About Rural Rise Coaching

Our Story

Rural Rise Coaching was born from a simple observation: rural Malaysia is full of talented, hardworking people with incredible business ideas, but they lack access to the training, networks, and resources that urban entrepreneurs take for granted.

Our founder, Dr. Lim Wei Ming, grew up in a small village in Sarawak. He witnessed firsthand how economic opportunities drove young people away from rural communities, leaving behind aging populations and declining traditions. After building a successful business career in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, he returned home with a mission: to prove that you don't need to leave rural areas to build successful businesses.

In 2020, Dr. Lim launched Rural Rise Coaching with a pilot program serving 15 entrepreneurs across Sabah and Sarawak. The results exceeded all expectations - within one year, 12 of those 15 had launched profitable businesses, creating over 30 jobs in their communities.

Today, Rural Rise Coaching operates across Malaysia, having helped over 250 rural entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. But our success isn't measured just in revenue or jobs created - it's measured in communities revitalized, traditions preserved, and young people choosing to stay and build their futures in rural Malaysia.

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Our Mission

To empower rural Malaysian entrepreneurs with world-class business training, practical tools, and ongoing support needed to build successful, sustainable businesses that create economic opportunities and strengthen their communities.

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Our Vision

A Malaysia where rural communities thrive economically, young people see opportunity at home, traditional crafts and knowledge are valued in modern markets, and rural entrepreneurship is celebrated as a path to prosperity and fulfillment.

Our Journey

2020

Foundation

Rural Rise Coaching founded with pilot program serving 15 entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak. Developed comprehensive curriculum specifically for rural business challenges.

2021

Expansion to Peninsula

Expanded programs to rural areas of Kelantan, Perlis, and Pahang. Launched digital marketing specialization program. Served 85 entrepreneurs, 72 successfully launched businesses.

2022

Recognition & Growth

Received Malaysian Entrepreneurship Excellence Award. Partnered with state governments to provide subsidized coaching. Total entrepreneurs served: 180. Created resources hub with templates and guides.

2023

National Reach

Now operating in all Malaysian states. Launched specialized programs for agro-tourism, handicrafts, and food businesses. Alumni network surpassed 250 entrepreneurs. Cumulative jobs created: 500+.

2024

Innovation & Impact

Introduced hybrid online-offline coaching model. Created advanced programs for scaling businesses. Several alumni businesses now exporting internationally. Featured in national media as model for rural development.

2025

Looking Ahead

Launching mentor network where successful alumni coach new entrepreneurs. Developing ASEAN partnerships to help rural Malaysian businesses access regional markets. Goal: Support 200 new entrepreneurs this year.

Our Values

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Empowerment

We believe in equipping people with knowledge and skills rather than creating dependency. Our goal is to make ourselves unnecessary as entrepreneurs become self-sufficient.

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Sustainability

We promote business models that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable long-term, and strengthen rather than exploit rural communities.

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Authenticity

Rural entrepreneurs' authentic stories, traditional knowledge, and unique perspectives are competitive advantages, not limitations to overcome.

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Excellence

We provide world-class training and support. Rural entrepreneurs deserve the same quality of education and resources as their urban counterparts.

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Community

Business success should strengthen communities, not just individuals. We encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among entrepreneurs.

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Innovation

We constantly innovate our teaching methods and programs based on feedback, results, and changing market conditions to serve entrepreneurs better.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Lim Wei Ming

Founder & CEO

Former corporate executive turned social entrepreneur. PhD in Business Management from Universiti Malaya. 20+ years experience in business development and strategy. Passionate about rural economic development.

Azura Hassan

Director of Programs

15 years experience in entrepreneurship training and development. Specializes in curriculum design for adult learners. Former head of SME development at a leading Malaysian bank.

Marcus Tan

Head of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing expert with focus on e-commerce and social media. Helps rural businesses leverage technology to reach broader markets. 10+ years agency and in-house experience.

Priya Chandran

Financial Coach

Chartered accountant specializing in small business finance. Makes financial management accessible and practical for non-financial entrepreneurs. Author of "Money Matters for Micro Businesses."

Rahman Abdullah

Business Strategy Coach

Former entrepreneur who built and sold two successful businesses. Brings real-world experience and practical advice. Specializes in market expansion and scaling strategies.

Siti Nurhaliza

Community Engagement Manager

Rural development specialist with deep understanding of community dynamics. Builds partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and local organizations to support entrepreneurs.

Ready to Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

Join hundreds of rural entrepreneurs who have transformed their lives and communities with Rural Rise Coaching.

Get Started Today