DU@NCER is a CATALYTIC GRANT designed for qualified Bumiputera SMEs to explore new investments or business expansions in line with NCER’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP2021-2025) and the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12). DU offers grants up to 15% of qualifying project costs or a maximum of RM2 million (whichever is lower) to applicants involved in NCER’s key economic clusters while creating economic impact and spill overs.

The programme’s main objectives include:

• Helping bridge the economic gap between regions through the development of catalyst projects located in special areas as well as less developed areas (LDAs) of NCER.
• Enhancing Bumiputera companies’ capabilities to excel in a competitive environment by creating job opportunities for skilled & semi-skilled workforce as well as new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
• Creating a high multiplier effect within the NCER through business activities that provide an economic spill over for the surrounding communities.

To qualify, the qualifying project cost (QPC) should be at minimum RM1,500,000 for physical development projects, RM250,000 for purchase of machineries, equipment & vehicle as well as costs relating to digital economy activities.

The approved funding shall be disbursed in three stages: initial (10%) and project progress of 50% and 100%.