By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Aug 4: The popular Program Usahawan Makan Miri (UMAMI) is back for its second year, offering aspiring food entrepreneurs from B40 and underserved communities in Miri the chance to turn their cooking skills into sustainable income-generating businesses.
Launched by SAGO Group and supported by the Hong Leong Foundation, UMAMI 2025 is now open for applications until Aug 13.
The 10-week incubator programme equips participants with hands-on training, business skills, mentorship, and exposure to real-world food events. Whether selling kek lapis from home, operating a street stall, or catering from a village kitchen, participants will gain support to build and grow their ventures with confidence.
Officiating the launch today, Miri City Council (MCC) Mayor Adam Yii hailed UMAMI as a platform that brings dignity through work, culture, and creativity.
He said the programme aligns Miri Smart City Blueprint and Greater Miri Development Masterplan, focusing on sustainable SMEs, inclusive growth and the creative economy.
“To our local businesses, chambers of commerce, and community groups: your support will multiply UMAMI’s reach. Offer your kitchens for pop-ups, host guest talks or help place graduates in your supply chains.
“By working together, we can build a more vibrant, resilient ecosystem for food entrepreneurs,” he said in speech text shared later to DayakDaily.
This year’s programme will offer deeper coaching, stronger alumni support, strategic partnerships, and better access to markets. Participants will learn how to manage costs, improve food safety, create digital content, and navigate real F&B challenges.
In 2024, six participants completed the programme with a 100 per cent graduation rate, generating RM136,218 in revenue within just six months. They co-catered a 3,500-pax Chinese New Year Open House, with individual earnings averaging RM8,000.
SAGO is also seeking contributions from stakeholders including hotels, suppliers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community leaders to help grow the initiative.
Aspiring entrepreneurs in Miri who are passionate about food and ready to take the next step are encouraged to apply online at sagoinc.my by Aug 13, 2025. – DayakDaily
