entrepreneurship programme, was featured. She had attended four lessons in November 2017 to pick up entrepreneurship skills. She added that she was grateful as the programme had helped her hone her skills needed for her pastry and online cosmetics businesses, and gave her a chance to sell her things at OTH’s flea market. The income earned helped to lessen her family’s financial burden. Mr Desmond Choo, Adviser to Tampines GRC GROs, said that such partnerships would benefit more residents as well as strengthen the community care foundation and its network.
Straits Times – Published 22/1/2018
ST (22 Jan, B6), “No sitting after loss of both legs”
The Straits Times featured 50-year-old Madam Zainon Arshad, who had both her legs amputated because of her diabetes and had to go for dialysis three times a week because of her kidney failure. Due to her condition, she had to leave her job as a school clerk and also found it difficult to care for her three sons, one of whom has cerebral palsy.
However, instead of relying solely on her husband’s income, Madam Zainon wanted to do something to contribute to the family. She started a home bakery business using the skills she picked up from Muslim Kidney Action Association’s courses and PA-Kesuma Entrepreneurship Programme. Kesuma, one of PA’s community partners, launched a WeCare PALS Give-Back initiative at the start of the month, pledging to clock 5,000 hours of community service. The programme taught Madam Zainon skills such as online marketing. She currently showcases her products on her Facebook page and shared that she was glad to be able to contribute to the household finances with the money made from selling these home-made products.