How SMEs can ensure great customer service

These five simple steps will help small businesses to give their increasingly discerning customers exactly what they want.

Source from (The Guardian): http://www.guardian.co.uk/small-business-network/2013/apr/29/efficient-customer-service-improvement
Published: April 30, 2013


One step at a time is the way to building up new channels such 
as social media. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

I work with countless small businesses up and down the country and whether you're running a team of four or a team of 250, I'm hearing one clear message: with increasing competition, customers are becoming more discerning.

They are hungry for information and this places greater importance on customer service. Armed with more options and more choice, customers' expectations of the service they receive are constantly rising.

At the same time, it's probable that the budgets you have available to improve your customer service are dwindling; or will at least remain flat.

Two major questions crop up when looking at how to improve customer service:

• How do you make best use of limited resources to deliver the best possible service today?

• How do you invest wisely to adapt to rapidly changing customer behaviour – which often involves communicating with businesses via social media – while also making sure you keep a long-term grip on the basics that really matter to your customers?

This is a conundrum that faces organisations of all sizes but with some careful planning, it's one that you can start to solve. For me, there are five steps that you can take to deliver fabulous customer service without compromising resources.

The beautiful basics

These days, both large and small businesses are placing increasing emphasis on social and digital communication. However, research commissioned by Vodafone UK shows that people still want to communicate by phone, email or in person. So make sure your customers are always able to contact you on their terms. For most businesses this will mean keeping these core elements as the bedrock of any multichannel or social media strategy.

Feedback, feedback, feedback

Above all, customers want their issues resolved satisfactorily. Companies that solve problems successfully know what both delights and irritates their customers at every single stage of their journey. To help achieve this goal, consider investing more time gathering detailed customer feedback. An easy way for small businesses to do this is by gathering feedback and intelligence via social media.

Social media – do more with less

In addition to helping you to understand how your customers feel about you, social media can also drive new efficiencies. Used as part of your overall service mix, social media have great potential to cut costs within your customer service operation: for example, by giving people an alternative to calling. Small businesses could consider taking this a step further, using social media to build an in-depth customer service capability that will help you work around any potential limited capacity to take calls.

Break down walls

Great customer service is carried out by individuals who feel like they have full responsibility for resolving issues. Equally, great customer service is characterised by a seamless experience regardless of whether it's delivered in a shop, on a PC or on the phone. Are there ways you can help staff share knowledge and insight? Job shadowing across departments or areas of the business might be a good place to start. Making sure managers spend time on customer service issues is even better.

Simple steps to success

Whether you are thinking about adding new channels like social media right now, or simply have them on the to-do list, the key thing to remember is to take it one step at a time. Make a small start, gather feedback along the way, and refine your efforts as you move forward. And remember, just like your business or your phone lines, social media doesn't necessarily have to be 24/7. It's ok to set expectations. Some of the biggest companies in the world confine their social media customer service to office opening hours. If that's the way you prefer it, it's ok for you to do so too.

Peter Boucher is the enterprise commercial marketing director for Vodafone UK

Pinjaman RM2j untuk industri fesyen

PENGGIAT industri fesyen boleh menerima pinjaman sehingga RM2 juta yang diperkenalkan melalui MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd (MyCreative) bagi mengembangkan lagi industri tersebut di negara ini.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/pinjaman-rm2j-untuk-industri-fesyen-1.155389
Published: April 30, 2013


Program Fashion Pitch menawarkan bantuan dana RM2 juta.

Syarikat pelaburan kerajaan itu menjalin kerjasama dengan FashionValet Sdn Bhd (FashionValet) bagi mengumumkan inisiatif itu bagi memberi peluang kepada penggiat fesyen membentangkan idea dan kreativiti mereka untuk menjalankan perniagaan dalam bidang fesyen.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MyCreative, Johan Ishak berkata, program dikenali sebagai Fashion Pitch itu diwujudkan untuk meningkatkan daya tarikan industri fesyen dalam negara.

"Fashion Pitch ini adalah cara untuk menjadikan industri fesyen sebagai antara penyumbang kepada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK).

"Peserta yang berminat perlu mengemukakan cadangan dan permohonan pada 31 Mei 2013 dan mestilah warganegara Malaysia berumur 18 tahun ke atas serta mempunyai minat dalam industri fesyen," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

Menurut Johan, calon tersenarai akan dipanggil untuk sesi pembentangan pada Jun depan dan peserta yang berjaya layak memohon pinjaman MyCreative sehingga RM2 juta.

MyCreative adalah cabang pelaburan kerajaan untuk merangsang industri kreatif Malaysia melalui pembiayaan strategik dan inovatif dalam bentuk pelaburan ekuiti atau hutang.

Government Is Not Gender Bias In Supporting Local Entrepreneurs, Says Rafidah

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The government have set up good infrastructure and support systems for local entrepreneurs to grow and does not practice gender discrimination, says former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=945304
Published: April 28, 2013

She said the current achievements of the small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as, the more organised nature of women entrepreneur associations, was very impressive.

"Most of our SMEs are domestic-oriented, however, there are a few who have gone beyond the borders.

"We encourage them to continue with this linkages within the region and go into areas that have a future for them in order to grow their businesses," she told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Regional Convention here Friday.

On a regional basis, Rafidah said SMEs should set up focal points in each country by collating essential business framework and keep themselves abreast with regulations in those countries.

"If they understand how the system works in these different countries, they will not be held back in their businesses," she said.

She emphasied that women entrepreneurs themselves must move away from discussing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs because the market place was gender neutral.

"The issues that matter in business is competitively priced products, delivery schedules and quality," Rafidah added.

The one-day convention, entitled "Access to Trade and Growth of Women SMEs in APEC Developing Economies", was hosted by the Asia Foundation and the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

Kerajaan Tidak Amal Diskriminasi Jantina Dalam Menyokong Usahawan Tempatan, Kata Rafidah

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 April (Bernama) -- Kerajaan telah menubuhkan prasarana dan sistem sokongan yang baik bagi usahawan tempatan untuk berkembang dan tidak mengamalkan diskriminasi jantina, kata bekas Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/Ekosistemperniagaanbaiksokongusahawanwanita/Article/index_html
Published: April 28, 2013

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=945338
Published: April 28, 2013

Beliau berkata pencapaian perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) sekarang serta ciri-ciri persatuan usahawan wanita yang lebih teratur, sangat mengagumkan.

"Kebanyakan PKS kita berorientasikan domestik, bagaimanapun, terdapat beberapa yang telah melangkaui sempadan.

"Kami menggalakkan mereka untuk meneruskan hubungan mereka dalam rantau ini dan meneroka bahagian yang mempunyai masa depan bagi mereka untuk mengembangkan perniagaan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan ucap tama di Konvensyen Serantau Kerjasama Ekonomi Asia Pasifik (APEC), di sini, Jumaat.

Bagi asas serantau, Rafidah berkata PKS harus menubuhkan pusat tumpuan utama di setiap negara dengan menyemak rangka kerja perniagaan penting dan peka dengan perkembangan peraturan di negara-negara tersebut.

"Sekiranya mereka memahami bagaimana sistem berfungsi di negara-negara berbeza ini, mereka tidak akan teragak-agak dalam perniagaan mereka," katanya.

Beliau menegaskan bahawa usahawan wanita itu sendiri perlu mengelak daripada membincangkan cabaran yang dihadapi usahawan wanita kerana pasaran tidak berpihak kepada mana-mana jantina.

"Isu yang penting dalam perniagaan ialah produk berharga kompetitif, jadual penghantaran dan kualiti," kata Rafidah.

Konvensyen sehari itu yang bertajuk "Akses kepada Perdagangan dan Pertumbuhan PKS Wanita dalam Ekonomi Sedang Pesat Membangun APEC", dihoskan oleh Asia Foundation dan Persatuan Kebangsaan Usahawan Wanita Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

Flourishing SMEs in the kampung

JUST as I was about to go to bed last Sunday night, I got a phone call at 1.30am, saying that about 200 supporters of one political party were ready to jump ship and if I was interested in the story.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/26/business/13025498&sec=business
Published: April 26, 2013


Favourite hangout: The coastline in Sekinchan – a favourite place for the villagers to hang out.

They seek to take their businesses to greater heights post-GE

Being the troopers that we were, we (me and my colleague Foon Fong) were on the road headed to the scene virtually in minutes. Fortunately, two boys in the lobby of the hotel we were staying in were willing to take us there, about 3km off Sekinchan town. Once off the main road, we were on a slip road travelling through an oil palm plantation. It was pitch dark other than the beams from our headlights and the motorbike ahead of us.

That was Sungai Leman, and the change of banners at the Bilik Gerakan was just about to take place, with 20 people at the scene rather than the 200 mentioned earlier.

The following night, a nearby Bilik Gerakan was doused with a petrol bomb. Fortunately, no one was hurt and no major damage was recorded.

And that was as much excitement as we could get on our 13th general election (GE) campaign trail.

Sekinchan is a little town in the middle of the main rice bowl of Selangor, in the Sabak Bernam (SB) district. It is one of the major rice-producing areas in the country, and the total farming land paddy and fruits is about 1,740ha.

It is also a popular fishing village, and over the weekends, the main restaurants are packed with people from out of Sekinchan, especially those from Klang, Tanjung Karang, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.

