Published: on 18 Jun 2012
IF you've not been exposed to SME products and services before, or are unsure of the importance of SMEs in your daily lives, rest assured that you will be in the last week of June this year.
For the first time in the history of Malaysia, SME Corp will bring to the entire nation a week full of SME activities and promotions: indeed a recognition to all entrepreneurs!
Introducing - "Small Businesses, Big Ideas", the theme of our inaugural SME Week 2012. It was during the National SME Development Council meeting in November 2011 that the big idea of "SME Week" was mooted. It is the brainchild of our beloved prime minister whose wish list included seeing a more monstrous growth of our small- and medium-sized businesses.
Together with my team, we toyed with the idea of nurturing the SME spirit through the "SME Day", akin to how we celebrate Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher's Day, etc.
From 2012 onwards, every fourth week of June, there will be no escaping from our very own home-grown SME products and services. The same song will be sung on June 24 in Terengganu, June 26 in Johor, June 27 in Sarawak, June 28 in Sabah and June 30 in Perak. We will eat, live and breathe "SME" a full week!
Needless to say, the primary aim is to promote the existing products and services of our SMEs, increase awareness and disseminate information, but it is also important to note that the ultimate objective is to nurture the culture of "entrepreneurship" for those who wish to embark on the road less travelled.
Entrepreneurship involves risk-taking and risk-taking is not everyone's cup of tea. But yet, it is only with high risks that one can reap high returns!
The fact that the launch of SME Week will take place during SMIDEX 2012 on June 21 by the prime minister himself, indirectly it will show that the primhoe minister places a great importance in fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship among Malaysians.
Our millionaires and billionaires did not have a full-time job of 9am-5pm. They all started their businesses small first, but had one thing in common, i.e BIG in ideas!
Yes, you may argue not all are successful. In fact some failed, but those with determination from the song "Made of Steel" rebounded. They fell, dusted their knees and ran again. Some lucky ones had all the stars aligned, made their mark in the market place and happened to be at the right place and the right time. Most importantly, it all started with one great idea, which they turned into a successful business model.
Therefore, from June 24 to June 30, SME Week is set to paint the nation red with entrepreneurial activities at all major locations such as airports, hotels and shopping complexes, hypermarkets, universities and not forgetting our lenders - the financial Institutions. Banks whose SME segment is one that contributes largely to the bottom-line will entice future customers with special rates for that limited time.
Entrepreneurship programmes, open days, business matchings, mega sales, exhibitions, demonstrations and carnivals, be it career, financing or travel fair, it will all carry the SME flavour for an entire last week of June!
Eleanor Roosevelt once said: "Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people."
Here at SME Corp, we're big in advocating the power of small. Because small in size, doesn't mean you cannot generate big ideas! That's what great minds are all about.
SME Week must be looked upon as an opportunity for SMEs or yet-to-be SMEs to connect, link and establish business opportunities. That week may just be a turning point in your life, where you will be inspired to start thinking and dreaming Big.
If you have to unleash the giant within, let it happen between June 24 and June 30 this year!
Wishing you a very happy SME Week!
Datuk Hafsah Hashim is the chief executive officer of Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp Malaysia)
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