Published: on 06 April 2012
By Bilqis Bahari
SME Corp Malaysia, which has been tasked to develop top solid-state lighting (SSL)/light-emitting diodes (LEDs) companies, is offering RM5 million worth of grants for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in SSSL/LEDs to become industry champions.
SME Corp chairman Datuk Dr Mohamed Al Amin Abd Majid said the Green LED Programme seeks to assist SMEs to lead Malaysia in becoming a more energy-efficient country.
"The creation of SSL/LED champions is one among the 15 projects under the Electric and Electrical National Key Economic Area (NKEA) Entry Point Projects (EPPs) and it aims to grow at least five local companies into global champions in technology and manufacturing," he said.
The incentives focus on two areas, mainly for the SMEs to acquire relevant international certifications and purchase of high-level automation machinery.
Interested companies have to fulfil several criteria, including possessing a SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement of at least three stars. Priority will be given to those who have obtained the 1-InnoCERT certification.
Meanwhile, SME Corp chief executive officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim said currently, there are only 30 SSL companies that are considered SMEs.
Out of the 30 companies, she said only five will be selected to become global champions.
"At the moment, we are developing the industry. There are not many players in the SSL industry," she said.
She added that the RM5 million grant came from the Performance Management and Management Unit (Pemandu) and SME Corp is given the responsibility to develop the top five SSL/LED companies.
The programme is the government initiative through the International Trade and Industry Ministry, in collaboration with Green Technology Corporation and Pemandu.
Interested companies are encouraged to take advantage of the incentive and submit their applications through SME Corp's website by May 10.
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