All kinds of seafood are available, and fresh to boot. The fishermen leave for the sea in the dead of the night and are back after 10-16 hours with all kinds of catches. Their fishing trawlers are worth anything from RM250,000 to RM1mil and there is apparently only one man in Sekinchan who hand-makes the trawlers now. And much depends on the sea tide, which plays an important role in their catch.

Moving on, SB is a 35-minute drive from Sekinchan, one-way.

Along the main road, there are several stalls selling dodol, mentarang (although they are not in season, sign boards are everywhere), a variety of cendol like cendol pulut, cendol durian and cendol bakar, and even karipap, monster-sized.

In SB, towns like Sungai Air Tawar have miles and miles of banana and coconut plantations, and hence, cendol stalls are aplenty, because the key ingredient of this popular dessert is coconut. Keropok and kerepek pisang are also aplenty on sale here.

Coconut and banana trees are planted almost everywhere in Sekinchan and SB, but a lot of the land for coconut trees has also been converted to oil palm estates.

Surprisingly, there is a famous cookie enterprise off the beaten track in Sungai Air Tawar, which is about 20km from the main Sekinchan/SB road. Finding the place was a long drive along kampung roads but well worth it, as Hashimah's cookies are even sold in Mydin stores.

For someone living in remote Sungai Air Tawar, she has done well. During festive seasons, her orders are worth RM1.5mil. Her sister, Habshah, is also into the same business a km away, and there are a few kerepek pisang makers and a new entrepreneur who makes popiah rolls as well. Hashimah's trade secret is “do not compromise on quality and keep clean, and the orders will just roll in”.

Just outside Sekinchan, there is a natta de coco maker, a young Malay man who quit his job at the UEM group to venture into the business.

All these businesses give rise to jobs in the kampung. Some of them are fishermen and some of them are growers, but the common thread that binds them is their instinct to survive, and thrive. Out of this group, there are many who have become millionaires, who still move in the kampung folk circles.

And amidst the election fever, where the humble kampung road is heavily decorated with flags, posters, buntings and other election paraphernalia, these folk are busy going about their daily chores. But the one thing that they would want to know is: How can they take their business to greater heights post-GE?

Deputy news editor B.K. Sidhu says she has had enough of seafood after three days.

Labur dana RM40j - PNS

Kuala Lumpur: Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PNS) memperuntukkan dana RM40 juta untuk dilaburkan ke dalam syarikat francais berdaya saing menerusi pembelian ekuiti bagi meningkatkan nilai aset perniagaannya, sekali gus dapat membantu membangunkan industri berkenaan.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/LaburdanaRM40j/Article/index_html
Published: April 26, 2013

Syarikat berkenaan yang kini masih di dalam proses perbincangan dan masih belum dapat diumumkan keputusan muktamadnya, tetapi dijangka membabitkan syarikat tempatan dalam sektor makanan dan minuman serta perkhidmatan.

Pengarah Urusannya Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Zainol Khodki Shahabudin berkata, pelaburan di dalam syarikat berkenaan salah satu strategi yang dilaksanakan PNS bagi menambah dana pembiayaan kepada usahawan francais di negara ini.

Beliau berkata, setakat Januari lalu PNS membuat pelaburan di dalam 12 syarikat tempatan antaranya Alpha Precision Turning & Engineering Sdn Bhd, Tatt Giap Group Bhd, Focus Point Holdings Bhd dan IRIS Corporation Bhd.

“Pelaburan di dalam syarikat berdaya saing satu daripada cabang perniagaan yang dilaksanakan PNS bagi menjana pendapatan perbadanan selain dalam bidang hartanah, makanan dan minuman serta pembiayaan.

“Ini sejajar dengan usaha kami bagi membantu usahawan di dalam bidang francais terus mendapat bantuan untuk memperluaskan perniagaan mereka dan sekali gus membantu menjadikan negara berstatus maju pada masa depan,” katanya.

Di dalam tiga segmen perniagaan yang dijalankan PNS, pembiayaan menyumbang hanya 30 peratus berbanding pelaburan dan hartanah kepada pihaknya.

Menurutnya, dalam bidang hartanah pihaknya membuat pelaburan di dalam beberapa projek pembangunan komersial terdiri daripada pusat perniagaan, peruncitan dan pasar raya untuk disewakan kepada orang awam. “Sebagai langkah untuk membantu usahawan francais RM10 juta diperuntukkan bagi pelaburan hartanah dalam bentuk tanah kosong dan kedai yang dibeli boleh disewa kepada mereka menerusi konsep sewa beli,” katanya.

FAMA Grooms 248 Entrepreneurs For SMI In Last Seven Years

KUALA TERENGGANU, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) Terengganu has succeeded in grooming 248 entrepreneurs for the small and medium industry in the state in the past seven years.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=945094
Published: April 26, 2013

Its state director, Hasan Jusoh, said most of the entrepreneurs were involved in food and drink sector and seven among them had capital of over RM1 million.

"All the entrepreneurs under Fama's guidance can be considered successful," he told Bernama here Thursday.

Hasan said last year the sales of these entrepreneurs were estimated at over RM36 million.

He said this year, Fama planned to groom four 1Malaysia Best entrepreneurs.

Hasan said Fama planned to hold a carnival for primary industry produce in Kemaman.

"The objectives are to introduce and promote the produce of the local entrepreneurs.

"It will also serve as an avenue for the entrepreneurs to widen their market," he said.

-- BERNAMA 

Fama Terengganu Berjaya Lahir 248 Usahawan PKS

KUALA TERENGGANU, 25 April (Bernama) -- Lembaga Pemasaran Pertanian Persekutuan (Fama) Terengganu telah berjaya melahirkan 248 orang usahawan dalam bidang Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) di negeri ini dalam masa tujuh tahun lalu.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=945100
Published: April 26, 2013

Pengarah Fama Negeri Hasan Jusoh berkata kebanyakan usahawan itu bergiat dalam bidang makanan dan minuman, dengan sembilan daripada mereka mempunyai modal melebihi RM1 juta.

"Semua usahawan di bawah bimbingan Fama itu boleh dianggap berjaya," katanya kepada Bernama., sambil menyatakan bahawa pada tahun lepas, nilai jualan mereka dianggarkan melebihi RM36 juta.

Pada tahun ini, katanya Fama merancang melahirkan empat orang usahawan 1Malaysia Best.

Selain itu, beliau berkata Fama akan mengadakan karnival industri asas tani daerah Kemaman di tapak letak kereta Pejabat Daerah Kemaman esok.

Program itu bertujuan memperkenalkan dan mempromosikan produk keluaran usahawan tempatan kepada pengguna dan sebagai ruang bagi usahawan untuk meluaskan pasaran, katanya.

Menurutnya, yang lebih penting ia menjadi medan bagi menjalinkan hubungan perniagaan antara usahawan dan pemborong dan peruncit.

Hasan berkata program sehari itu akan dipenuhi dengan pelbagai aktiviti seperti jualan, demonstrasi masakan dan ujian rasa produk, yang dijangka disertai 40 usahawan termasuk dari luar Terengganu.

-- BERNAMA 

Govt praised for work in facilitating entrepreneurs

PETALING JAYA: The government has done a good job in facilitating entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, and continuity of this effort is important, said MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/26/business/13025796&sec=business
Published: April 26, 2013

MyCreative Ventures, a government investment arm, was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in September last year to spur Malaysia’s creative industry via strategic and innovative funding.

Its chief executive officer Johan Ishak said the agency had received more than 70 applications for funding, and would announce the first tranche of 10 investees selected soon.

“The RM200mil allocated by the government in the last budget is enough because our creative industry comprises mostly small players,” he told a press conference at the New Entrepreneurs Foundation’s (myNEF) Chill Creative Chat programme.

Foreign companies such as FOX International Channels have also been impressed by the Malaysian government’s aggressiveness and support towards developing the businesses of small players in the media industry, compared with its regional peers.

“That is why we have established a local office here, and want to really be a part of this ecosystem,” said its programming vice-president, Eddy Tan.

Meanwhile, myNEF chief executive officer Muhammad Ferdaus Johar said in terms of funding sources, the government had made it easier for creative content entrepreneurs through agencies like MyCreative Ventures and Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd.

“While funding is no longer a major issue, many projects failed to materialise because the content was not in line with the broadcaster’s needs. “We hope to bridge the gap between content provider and potential buyers,” he added.

myNEF, which currently has over 750 entrepreneurs registered with it, aims to have 1,000 by May and 3,000 in the next three years, through various programmes developed under its purview. — Bernama

SME Contribution To GDP Expected To Grow To 33 Per Cent This Year

PUTRAJAYA: SME Corp expects local small-and-medium enterprises’ contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year to grow to 33%, considering its current growth momentum and the country’s healthy economy.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=944724
Published: April 25, 2013

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/25/business/13020712&sec=business
Published: April 25, 2013

Chief Executive Officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim said the healthy Malaysian economy has allowed the sector to consistently exceed the economy's growth rate, showcasing the country's SMEs as a force to be reckoned with.

"In 2011, the sector's contribution to GDP amounted to 32.5 per cent and we are on track to achieve the target of 40 per cent GDP contribution by 2020 through the SME masterplan," she told reporters here today.

