Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) delivered RM21 million in franchise financing to 69 Bumiputera franchise entrepreneurs during BizFrancais 2026, held in conjunction with the Penang International Halal Expo (PIHEX) 2026.
The financing, ranging from RM40,000 to RM1 million per recipient, will support entrepreneurs across the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, covering Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak.
BizFrancais 2026, held from 24 to 26 July, brought together 25 franchise brands under Pernas’ guidance. Participating brands include Bonda Learning Centre, Bateriku, City Coin Laundry, Genius Aulad, Yumi Food and XG Coating.
By staging the event alongside PIHEX 2026, which features more than 200 exhibitors from across the halal industry, BizFrancais 2026 created a platform connecting Malaysia’s franchise and halal sectors.
Pernas chief executive officer Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib said the agency remains committed to developing competitive and strong Bumiputera franchise entrepreneurs through financing, capacity-building programmes and business development support.
“In 2025, Pernas disbursed RM16.28 million in financing to Bumiputera franchise entrepreneurs. For 2026, we aim to support 150 entrepreneurs with an estimated total financing of RM41 million,” he said.
“This target reflects our continued commitment to nurturing more competitive and strong Bumiputera franchise entrepreneurs who are well-positioned to grow and scale their businesses.”
The financing initiative is aimed at helping entrepreneurs establish, grow and scale their franchise businesses while increasing Bumiputera participation and equity ownership in the franchise industry.
Beyond financing, BizFrancais 2026 served as a development platform offering business advisory services, franchise development programmes, entrepreneurship training and networking opportunities with industry players.
Visitors could explore franchise opportunities across various sectors including food and beverage, education, healthcare, beauty, services and technology.
Pernas plans to continue the BizFrancais series in several locations including Sabah and Sarawak in September 2026. The initiative aims to provide more aspiring entrepreneurs with access to financing, capacity-building programmes and opportunities to grow through the franchise business model.
Pernas is a company wholly owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated with the mandate to develop Malaysia’s franchise industry and support the nation’s entrepreneurial community.
