Malaysian SMEs described the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) as an eye-opening experience in terms of future market planning, as well as benefitting from finding space for their supply chain business.
Kinta Small and Medium Business Sustainability Association (KPKS) Perak president Ooi Kah Biew said the expo provided inspiration, education and opportunities for Malaysian SMEs to go beyond their targets.
“It is eye-opening for us. Let’s hope we can bring some of their technology back to our country. This is part of KPKS’ aim for coming to this expo,” he said, highlighting that KPKS Perak is visiting China to seek opportunities to collaborate with Chinese SMEs.
One of the delegates to China, Hurm Burg Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd executive director Yong Wai Meng said that attending CISCE provided significant benefits as he was able to obtain information on electric vehicle (EV) technology showcased in the expo.
“The technology showcased (at this expo) includes transitioning from traditional cabling to fabric optic in EV development, which is very helpful for our business,” he said.
Furthermore, Jelapang State Legislative Assembly member Cheah Pout Hian urged Malaysian SMEs to leverage international expos such as CISCE and understand the direction of technological developments.
“SMEs can utilise the knowledge gained to adapt their business plans and future direction. This is an eye-opening session, especially in terms of green energy, smart manufacturing, solar photovoltaic-powered green hydrogen and automated optical inspection technologies,” he said.
Meanwhile, a total of 20 companies have been granted nearly RM1.5 million through the Indian Business Accelerator Programme (I-BAP), another SME Corp initiative designed to support small businesses owned by Indian entrepreneurs in Malaysia.
The I-BAP programme, managed by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), offers matching grants of up to RM100,000 to help Indian-owned small businesses improve their capacity, capability and business performance.
KUSKOP Deputy Ministry Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said that this group of recipients is the first batch after the application period closed on 31 October.
“The approved financial assistance amounts to RM6 million but the applications we received totalled almost RM26.14 million.
“For the coming year, I will discuss with KUSKOP Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and SME Corp’s chief executive officer Rizal Nainy and bring the matter to the prime minister to seek a larger allocation for I-BAP,” he explained.
Ramanan also said that 61 applications are still under evaluation, bringing the total number of small businesses owned by Indian entrepreneurs expected to receive financial assistance to over 70.
He noted that the grants cover expenses for purchasing machinery and equipment to improve product quality as well as for boosting productivity and manufacturing efficiency.
Other areas include the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) and e-commerce, the implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, product certification and the execution of marketing and promotional activities.
“The specific allocation for Indian entrepreneurs through I-BAP demonstrates the government’s commitment and seriousness in enhancing the development of the Indian community in line with the MADANI Economic Framework, which aims for a more equitable and inclusive national economic growth.
“With the assistance received, I hope that Indian entrepreneurs can improve efficiency and productivity to increase sales and business profits,” Ramanan added.
One of the grant recipients, R. Abiramee said she received RM62,000 to purchase and repair a fresh milk-based ice cream machine, which she has been operating for over a year in a factory in Shah Alam, Selangor.
“Previously, we imported ice cream from India, but now we make it ourselves in Malaysia. After attending training at SME Corp, I gained a lot of valuable information and I decided to apply for this assistance when the applications opened in October this year,” he pointed out.