She was speaking to reporters after the soft launch of the fourth Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2013, to be hosted by Malaysia in October.

Hafsah noted that if the local economy grows at 5.5 per cent this year, the SME sector would be able to grow between 6.5 per cent and seven per cent.

On the GES, she said it is a platform for entrepreneurs to share experience, showcase their capabilities in doing business and network with other entrepreneurs.

"This platform, this time around hosted by Malaysia, will allow local entrepreneurs the opportunity to take part in business matching sessions with international SMEs," she added.

Topics to be discussed at the summit include women entrepreneurs, information communications and technology, start-up companies and the halal industry.

-- BERNAMA

Sumbangan PKS Kepada KDNK Dijangka Meningkat Kepada 33 Peratus Tahun Ini

PUTRAJAYA, 24 April (Bernama) -- SME Corp menjangka sumbangan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) tempatan kepada keluaran dalam negara kasar (KDNK) negara tahun ini untuk tumbuh kepada 33 peratus, melihat kepada momentum pertumbuhannya dan ekonomi negara semasa yang kukuh.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=944749
Published: April 25, 2013

Ketua pegawai eksekutif Datuk Hafsah Hashim berkata ekonomi Malaysia yang kukuh membolehkan sektor itu terus mengatasi kadar pertumbuhan ekonomi, membuktikan sektor PKS negara tidak boleh dipandang ringan.

"Pada 2011, sumbangan sektor itu kepada KDNK berjumlah 32.5 peratus dan kami sedia mencapai sasaran 40 peratus sumbangan KDNK menjelang 2020 menerusi pelan induk SME," katanya kepada pemberita di sini Rabu.

Beliau bercakap kepada pemberita selepas pelancaran awal Sidang Kemuncak Keusahawanan Global (GES) 2013, yang akan dianjurkan oleh Malaysia pada Oktober.

Hafsah berkata jika ekonomi tempatan tumbuh pada 5.5 peratus tahun ini, sektor SME boleh tumbuh antara 6.5 peratus dan tujuh peratus.

Mengenai GES, beliau berkata ia adalah satu wadah untuk para usahawan berkongsi pengalaman dan menunjukkan keupayaan mereka dalam melaksanakan perniagaan dan membina jaringan dengan lain-lain usahawan.

Antara topik yang akan dibincangkan pada sidang kemuncak adalah usahawan wanita, teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi, syarikat permulaan dan industri halal.

-- BERNAMA

ACCCIM Conference Aims To Boost Business, Trade Networking

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The 2nd Young Entrepreneurs Conference 2013 aims to strengthen business and trade networking, as well as to enhance networking, said The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=944735
Published: April 25, 2013

Its president, Datuk Lim Kok Cheong, said the conference also aimed to encourage greater participation from young entrepreneurs in ACCIM's activities and programmes.

He said the conference, themed "Create Global Branding Through Youth Innovation", would be held on June 21 at the Riverside Majestic Hotel in Sarawak.

Lim said ACCCIM has invited several entrepreneurs in the country to share their insights in respect of 'branding', as well as their valuable experience and respective success stories of their brands in the international market.

"It will help enhance young entrepreneur's brand awareness, learning how to create corporate brand and creating business value," he said at a media briefing here today.

He said many entrepreneurs misunderstood that branding was just advertising, and creating a brand would need an investment of a large sum of money.

"In fact, this is a misconception. The corporate brand is a symbol of the product, a guarantee for credibility and quality of the product," he said.

The conference will be in Mandarin and complemented by English.

-- BERNAMA 

Persidangan ACCCIM Mahu Tingkatkan Perniagaan, Rangkaian Perdagangan

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 April 24 (Bernama) -- Persidangan Usahawan Muda 2013 yang kedua bertujuan mengukuhkan perniagaan dan rangkaian perdagangan serta meningkatkan perangkaian, demikian menurut Dewan Perdagangan dan Perindustrian Cina Bersekutu Malaysia (ACCCIM).

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=944784
Published: April 25, 2013

Presidennya, Datuk Lim Kok Cheong berkata persidangan itu berhasrat menggalakkan penyertaan yang lebih besar di kalangan usahawan muda dalam aktiviti dan program ACCIM.

Beliau berkata persidangan yang bertemakan "Mewujudkan Penjenamaan Global menerusi Inovasi Muda" akan diadakan pada 21 Jun di Hotel Riverside Majestic, Sarawak.

Lim berkata ACCCIM telah menjemput beberapa usahawan di dalam negara untuk berkongsi maklumat berkaitan dengan penjenamaan serta pengalaman berharga serta kisah kejayaan jenama masing-masing dalam pasaran antarabangsa.

"Ia akan membantu meningkatkan kesedaran usahawan muda terhadap jenama serta belajar bagaimana untuk mewujudkan jenama korporat dan nilai perniagaan," kata beliau kepada media di sini Rabu.

Beliau berkata ramai usahawan yang salah faham dengan melihat penjenamaan hanya sebagai satu pengiklanan, dan mewujudkan jenama memerlukan pelaburan wang yang besar.

"Ini adalah tanggapan yang salah. Jenama korporat ialah simbol produk, jaminan untuk kewibawaan dan kualiti produk berkenaan," kata beliau.

-- BERNAMA 

MARA hasrat hasilkan 6,000 usahawan tahun ini

KANGAR, 24 April (Bernama) -- Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) menyasarkan dapat menghasilkan 6,000 usahawan baharu tahun ini dan menyediakan dana berjumlah RM512 juta bagi membiayai modal asas perniagaan mereka.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/mara-hasrat-hasilkan-6-000-usahawan-tahun-ini-1.153812
Published: April 25, 2013

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=944888
Published: April 25, 2013

Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Keusahawanan) MARA, Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ismail berkata sejak Januari sehingga Mac lalu, sebanyak 37 usahawan baharu telah dihasilkan di seluruh negara melalui pembiayaan modal asas sebanyak RM3.8 juta.

Bercakap kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Karnival Usahawan dan Pendidikan MARA Perlis 2013 di sini Rabu, beliau berkata MARA bercadang meningkatkan kadar maksimum pembiayaan kepada RM1 juta seorang berbanding RM500,000 pada masa ini.

Beliau berkata MARA meletakkan sasaran 500 usahawan bumiputera yang menerima pembiayaan MARA mencapai status jutawan dihasilkan di seluruh negara menjelang 2015.

Sejak 2011 sehingga akhir tahun lalu, MARA telah menghasilkan 196 jutawan yang terbabit dalam pelbagai bidang keusahawan.

"Matlamat melahirkan kumpulan usahawan yang mantap juga telah menampakkan prestasi memberangsangkan apabila dalam tempoh dua tahun sejak 2011 menghasilkan 13,500 usahawan mantap daripada matlamat sebanyak 16,500 orang menjelang tahun 2015," kata beliau.

Mohd Rosdi berkata bagi memudahkan bakal usahawan menjalankan perniagaan, MARA turut menyediakan 7,373 lot perniagaan berupa gerai dan kedai dalam 483 projek bernilai RM2.6 bilion di seluruh negara.

Daripada jumlah itu sebanyak 20 projek bernilai RM50 juta telah dilaksanakan di Perlis untuk kemudahan 332 usahawan Bumiputera di Perlis.

Sementara itu Pengarah MARA Perlis, Abdul Halim Mamat berkata, karnival Usahawan dan Pendidikan Mara itu akan berlangsung selama tiga hari bermula hari ini membabitkan penyertaan 24 usahawan dan 15 institusi pengajian tinggi serta institusi pengajian MARA (IPMA).

Antara acara yang berlangsung sepanjang karnial itu termasuk seminar membabitkan 300 peserta terdiri bakal-bakal usahawan, pelajar-pelajar institusi pengajian tinggi, para premis MARA dan para peminjam.

-- BERNAMA

Internet bantu revolusi PKS

KEPENTINGAN penggunaan internet pada hari ini sememangnya tidak dapat dinafikan kepada setiap individu dan syarikat termasuk perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS). Perkembangan ekonomi di Asia juga menyaksikan pertumbuhan PKS yang pesat dan peluang lebih besar untuk terus membangun berbanding rakan niaga lain walaupun di negara Barat yang paling maju.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/internet-bantu-revolusi-pks-1.152914
Published: April 23, 2013


Karim berkongsi pendapat beliau mengenai internet dan PKS 
semasa sidang media antarabangsa Google di Singapura, baru-baru ini.

Kemajuan internet dilihat antara faktor utama yang membantu revolusi PKS di rantau ini, di mana kepintaran idea adalah penting dalam meningkatkan lagi perniagaan dan meluaskan capaian pengguna.

Menurut Presiden Google Asia Pasifik, Karim Temsamani, Asia adalah rantau paling menarik di dunia dari sudut pertumbuhan ekonomi dan kini adalah waktu paling sesuai untuk syarikat gergasi internet itu bersama-sama menjadi sebahagian daripada pertumbuhan PKS.

“Untuk memulakan perniagaan pada 10 atau 15 tahun lalu adalah amat sukar dan menelan perbelanjaan yang tinggi terutamanya untuk mendapatkan capaian pelanggan.

