Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI) expanded access to skills-based entrepreneurship by equipping participants with professional cat grooming and business management competencies through the Professional Cat Grooming Programme 2026.
Organised through UniKL’s Centre for Women’s Advancement and Leadership (CWAL), the two-day programme was held on 23 June 2026 to create new employment, entrepreneurship and alternative income opportunities within Malaysia’s growing pet care industry.
Funded by Yayasan UniKL, the community empowerment initiative brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, including youths, working adults, stay-at-home mothers and single parents.
Participants received intensive, hands-on training in professional cat grooming, safe feline handling, hygiene management, animal welfare and basic business management.
The practical learning approach was designed to help them develop market-driven skills that could be applied in employment or transformed into small businesses.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with industry partner Purrfection Catz Grooming Academy, which provided an in-kind sponsorship covering approximately 80 percent of the overall training cost.
The sponsorship included access to professional grooming facilities, specialised equipment, learning materials and experienced trainers. This enabled participants to undergo industry-standard training in a professional environment while reducing financial barriers to participation.
Although cat grooming is not traditionally categorised under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the programme demonstrated how industry-based practical training can support workforce development, employability and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Participants were encouraged to explore business opportunities such as home-based grooming services, mobile pet grooming, pet boarding and dedicated grooming centres, in response to the increasing demand for professional pet care services in Malaysia.
Beyond technical competencies, the initiative supported CWAL’s commitment to women’s empowerment, lifelong learning, social inclusion and entrepreneurship development.
The Professional Cat Grooming Programme 2026 reflects UniKL’s broader commitment to inclusive education and sustainable socio-economic development.
