Key Highlights:
- 29 MAF veteran entrepreneurs completed LTAT’s inaugural Usahawan Wira Empowerment Programme with an average 216% income increase within six months.
- Phase 2 launched to expand the programme across Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak, empowering over 35 new veteran entrepreneurs.
- LTAT Group of Companies reinforces MAF welfare ecosystem through initiatives by BHPetrol, Affin Bank, and Boustead Hotels & Resorts under the Ekonomi MADANI and GEAR-UP “Raise the Floor” agenda.
BUTTERWORTH, PENANG, 17 OCTOBER 2025 – Armed Forces Fund Board (“LTAT”) today marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of its inaugural Usahawan Wira Empowerment Programme 2024/2025, designed to enhance the socio-economic resilience and entrepreneurial capacity of Malaysian Armed Forces (“MAF”) veterans.
Held in conjunction with Jelajah Wira LTAT 2025: Northern Edition at Pangkalan Udara Butterworth, the ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Defence, YB Tuan Haji Adly Zahari, alongside LTAT’s Chairman, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Azizan Ariffin TUDM, Chief Executive, En. Mohamad Ashraf Md. Radzi, the Deputy Chief of Air Force, Lieutenant General Dato’ Nur Hafis Abdul Karim RMAF, Commander of the Butterworth Air Force Base, Brigadier General Tan Lai Hock RMAF and senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence and LTAT’s Group of Companies.
The event also marked the launch of Usahawan Wira LTAT 2025/2026, expanding the programme’s footprint to Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak in support of the Ekonomi MADANI and GEAR-UP “Raise the Floor” agenda.
The inaugural phase delivered strong measurable results, with a total of 29 MAF veteran entrepreneurs completing six months of training and mentorship, recording an average 216% increase in income, alongside substantial improvements in business acumen and financial literacy. Beyond financial outcomes, the programme also fostered greater confidence, stronger family well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose among participants, signalling a holistic model of post-service empowerment.
“Programmes like LTAT’s Usahawan Wira Empowerment Program reflect our long-term vision to uplift the welfare of our nation’s heroes. It is a comprehensive empowerment model that builds resilience and promotes sustainable well-being among our veteran community,” said LTAT’s Chief Executive En. Mohamad Ashraf Md. Radzi.
Following the strong outcomes of the inaugural phase, LTAT is now rolling out Usahawan Wira LTAT 2025/2026, which will engage over 35 new MAF veteran entrepreneurs identified through collaboration with PERHEBAT. The upcoming phase will combine digital and in-person mentoring over six months, focusing on financial literacy, innovation, and market access to strengthen MAF veteran-led enterprises across the northern region.
He emphasised that the Usahawan Wira exemplifies LTAT’s broader commitment under Ekonomi MADANI, strengthening financial inclusion and promoting equitable growth through entrepreneurship. “The success of this programme shows how financial empowerment and social progress can move in tandem within one ecosystem,” Mohammad Ashraf added.
The ceremony also showcased LTAT Group’s integrated support ecosystem through complementary initiatives by its subsidiaries. Under the Kem Santuni MADANI initiative, BHPetrol completed a RM100,000 infrastructure enhancement project at KAFA Surau Al-Falah, Bagan Lalang, Butterworth, benefiting nearly 70 MAF children and residents with upgraded facilities.
The Deputy Defence Minister also announced the Affin Perkasa initiative by Affin Bank Berhad, offering tailored financial products for Armed Forces personnel, and Boustead Hotels & Resorts’ Royale Warisan Loyalty Programme, which provides exclusive hospitality privileges for veterans and their families.
Together, these efforts demonstrate the LTAT and its Group of companies’ unified commitment to strengthening financial security, community well-being, and sustainable livelihoods for Malaysia’s service members, embodying the spirit of Ekonomi MADANI aspirations. LTAT remains steadfast in its mission to protect, empower, and uplift the MAF community, from service to success, and beyond.
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About the Armed Forces Fund Board (“LTAT”)
Established in August 1972 under the Armed Forces Fund Act (also known as Act 101), the Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (“LTAT”) is a statutory body which manages the retirement fund for officers and members of other ranks of the Malaysian Armed Forces (“MAF”) and the veterans. For more information on LTAT, visit www.ltat.gov.my.