“Tetapi hari ini dengan bantuan internet, pengusaha PKS boleh mendapatkan pelanggan dari serata dunia dengan cara lebih efisien tanpa menggunakan kos yang tinggi berbanding dulu,” katanya di sidang media antarabangsa Helping Small Business Think Big di ibu pejabat Google Singapura, baru-baru ini.

Menurutnya, Google Asia Pasifik yang merekodkan pertumbuhan memberangsangkan kini sedang mengintai peluang pelaburan infrastruktur untuk mendidik dan membantu pertumbuhan perniagaan PKS bukan sahaja dalam negara malah dari perspektif pengeksportan.

“Melalui internet, PKS kini boleh meluaskan skop pelanggan di mana iklan berbentuk teks, video ataupun iklan mudah alih yang disiarkan boleh dilihat oleh kira-kira 2.5 bilion orang, berbanding kempen pemasaran asas yang dilakukan 10 tahun lalu.

“Inovasi internet bukan sahaja pada gajet dan aplikasi, tetapi juga pada inovasi yang turut boleh dirasai setiap pihak termasuk PKS. Malah, penyelesaian internet bersepadu juga boleh mempercepatkan produktiviti sesebuah PKS,” katanya.

Selain internet, Karim juga menekankan kepentingan mudah alih kerana dunia hari ini bergerak pantas menuju ke arah itu.

"Bagaimanapun, Google Asia Pasifik akan sentiasa bekerjasama dengan media cetak bagi membangunkan lagi PKS memandangkan media tradisional ini tetap mempunyai populasi pembacanya yang tersendiri," katanya.

Bantu PKS lebih maju

Usahawan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) adalah elemen penting dalam pembangunan ekonomi negara dan sumbangannya tidak boleh dipandang enteng. Namun, istilah PKS itu sendiri ada kalanya menyebabkan banyak pihak salah faham kerana ia membayangkan perniagaan dijalankan secara kecil-kecilan tanpa sebarang penjenamaan atau sistem perniagaan yang betul.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/BantuPKSlebihmaju/Article/index_html
Published: April 22, 2013

Menurut kaji selidik yang dijalankan mengenai penggunaan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT) PKS baru-baru ini, 90 peratus daripada PKS di Malaysia tidak menggunakan ICT untuk operasi mereka. Ini merangkumi operasi syarikat masih menggunakan cara tradisional yang lazimnya menggunakan kertas dengan kos lebih tinggi.

70 peratus PKS juga masih tidak mempunyai laman web mereka sendiri dan ini secara tidak langsung membayangkan perkembangan kurang baik untuk PKS apabila kehadiran secara dalam talian penting untuk pertumbuhan jualan mereka. Penggunaan ICT untuk operasi PKS juga penting untuk membantu operasi lebih berkesan khususnya dalam mengawal pelbagai aliran keluar masuk perniagaan sepanjang masa. Kajian dijalankan Bank Dunia di 56 negara termasuk Malaysia mendapati semua syarikat yang menggunapakai ICT menunjukkan pertumbuhan baik dalam operasi secara keseluruhan.

Bergantung kepada jenis perniagaan dijalankan, ada syarikat mencatatkan peningkatan jualan sehingga 80 peratus dan ada syarikat yang mengurangkan kos operasi 50 peratus.

Malah, ada syarikat yang menunjukkan peningkatan dari aspek kepuasan pelanggan dan penghantaran produk kepada pelanggan mereka dengan lebih berkesan.

Di Malaysia, usahawan PKS menjalankan operasi di kawasan bandar menunjukkan penggunaan ICT yang baik, namun apabila dilihat dari lokasi luar bandar, penggunaan ICT bukan sesuatu yang lazim.

Masih banyak syarikat PKS yang tidak mempunyai laman web rasmi sebagai identiti korporat mereka. Antara isu yang menyebabkan masalah ini berlaku adalah usahawan ini tidak mendapat pendedahan sewajarnya mengenai ICT sedangkan mereka sebenarnya mahu menggunapakai ICT dalam menguruskan syarikat.

Sesi penerangan secara bersemuka perlu dilakukan lebih kerap bagi menyuntik keinginan mereka dalam penggunaan ICT dalam perniagaan.

Sehubungan itu, inisiatif ‘PKS Untuk Pertumbuhan’ yang dijalankan Persatuan Usahawan Tekno Malaysia (TeAM) satu daripada platform untuk usahawan berkongsi pengalaman mereka membina perusahaan berjaya. Seminar itu bermula dengan pemahaman mengenai bagaimana nilai unik perniagaan membantu sesebuah perniagaan berkembang sehingga menjadi jenama terkemuka.

Ia juga antara lain membantu usahawan meningkatkan operasi melalui penggunaan ICT dan bagaimana teknologi Cloud membolehkan usahawan mengawal syarikat mereka pada bila-bila masa di mana saja dengan mudah dan pada kos yang sangat berpatutan.

Usahawan yang berhasrat menggunakan ICT untuk perniagaan mereka tidak perlu bimbang mengenai pelaburan tambahan yang perlu dikeluarkan kerana kerajaan memberikan sokongan kepada PKS dengan menyediakan insentif dan sokongan untuk mereka dalam pelbagai bentuk. Sebagai contoh, baru-baru ini kerajaan melancarkan inisiatif Dapatkan Perniagaan Online Malaysia (GMBO) di mana PKS digalakkan membina kehadiran dalam talian mereka selain kedai secara tradisi. Inisiatif GMBO adalah inisiatif geran apabila kerajaan menyediakan geran RM1,000 bagi PKS yang membina laman web mereka sendiri.

Satu lagi geran bagi penggunaan Cloud apabila usahawan digalakkan menggunakan aplikasi berasaskan Cloud untuk menguruskan syarikat mereka seperti perakaunan, gaji atau sumber manusia menggunakan aplikasi berasaskan perkomputeran Cloud.

Penulis Presiden Persatuan Usahawan Tekno Malaysia (TeAM)

RM600mi available to be given as loans to local companies

KANGAR: Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), the investment company of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), has about RM600mil to give out as loans to local companies. Managing director Datuk Mohd Najib Abdullah said that MIDF had approved loans of RM11.3bil over the past five decades for the manufacturing and services sectors.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=943958
Published: April 22, 2013

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/22/business/13006442&sec=business
Published: April 22, 2013

“Of this figure, RM25.7mil was given to 23 industries in Perlis, and for the northern region as such, a total of 1,100 loans amounting to RM1.4bil has been approved as of Feb 28 this year,” he told Bernama at the MIDF Entrepreneur's Symposium in conjunction with the Malaysian Unit Trust Week (MSAM) 2013.

Mohd Najib said the uncertain global economy had made local entrepreneurs cautious in taking out loans to expand their businesses.

“As such, in conjunction with the MSAM 2013 theme of Investments for 1Malaysia', MIDF wants to educate as well as raise the community's awareness level on entrepreneurship,” he said.

MIDF, at the MSAM programme which began yesterday, had invited a number of panel members and prominent entrepreneurs to share their experiences.

Among them are Datuk Mohd Yusof Mohd Haslam Khan, the managing director of Skop Production Sdn Bhd, and Datuk Che Umar Yatim, the proprietor of Pasaraya Borong Sakan Sdn Bhd.

MIDF was formed 53 years ago to hasten and develop the country's manufacturing and services sector by making available medium and long-term loans for small and medium-scale enterprises.

The company has three core businesses, namely, investment banking, financial development and assets management. - Bernama

MIDF Punyai RM600 Juta Dana Pinjaman Untuk Syarikat Tempatan

KANGAR, 21 April (Bernama) -- Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), cabang pelaburan Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) mempunyai dana kira-kira RM600 juta untuk disalurkan sebagai pinjaman kepada syarikat tempatan, kata pengarah urusannya, Datuk Mohd Najib Abdullah.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=943989
Published: April 22, 2013

Setakat ini, MIDF telah meluluskan pinjaman sebanyak RM11.3 bilion sejak lima dekad lalu dalam sektor pembuatan dan perkhidmatan di seluruh negara.

"Daripada jumlah tersebut, RM25.7 juta telah diberikan kepada 23 perusahaan di Perlis, dan bagi wilayah utara yang merangkumi Perlis, Kedah dan Pulau Pinang, sebanyak 1,100 pinjaman berjumlah RM1.4 bilion telah diluluskan setakat 28 Feb, tahun ini," katanya kepada Bernama di Simposium Usahawan MIDF sempena edisi khas Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia (MSAM) 2013 ke-14 di sini.

Menurutnya, keadaan ekonomi global yang tidak menentu membuatkan usahawan-usahawan tempatan lebih berhati-hati dalam mengambil pinjaman.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, dengan tema MSAM 2013 iaitu 'Pelaburan untuk 1Malaysia', MIDF mahu mendidik serta meningkatkan kefahaman masyarakat tentang keusahawanan.

Dalam program MSAM selama tujuh hari yang bermula semalam itu, MIDF telah menjemput beberapa ahli panel dan tokoh usahawan untuk berkongsi pengalaman dengan usahawan-usahawan di sini.

Antara jemputan yang hadir adalah Pengarah Urusan Skop Production Sdn Bhd, Datuk Mohd Yusof Mohd Haslam Khan dan juga pemilik Pasaraya Borong Sakan Sdn Bhd, Datuk Che Umar Yatim.

