39 SMEs make their mark

Source From (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/27MARK/Article/

Published: on 28 March 2012
By June Ramlee

A TOTAL of 39 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been certified with the National Mark of Malaysian Brand since the brand recognition was introduced three years ago.

These companies have been rated three-star and above by SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) in its SME Competitive Rating for Enhancement programme.

 "The National Mark of Malaysian brand is a trustmark initiated by the government through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and SME Corp as a recognition to Malaysian products and services of the highest quality, excellence and distinction.

 "We intend to make Malaysian brand products and services to be the preferred choice of both international and domestic customers," said SME Corp chairman Datuk Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid at a media conference yesterday.

To further ensure that the certification is done in a professional manner, SME Corp had collaborated with Sirim Qas International Sdn Bhd, a standards certification body.

SME Corp chief executive Datuk Hafsah Hashim said the purpose of having the recognition is to ensure people's perception that Malaysian SME products and services are of high quality.

"We trademark their brand in 12 countries and at the same time give them various incentives," she said.

 To date, SME Corp has received a total of 85 applications, of which 39 have been given the brand recognition.

Hafsah said more companies will be certified with the brand recognition this year.

Companies with the National Mark logo will have easier access to Brand Promotion Grant. They will also be automatically invited to participate in Malaysia External Trade Development Corp trade missions overseas