Participants of Protégé Kita 2026.
Masterclasses are sometimes misunderstood. To some, they may sound like long sessions filled with theory, dry lessons, and information that feels far removed from everyday business realities. But for those who are open to learning, revisiting familiar topics, and seeing things from a different perspective, masterclasses can offer something far more valuable. They provide practical insights, sharper thinking, and lessons that can be applied directly to real business situations.
Unlike basic training sessions, masterclasses are often led by experienced practitioners who go beyond the fundamentals to share deeper nuances, tested techniques, and industry knowledge shaped by real experience. That was exactly what the Protégé Kita (PK) 2026 Masterclasses set out to do. Over the course of four days, participants heard from industry experts such as Abu Sofian, Hanafi Sam, Kirpal Singh, and Shehzhadee, each bringing valuable perspectives from their respective fields. Their sessions were not simply about passing on information, but about equipping participants with practical ways of thinking and working that could strengthen how they run their businesses.
One topic that may not always seem immediately relevant to entrepreneurs is law. Yet legal awareness can often make the difference between protecting a business and exposing it to avoidable risk. Through his session, Shehzhadee highlighted why understanding contracts, reading the fine print in vendor agreements, safeguarding intellectual property such as brand names and logos, and being aware of employment-related legal matters are all areas that business owners should not ignore. For many participants, it was a timely reminder that legal knowledge is not just about compliance, it is also about protecting what they have worked hard to build.
Marketing, too, is often seen as something quick and instinctive. But without the right strategy, businesses can end up spending money on campaigns that generate attention without producing meaningful leads. In his session, Hanafi Sam unpacked the practical side of marketing, helping participants understand how visibility, audience targeting, and content direction can influence whether views eventually lead to business opportunities. His class showed that marketing is not just about putting content out, it is about doing so with intention, structure, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Kirpal Singh, trainer for Protégé Kita 2026, conducting Financial modules to the participants.
The value of a masterclass lies not just in what is taught, but in how it encourages participants to think more critically about the decisions they make in business. The PK 2026 Masterclasses showed that learning from industry experts is far from a waste of time. When curated well, such sessions can help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes, strengthen decision-making, and build with greater confidence.
This is also where SMCCI’s role becomes important. Beyond organising programmes, SMCCI continues to create platforms that connect members and entrepreneurs to relevant experts, practical knowledge, and industry insights that may otherwise be difficult to access. Through initiatives such as Protégé Kita, SMCCI supports capability development in areas that matter to business owners. This include law and marketing to strategy, operations, and growth readiness. In doing so, the Chamber helps ensure that members are not left to figure things out alone, but are given opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow with stronger support around them. Stay tuned for updates on their journey in their mentorship phase!