MIDF telah ditubuhkan 53 tahun yang lalu untuk memajukan sektor perkilangan dan perkhidmatan negara dengan menyediakan pinjaman sederhana dan panjang untuk perusahaan kecil dan sederhana.

Ia menawarkan tiga perniagaan teras iaitu perbankan pelaburan, pembangunan kewangan dan pengurusan aset.

-- BERNAMA 

MIDF: We are ready to assist

KUALA LUMPUR: From its inception in March 1960, Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) has by up to February 28 approved RM11.3 billion in financing to 8,721 local companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/21MIDF/Article/
Published: April 22, 2013

MIDF said for more than half a century, it has assisted the country's industrial sector, such as providing financing to a local match manufacturer to the country's first satellite launch, with the main aim of creating job opportunities for Malaysians and, thereby, helping reduce the nation's dependency on imports and facilitate the local companies in penetrating the exports market.

"MIDF is now ready to assist local companies to ride the country's industrial development wave into a highly competitive economy, which calls for competitive and innovative companies in the marketplace," it said in a statement.

To help local companies expand their production or services through modernisation and automation, MIDF offers financing with a fixed interest rate of four per cent annually for the purchase of machinery, tools, factories and commercial property, the construction of factory or as working capital.

MIDF said the low and fixed interest rate and longer repayment period have enabled thousands of local companies to strengthen their cashflow so that they have stronger capacity and better confidence to compete effectively.

In line with its participation in the special edition of Minggu Amanah Saham Malaysia organised by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) from last Saturday to this Sunday in Perlis, MIDF and PNB organised a gathering of entrepreneurs called MIDF Entrepreneurs Symposium in Kangar yesterday.

Local entrepreneurs who are interested in MIDF financing in the manufacturing and services sectors can contact MIDF via email (inquiry-feedback@midf.com.my) or visit MIDF offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, Kota Baru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Information about the financing can also be accessed from its website at www.midf.com.my

8,000 syarikat tempatan dapat pinjaman MIDF lulus RM11 bilion

KANGAR 19 April - Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd. (MIDF) telah meluluskan pembiayaan kewangan berjumlah RM11.3 bilion kepada 8,721 syarikat tempatan setakat 28 Februari lalu.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Ekonomi/20130420/ek_01/8000-syarikat-tempatan-dapat-pinjamanMIDF-lulus-RM11-bilion
Published: April 22, 2013


          MOHD. NAJIB

Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Mohd. Najib Abdullah berkata, pembiayaan kewangan itu membolehkan syarikat-syarikat tempatan mengurangkan kos operasi, di samping meningkatkan tahap daya saing dan daya tahan syarikat-syarikat tersebut.

Menurut beliau, MIDF hanya mengenakan kadar faedah pinjaman tetap serendah empat peratus setahun bagi pembiayaan pembelian mesin, peralatan, bangunan kilang dan hartanah komersial ataupun pembinaan hartanah perkilangan atau bagi kegunaan modal kerja.

Katanya, MIDF turut menawarkan tempoh pembayaran balik pembiayaan yang panjang sehingga 25 tahun bagi pembiayaan hartanah komersial.

"Kadar faedah yang rendah dan tetap serta tempoh pembayaran balik yang agak panjang telah memberi peluang kepada beribu-ribu syarikat tempatan untuk mengukuhkan kedudukan aliran tunai syarikat. Ia seterusnya membolehkan syarikat-syarikat itu mempunyai tahap kapasiti dan keyakinan yang tinggi untuk bersaing," katanya ketika ditemui di sini hari ini.

Mohd. Najib menambah, penawaran pembiayaan pinjaman MIDF itu adalah salah satu langkah strategik kerajaan memajukan sektor perindustrian negara dan memperkasakan daya saing usahawan tempatan.

Pendekatan itu akan meningkatkan lagi kapasiti pengeluaran sektor swasta, menyumbang kepada pengurangan kadar kebergantungan industri kepada buruh asing dan menggalakkan industri meningkatkan penggunaan automasi dalam proses pengeluaran, kata beliau.

Tambah beliau, pembiayaan kewangan MIDF itu juga seiring dengan usaha kerajaan membangunkan sektor perusahaan kecil dan sederhana yang disasarkan menjadi penyumbang kepada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) dengan sasaran pada tahun 2020 sebanyak 41 peratus.

Usahawan-usahawan tempatan yang berminat untuk meningkatkan tahap daya saing dan inovatif syarikat melalui pembiayaan pinjaman MIDF disaran supaya menghubungi Jabatan Jualan Ibu Pejabat MIDF, Kuala Lumpur di talian 03 - 21738888 atau semua pejabat wilayah MIDF di seluruh negara.

31 peserta 1Azam terima bantuan

KUALA LUMPUR 21 April - Seramai 31 peserta 1Azam menerima bantuan barangan permulaan perniagaan pada Program Kebajikan Rakyat 1Malaysia @Hati Rakyat (Kar1sma) di sini baru-baru ini.

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Kota/20130422/wk_01/31-peserta-1Azam-terima-bantuan
Published: April 22, 2013

Penyelaras Barisan Nasional (BN) Parlimen Batu, Datuk Yahaya Mat Ghani berkata, bantuan itu bertujuan membantu golongan berpendapatan rendah menceburi bidang perniagaan berteraskan konsep keusahawanan sosial dan pendekatan kebajikan produktif.

"Program itu merupakan satu usaha kerajaan bagi membolehkan golongan berpendapatan rendah menjalankan perniagaan melalui pertanian, perniagaan kecil-kecilan serta menawarkan peluang pekerjaan," katanya ketika merasmikan Majlis Sumbangan 1Azam dan Kar1sma di sini, baru-baru ini.

Menurutnya, daripada 10, 6947 peserta dari seluruh negeri 2,414 adalah dari Kuala Lumpur.

"Daripada jumlah itu, 214 adalah peserta daripada Parlimen Batu,''katanya.

Sektor PKS perlu guna model hibrid

Pengusaha perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) digalak untuk mengaplikasikan model hibrid, iaitu gabungan perniagaan fizikal (offline) dan dalam talian (online) supaya lebih berdaya saing di peringkat global. Felo Kanan Institut Global McKinsey, Anu Madgavkar berkata, model ini dilihat lebih bersesuaian dalam tempoh beberapa tahun akan datang selari dengan perkembangan internet masa kini.

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/sektor-pks-perlu-guna-model-hibrid-1.151683
Published: April 21, 2013


Madgavkar (tengah) bersama penceramah dan wakil usahawan 
Asia selepas sidang media antarabangsa Helping Small Business 
Think Big anjuran Google di Singapura, kelmarin.

“Gabungan offline dan online adalah lebih sesuai untuk diaplikasikan kerana penggunaan internet akan menjadi sangat penting dan pantas pada masa hadapan.

“Sebagai contoh di India, Jobseekers, syarikat mencari pekerjaan terbesar bukan sahaja menyediakan perkhidmatan secara online tetapi juga offline di mana pemohon boleh ke pejabat mereka untuk mengetahui cara menulis resume dengan betul sebelum memuat naik di internet," katanya selepas sidang media antarabangsa Helping Small Business Think Big di ibu pejabat Google Singapura, kelmarin.

Menurutnya, pengguna lebih selesa menggunakan cara begini kerana mereka mempunyai pilihan sama ada menggunakan cara offline mahu pun online.

Di Asia, PKS yang menggunakan internet dapat membantu mengurangkan kos dan meningkatkan perolehan serta produktiviti sebanyak 13 peratus secara purata.

Berdasarkan laporan kaji selidik McKinsey di empat negara Asia tahun lalu, Malaysia menduduki tempat kedua dengan peningkatan produktiviti 12.6 peratus, di bawah Vietnam iaitu 19.3 peratus.

Tempat ketiga dan keempat adalah India dan Taiwan dengan peningkatan masing-masing sebanyak 12.5 peratus dan 6.6 peratus.

Sementara itu, sidang media yang dihadiri lebih 100 media dari negara Asia itu bertujuan memberi penerangan mengenai revolusi industri dan bagaimana perniagaan kecil boleh menjadi besar dengan internet.

Beberapa usahawan Asia turut hadir berkongsi kejayaan perniagaan mereka yang menggunakan internet.

SME Bank Of Russia Focuses On Innovation Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- SME Bank of Russia is focusing on new Russian entrepreneurs who want to venture into the innovation sector, said its deputy chairman of the board, Kirill Semenov.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=943163
Published: April 19, 2013

Semenov said the bank, with US$6.5 billion fund and support from credit institutions and legal entities, would invest in sectors that benefited the Russian economy.

"We are selective. We only channel the funds to sectors that would give a good impact for Russian economy," he told Bernama today.

He said that high-technology products were increasingly popping up in states and regions and these had important implications at the federal level in how jobs and economic policies were shaped.

Last month, the bank financed modernisation-related project implemented by Russian Mining and Pumping Co.

Semenov said the bank picked SME Bank of Malaysia to establish cooperation because both share the same target and objectives.

He said SME Bank of Malaysia was known as the development bank to help small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) start or develop their businesses.

"We see that SME Bank of Malaysia's objectives are aligned with ours," he said.

