30 Ogos 2025 • Kota Kinabalu • Daily Express - Online

Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick presented a franchise certificate to Praise Music International (PMI), recently.

The recognition highlights the growing role of local education initiatives in shaping Malaysia’s creative industry and nurturing young talent.

PMI, which has trained over 10,000 students nationwide for the past 36 years, is known for making music accessible through its simplified piano learning method.

The franchise certification marks not only a business achievement but also a commitment to quality assurance and standardisation across branches.

It allows teachers from different states to receive the same training, ensuring students nationwide benefit from consistent teaching methods.

According to Pastor Dr. Irene Choon, founder of PMI, the recognition is about more than expanding schools.

“This certificate represents an acknowledgment of the role local educators can play in building character, creativity, and confidence in our young people.

“It is also an encouragement for us to continue contributing to Malaysia’s education landscape,” she said.

Industry observers note that the step reflects a wider trend of home-grown institutions receiving formal recognition, empowering them to create jobs, train teachers, and inspire the next generation through education.

The UDA Holdings Bhd and Perbadanan National Berhad (Pernas) Bizfranchise event at Buhavan Square, Penampang in August showcased the importance of public-private collaboration, as government recognition strengthens trust in local initiatives that serve communities.