Semenov, together with other five delegates from SME Bank of Russia, was in Malaysia for a three-day visit, following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two SME Banks in September last year.

The MOU was aimed at setting a platform for the two parties to cooperate in the development of small and medium enterprises in both countries.

Semenov said the SME Bank of Russia hoped the visit would complement the parties' collaborative efforts and set the stage for more regular exchange of opinions.

SME Bank of Russia is an agent for Vnesheconombank in implementing the Programme of Supporting Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

Over 24,000 SMEs had received funding from the bank.

-- BERNAMA

SME Bank Of Russia Tumpu Kepada Sektor Inovasi

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 April (Bernama) -- SME Bank of Russia memberikan tumpuan kepada usahawan-usahawan baharu Rusia yang mahu menceburi sektor inovasi, kata Timbalan Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarahnya, Kirill Semenov.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=943199
Published: April 19, 2013

Beliau berkata bank itu, yang mempunyai dana bernilai US$6.5 bilion serta mendapat sokongan daripada institusi-institusi kredit dan entiti undang-undang, akan melabur dalam sektor-sektor yang memberi manfaat kepada ekonomi Rusia.

"Kami bersikap memilih. Kami akan menyalurkan dana-dana itu ke sektor-sektor yang akan memberikan impak yang baik bagi ekonomi Rusia," katanya kepada Bernama pada Khamis.

Kata beliau produk teknologi tinggi semakin banyak muncul di negeri-negeri dan wilayah, dan ini memberi implikasi penting pada peringkat persekutuan dari sudut bagaimana dasar-dasar ekonomi dan pekerjaan dibentuk.

Bulan lepas, bank itu membiayai projek berkaitan pemodenan yang dilaksanakan oleh Russian Mining and Pumping Co.

Semenov berkata bank itu memilih SME Bank Malaysia untuk menjalin kerjasama kerana kedua-duanya mempunyai sasaran dan objektif yang sama.

Beliau berkata SME Bank Malaysia terkenal sebagai bank pembangunan untuk membantu usahawan kecil dan sederhana (UKS) memulakan atau mengembangkan perniagaan mereka.

"Kami nampak objektif SME Bank Malaysia sejajar dengan objektif kami," katanya.

Semenov, bersama dengan lima anggota perwakilan lain dari SME Bank of Russia, berada di Malaysia bagi lawatan selama tiga hari, berikutan satu memorandum persefahaman (MoU) yang ditandatangani oleh kedua-dua SME Bank itu pada September tahun lepas.

MoU itu bertujuan menetapkan satu platform bagi kedua-dua pihak untuk bekerjasama dalam pembangunan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di negara masing-masing.

Semenov berkata SME Bank of Russia berharap lawatan itu akan melengkapi usaha kerjasama kedua-dua pihak dan membuka ruang bagi pertukaran pendapat yang lebih banyak dan lebih kerap.

SME Bank of Russia ialah ejen bagi Vnesheconombank dalam pelaksanaan Program Membantu Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana.

Lebih 24,000 Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana telah menerima pembiayaan daripada bank itu.

-- BERNAMA

Russia's SME Bank Keen On Learning Malaysia's SME Bank Business Module

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The SME Bank of Russia is keen on learning the business module adopted by Malaysia's SME Bank. Deputy Chairman of the Board, SME Bank of Russia, Kirill Semenov said in Russia, the SME Bank had no direct contact with its clientele and that businesses are done via other networks such as commercial banks.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=942938
Published: April 18, 2013

Source from (The Malaysian Insider): http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/russias-sme-bank-keen-on-learning-malaysias-sme-bank-business-module/
Published: April 19, 2013

Semenov, together with other five delegates from SME Bank of Russia, was in Malaysia for a three-day visit, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two SME Banks in September last year.

The MoU was aimed at setting a platform for the two parties to cooperate in the development of small and medium enterprises in their respective countries.

At a media briefing here Wednesday, Semenov said the SME Bank of Russia hoped this short visit would complement the two parties' collaborative efforts and set the stage for more regular exchange of opinions.

"So far there is no allocation yet as there are no projects in the pipeline.

However, we hope with the support from Malaysia's SME Bank, our cooperation would commence this year," he added.

Besides Malaysia's SME Bank, the SME Bank of Russia has also established cooperation with Exim Bank of India, International Finance Corporation in Washington, United States and China Development Bank.

--BERNAMA

Bank PKS Rusia Berminat Mempelajari Modul Perniagaan SME Bank Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 April (Bernama) -- SME Bank of Russia berminat untuk mempelajari modul perniagaan yang digunakan oleh SME Bank Malaysia. Timbalan Pengerusi Lembaga SME Bank of Russia, Kirill Semenov, berkata di Rusia, SME Bank tidak mempunyai hubungan terus dengan pelanggannya dan urus niaga dijalankan melalui rangkaian lain seperti bank-bank komersil.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=942953
Published: April 18, 2013

Semenov, bersama dengan lima anggota perwakilan lain dari SME Bank of Russia, berada di Malaysia bagi lawatan selama tiga hari, berikutan satu memorandum persefahaman (MoU) yang ditandatangani oleh kedua-dua SME Bank itu pada September tahun lepas.

MoU itu bertujuan menetapkan satu platform bagi kedua-dua pihak untuk bekerjasama dalam pembangunan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di negara masing-masing.

Pada taklimat media di sini Rabu, Semenov berkata SME Bank of Russia berharap lawatan singkat itu akan melengkapi usaha kerjasama kedua-dua pihak dan membuka ruang bagi pertukaran pendapat yang lebih banyak dan lebih kerap.

"Setakat ini, belum ada peruntukan kerana belum ada projek dalam perancangan.

"Bagaimanapun, kami berharap dengan sokongan daripada SME Bank Malaysia, kerjasama kita akan bermula tahun ini," tegas beliau.

Selain SME Bank Malaysia, SME Bank of Russia juga telah menjalin kerjasama dengan Exim Bank of India, International Finance Corporation di Amerika Syarikat dan Bank Pembangunan China.

-- BERNAMA 

The Star launches RM20mil fund to help entrepreneurs develop ideas

PETALING JAYA: The Star media group has launched The Star Accelerator Fund to support digital- and technology-based entrepreneurs. The RM20mil fund serves as a platform to help individuals and companies develop ideas and commercialise products, with the goal of establishing Malaysia as a “game-changer” in development funding for start-ups.

Source from (The Star Online): http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/18/nation/20130418080755&sec=nation
Published: April 18, 2013


Spurring innovation: (From left) Star Publications (M) Bhd executive 
director and group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Dr Chua, 
Star Publications (M) Bhd Corporate Services senior manager Chan 
Shiang Chiat, Lee and Star Publications (M) Bhd director of operations 
Roshan Thiran posing during the launch at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya.

“The Star Accelerator Fund is the brainchild of MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who approached The Star with the idea of creating a seed fund for digital and technology start-ups,” Star Publications (M) Bhd executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee said.

Supporting the Government's call for the private sector to support the Economic Transformation Programme, The Star took up the idea and expanded it, leading to the establishment of The Star Accelerator Fund.

The fund provides financing at pre-seed and seed levels. In both instances, the fund seeks to give financial support in exchange for an equity stake in the business.

“We see this opportunity as a long-term commitment to establish and grow the businesses we become involved with. It is our aim to leverage our media expertise and that of our business partners for the benefit of successful applicants,” Lee said during the fund's launch at Menara Star here yesterday.

The pre-seed fund is targeted at applicants developing their technology-based ideas into prototypes and transforming them into commercially viable enterprises.

Each successful applicant will have access to a maximum amount of RM300,000.

Applicants who have innovative technology-based products or services ready for commercialisation can also apply for the seed fund, which provides funding for up to RM1mil.

Lee added that the actual monetary value would be double of the fund's absolute amount, as successful ventures would be supported by the media exposure provided by The Star media group.

In addition, candidates would be able to leverage on the group's network opportunities, financial training and legal advice.

Present at the launch were Dr Chua, Lee and a host of start-ups and technopreneurs.

The Star Accelerator Fund is open to Malaysians aged 21 and above.

For information, visit www.accelerator.my.

Pulangan RM12 juta - Kaisar Venus

Kuala Lumpur: Kaisar Venus (M) Sdn Bhd (Kaisar Venus) syarikat Bumiputera yang mengeluarkan produk kesihatan yakin untuk menambah bilangan ahlinya kepada 10,000 orang sekali gus menyasarkan pulangan sebanyak RM12 juta menjelang akhir tahun ini.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/PulanganRM12juta/Article/index_html
Published: April 18, 2013

Pengarah Urusan Kumpulannya Norazam Shah Ibrahim berkata, pihaknya percaya jumlah itu dapat dicapai memandangkan setiap bulan syarikat menerima antara 300 hingga 500 pendaftaran ahli baru Kaisar Venus selain akan mengadakan pameran bergerak di seluruh negeri bermula dengan Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Katanya, bagi memastikan sasaran Kaisar Venus tercapai, pihaknya juga menggunakan pendekatan perniagaan e-dagang di dalam era digital masa kini dengan satu sistem pelan pampasan yang menjanjikan pulangan tinggi dan praktikal.

“Kami menggabungkan konsep perniagaan tradisional dan konvensional mengikut arus moden masa kini, malah bagi mereka yang mendaftar sebagai ahli Kaisar Venus, kami memberi tunjuk ajar bagaimana menjalankan perniagaan melalui laman sosial Facebook serta sentiasa mengadakan latihan keusahawanan.

“Selain mempunyai sistem perniagaan yang mudah dan menguntungkan, produk keluaran Kaisar Venus juga berkualiti, berkesan, halal serta ditawarkan dengan harga mampu milik supaya dapat dimanfaatkan oleh seluruh lapisan masyarakat negara ini,” katanya kepada Bisnes Metro di sini.

Menurutnya, syarikat bukan saja mendapat permintaan tinggi daripada pelanggan tempatan tetapi juga luar negara dan menyasarkan untuk menembusi pasaran Indonesia, Thailand dan Brunei dengan lebih menyeluruh tahun ini.

TM all set to support Govt initiative for SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government’s initiative for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, which forms the backbone of the country’s economy, should continue to be supported to boost their growth and that of the country.

Source from (The Star Online): http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/16/business/12975886&sec=business
Published: April 16, 2013


Azizi (fifth from right) with representatives of TM’s partners for TM SME BizFest 2013

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) executive vice-president (SME) Azizi A. Hadi said the telco was ready to play its role in supporting the Government’s plan to further boost the growth of the SME sector.

“We have the masterplan launched by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last year and I believe this is a good masterplan.

“This is where TM is playing its role in supporting the Government. I believe the plan is already there and it’s more on executing and implementing it,” he told a briefing after the launch of TM SME BizFest 2013.

Last year, the Government launched the SME Masterplan 2012-2020 to accelerate the growth of SMEs through innovation and productivity.

The eight-year plan has four main objectives – to drive business growth, increase the number of high-growth and innovative companies, raise productivity, as well as formalise the businesses.

Azizi said TM would continue to support the initiative by the Government as it felt that SME development in Malaysia is very important.

“SME is the catalyst for the economy. It represents about 90% of businesses in Malaysia. I hope that in the next two years, SME contribution to exports will rise to 25%-30% from the current 19%,” he added.

On TM SME BizFest, Azizi said it targeted the participation of 10,000 SMEs in the event, which aimed to share the benefits of using broadband among SMEs.

Themed “Expanding Further”, the BizFest targets the mass SME market comprising micro and small businesses and provides a more synergistic showcase for Malaysian SMEs to increase their knowledge on how information and communications technology will greatly benefit and empower their businesses.

The TM SME BizFest 2013 will be held in Johor Baru, Petaling Jaya and Kuching on May 15, June 11 and June 18, respectively.

Last year, the event attracted 3,000 participants. — Bernama

TM Sedia Sokong Inisiatif Kerajaan Untuk Tingkatkan Sektor PKS

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 April (Bernama)-- Inisiatif kerajaan untuk membantu sektor perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS), yang membentuk tulang belakang ekonomi negara ini, haruslah terus disokong untuk meningkatkan perkembangan sektor itu dan negara.

Source from (Berita Harian): http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/10_000PKSdijangkahadirTMSMEBizFest2013/Article
Published: April 16, 2013

Source from (Sinar Online): http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bisnes/tm-sasar-10-000-pks-1.150358
Published: April 16, 2013

Source from (Utusan Malaysia): http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Ekonomi/20130415/ek_05/TM-SME-BizFest-2013-kembali-pamer-produk-terkini-PKS
Published: April 16, 2013

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=942187
Published: April 16, 2013


Azizi (tiga, kanan) bersama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SME Corp, 
Hafsah Hashim (empat, kanan) dan barisan rakan usaha sama strategik 
TM SME Bizfest 2013 pada majlis pelancaran program.

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) menyasar 10,000 peserta daripada komuniti pengusaha perniagaan bersaiz kecil dan sederhana (PKS) akan menghadiri TM SME BizFest 2013 berbanding hanya 3,000 tahun lalu.

Naib Presiden Eksekutif PKSnya, Azizi A Hadi, berkata sasaran itu disandarkan kepada maklum balas menggalakkan dikalangan komuniti PKS di negara ini sejak diperkenalkan tahun lalu.

Selain itu, ia diadakan di tiga lokasi berbeza di seluruh negara bagi memberi peluang lebih ramai komuniti PKS tempatan meraih manfaat daripada acara tahunan yang ditawarkan secara percuma itu.

Direka khas

Beliau berkata, TM SME BizFest yang direka khas untuk menghimpunkan PKS seluruh negara, menyaksikan penyertaan Syarikat Kumpulan NAZA, Lelong.my, Microsoft, RSH Malaysia dan KTM Bikes Malaysia sebagai rakan usaha sama strategik tahun ini, selain sokongan padu SME Corp.

“PKS dapat memperkasakan produktiviti, sekali gus meningkatkan produktiviti dan pendapatan perniagaan.

“Kami mahukan syarikat PKS tahu, baik daripada perkhidmatan telefoni asas hinggalah kepada inovasi teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT) canggih, dan boleh mengharapkan TM sebagai rakan usaha perniagaan diyakini,” katanya pada majlis pelancaran TM SME BizFest 2013 di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Hadir sama Ketua Eksekutif SME Corp, Datuk Hafsah Hashim.

Pameran lebih bersinergi

Azizi berkata, TM SME BizFest 2013 yang memasuki tahun keduanya menyediakan pameran lebih bersinergi bagi meningkatkan pengetahuan syarikat PKS berhubung kemampuan ICT dalam memperkasa dan memberi faedah kepada perniagaan mereka.

Antara aktiviti utama program itu, katanya, adalah pertemuan perniagaan, seminar berkumpulan disampaikan pakar perniagaan dan pameran pelbagai penyelesaian ICT daripada TM dan rakan usaha sama.

Beliau berkata, sejajar pendekatan menjadikan berniaga lebih mudah, tumpuan tahun ini diberikan kepada penyelesaian di dalam dan di luar pejabat.

Penyelesaian di dalam pejabat termasuklah Office-in-a-Box, UniFi Biz, HyppTV, SmartMap dan TM Voice, manakala penyelesaian di luar pejabat pula merangkumi TM WiFi, BizApps Store dan peralatan pemasaran.

Azizi berkata, dengan lebih 40 produk dan perkhidmatan komprehensif yang direka khusus untuk mempertingkatkan produktiviti dan kecekapan PKS.

Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, beliau berkata sebagai pemangkin ekonomi negara yang mewakili 90 peratus perniagaan di Malaysia, pihak TM mahu melihat pengusaha PKS tempatan melebarkan lagi pembabitan dalam transaksi merentas sempadan.

"Saya harap dalam tempoh dua tahun akan datang, sumbangan PKS kepada eksport negara akan meningkat kepada 25-30 peratus berbanding 19 peratus ketika ini," katanya.

Butiran lokasi TM SME BizFest 2013 ialah seperti berikut:

Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa Persada Johor pada 15 Mei; Pusat Konvensyen Sunway, Petaling Jaya pada 11 Jun; dan Pusat Konvensyen Borneo, Kuching, Sarawak pada 18 Jun depan.

Hadirin dan peserta program berpeluang mengambil bahagian dalam acara menarik yang menawarkan pelbagai hadiah dan ganjaran menarik dengan hadiah utama sebuah kereta.

Untuk maklumat lanjut berhubung TM SME BizFest 2013, sila layari www.tm.com.my/sme atau hubungi hotline TM di 1800-2-BizFest (24933).

Semakin Ramai Dapat Manfaat Program 1AZAM

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 April (Bernama) -- Semakin ramai individu mendapat manfaat daripada program Akhiri Zaman Miskin (1AZAM yang diperkenalkan kerajaan pada 2010 untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup warga kota, khususnya golongan berpendapatan rendah.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bm/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=942216
Published: April 16, 2013

Melalui bantuan Azam Niaga, peserta dilatih dan dibimbing menerusi pendekatan sosioekonomi dan inovatif bagi memilih bidang yang mereka minat dan mahir berdasarkan potensi individu.

Untuk itu, bagi menggalakkan masyarakat bergiat aktif dalam program ini, 45 lagi peserta program itu di Bandar Tun Razak di sini, menerima barangan permulaan perniagaan Program Kebajikan Rakyat 1Malaysia (KAR1SMA) 2013.

Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata ia bagi membantu individu terlibat menjalankan perniagaan dengan bantuan barangan disediakan oleh kerajaan.

"Ia antara usaha kerajaan untuk membolehkan golongan tersebut berdikari berteraskan konsep kebajikan produktif", katanya.

Pada majlis itu, 23 penerima bantuan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat turut menerima kad Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) serta surat kelulusan bantuan KAR1SMA.

Tahun lepas, 13,693 orang menerima bantuan KAR1SMA di Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, dengan 2,044 daripadanya dari kawasan Bandar Tun Razak, menerima bantuan orang tua, kanak-kanak dan elaun pekerja OKU.

Bagi program 1Azam yang bermula dari 1 Jan 2011 hingga 2 Jan 2013, seramai 106,967 peserta menyertai program Teman 1Azam di seluruh negara, dengan 2,414 daripada jumlah itu meliputi peserta Kuala Lumpur yang menerima peruntukan RM13 juta.

Antara projek yang mendapat sambutan dalam kalangan peserta ialah jahitan, pengusaha kedai makanan serta jualan kuih-muih.

-- BERNAMA

Yunique bantu latih usahawan Melayu

Yunique Data Communication Sdn Bhd (Yunique) melancarkan perkhidmatan telekomunikasi mudah alih prabayar baru di Malaysia, yang dikenali sebagai Yunique.

Source from (Berita Harian): http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/YuniquebantulatihusahawanMelayu/Article
Published: April 16, 2013

Pengarah Korporat Rangkaian Yunique, Mohd Hairiezan Rasli, berkata syarikat itu yang ditubuhkan pada Disember tahun lalu dengan kerjasama Salamfone Sdn Bhd menyasar pemerolehan pendapatan sehingga RM10 juta untuk tahun ini.

“Sasaran pengguna Unique adalah 100,000 orang sehingga hujung tahun ini dan mampu menjana pendapatan syarikat sehingga RM10 juta berdasarkan analisis dan pemerhatian dalam bidang telekomunikasi,” katanya pada majlis pelancaran perkhidmatan prabayar mudah alih Yunique di Marang, baru-baru ini.

Keuntungan yang diberikan kepada usahawan Yunique amat tinggi dan secara tidak langsung menjadi dorongan kepada mereka untuk lebih aktif” Mohd Hairiezan Rasli, Pengarah Korporat Rangkaian Yunique

Bidang telekomunikasi

Beliau berkata, Yunique ditubuhkan untuk memberi peluang kepada usahawan Melayu dan Bumiputera menceburi bidang telekomunikasi dengan lebih mendalam.

Beliau berkata, selain Salamfone, syarikat itu juga bekerjasama dengan beberapa agensi kerajaan seperti Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan Terengganu (YPU), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Tekun Nasional (TEKUN) dan Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi (KPT).

Melalui program itu, katanya Yunique akan melatih usahawan supaya lebih berdaya saing dan berjaya.
“Keuntungan yang diberikan kepada usahawan Yunique amat tinggi dan secara tidak langsung menjadi dorongan kepada mereka untuk lebih aktif.

“Kebanyakan usahawan Melayu Bumiputera kurang pembabitan dalam bidang telekomunikasi kerana kurang mendapat peluang dan ruang.

Sedia pinjaman

“Kerjasama yang diberikan oleh agensi terbabit sangat baik, terutama daripada segi promosi serta penyediaan pinjaman mudah kepada usahawan yang berminat,” katanya.

Mohd Hairiezan berkata, buat permulaan tiga agensi iaitu YPU, MARA dan TEKUN akan mempromosi dan menyediakan pinjaman mudah RM10,000 kepada usahawan Terengganu, yang berminat bagi pembelian kad prabayar dan kad tambah nilai.

TEKUN sasar kutip RM360j

Kuala Lumpur: Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga Nasional (TEKUN) komited memperoleh semula pembiayaannya sebanyak RM360 juta tahun ini supaya dapat disalurkan semula kepada usahawan yang memohon pinjaman.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/TEKUNsasarkutipRM360j/Article/index_html
Published: April 15, 2013

Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Abdul Rahim Hassan berkata, tahun lalu TEKUN berjaya mengutip RM270 juta bayaran semula pembiayaan dan pihaknya yakin jumlah itu akan meningkat berikutan semakin ramai peminjam mula sedar mengenai tanggungjawab mereka.

Katanya, malah bagi peminjam yang ingin meningkatkan jumlah pinjaman sehingga RM100,000, pihaknya hanya akan memberi keutamaan kepada mereka yang memiliki rekod bayaran semula cemerlang.

“Jumlah pinjaman yang diberikan adalah dari RM1,000 hingga RM50,000 dan paling penting sekarang kami melihat terdapat peningkatan dari segi pembayaran semula peminjam terutama selepas TEKUN menawarkan rebat untuk mereka yang bayar semula dan turut menawarkan pinjaman balik dengan nilai lebih besar.

“Perkara bayaran semula pinjaman ini sangat penting kerana jika peminjam gagal melaksanakan tanggungjawab mereka, ia akan menyukarkan kami menyalurkan pinjaman kepada usahawan lain yang memohon dan didapati layak,” katanya kepada Bisnes Metro.

Menurutnya, selain menyalurkan pinjaman daripada dana kerajaan yang diterima, TEKUN juga memberi pinjaman kepada pemohon melalui kutipan bayaran balik oleh peminjam sedia ada.

Abdul Rahim berkata, sejak 1998 hingga kini pihaknya sudah membantu kira-kira 250,000 peniaga kecil dengan jumlah pembiayaan sebanyak RM2.46 bilion.

Beliau berkata, sekarang terdapat lebih 8,000 permohonan yang sedang menunggu untuk mendapatkan pinjaman dan pihaknya sentiasa berusaha bagi memastikan ramai pemohon dapat dibantu.

“TEKUN mempunyai peningkatan dari segi pemohon dan tahun lalu kita hanya dapat menyalurkan pinjaman kepada 35,903 usahawan. Disebabkan itu, kami melaksanakan pelbagai program bagi meningkatkan kesedaran bayaran balik pinjaman, termasuk memberi insentif untuk kakitangan yang berjaya kutip paling banyak bayaran pinjaman,” katanya.

Time to transform and win big

The diversification and resiliency of the South Korean economy is brought about by their domestic companies, largely their SMEs, which forms 99.9 per cent of enterprises in the country, providing 88 per cent of employment and contributing 47.6 per cent to national production.

These South Korean SMEs have carved their way into establishing themselves as the major global force in electronics, heavy engineering, creative technologies as well as multimedia, as their products and services complement those produced by big conglomerates.

Source from (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/14HUFFS/Article/index_html
Published: April 15, 2013

"If you're really in love, appearances aren't important. The best house is the one you build in each other's heart."

Yu-jin, Winter Sonata

COMING from someone who is not blessed with good looks, flawless skin and model figure, of course, I would agree with Yu-jin!

The South Korean drama series "Winter Sonata" has created a viral effect of sorts as an Asian modern classic drama since it made its debut about a decade ago.

I am sure the beautiful melody of its ballad "From the Beginning until Now" still haunts most of us, as it does to me, till this day. Needless to say, people of all ages, not just the makcik and the aunts are tuning in to South Korean television dramas that have flooded the local market.

Last year, K-Pop star Psy also introduced the world to his "Gangnam Style", which went viral in August. The song, which was released in July as the lead single of his sixth studio album, debuted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Chart.

In September, "Gangnam Style" was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the most "liked" video on YouTube. By the end of 2012, the song had topped the music charts of more than 30 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and Britain.

As of April 1 2013, the music video has been viewed more than 1.5 billion times on YouTube and it is the site's most watched video, surpassing that of Justin Bieber's "Baby".

All these successes came from what used to be a third-world country torn by conflict with its former northern state.

How did the Koreans do it? As we can clearly see, apart from technology and innovation that forms the pillar of strength of the South Korean economy, the country has also begun to tap into the creative industry and recognising its entertainment and cultural strength as one of the best-selling products.

The diversification and resiliency of the South Korean economy is brought about by their domestic companies, largely their SMEs, which forms 99.9 per cent of enterprises in the country, providing 88 per cent of employment and contributing 47.6 per cent to national production.

These South Korean SMEs have carved their way into establishing themselves as the major global force in electronics, heavy engineering, creative technologies as well as multimedia, as their products and services complement those produced by big conglomerates.

Speaking of which, who has not heard about Samsung's legendary climb to topple Nokia as the world's largest manufacturer of smartphones, which the latter had enjoyed for more than 14 years? It only took Samsung one year to achieve this feat in 2012. Even Apple is not able to match it.

Everywhere you turn, there is a Galaxy Smartphone in someone's palm and fewer of the iPhone, Blackberry or Nokia in someone else's. The Tiger of the East is indeed proving its prowess as leader in the highly lucrative global smartphone market.

And this is of no surprise as in 2011, South Korea, which is recognised as one of the economic powerhouses in Asia, charted a global trading value of US$1 trillion (RM3.04 trillion).

Over the past years, the volume of trade between South Korea and Asean member countries has been on an increasing trend, recording a total trade of US$124 billion in 2011, ranking them six out of 10 major trading partners in the region.

Leveraging on that potential in creating better economic climate and liberalising trade barriers, the Asean-Korea Free-Trade Agreement was signed for goods in 2006 and for trade in services in 2007, while in August 2009, Asean and the South Korea signed an agreement on investment.

Asean is South Korea's third largest trading partner and the second largest construction market besides Middle East.

These developments in the region are one of the many success stories of South Korea that Malaysian SMEs must try to learn from.

And what better way than to bring the South Koreans themselves to the shores of Malaysia to share how they did it in such a short time?

For the past two consecutive years, SME Corp Malaysia hosted conferences that facilitated the exchange of ideas and information between Asean SMEs and two of Asean's dialogue partners, namely China and India.

We have received raving reviews about the successes of the past two conferences.

As we continue with efforts to explore and promote collaborations and partnerships through bilateral trade and investment on a regional and global basis, SME Corp Malaysia, in collaboration with the Small & Medium Business Corporation (SBC Korea), will be hosting the two-day "Asean-Korea SME Conference 2013" on June 13 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Held back-to-back with our annual landmark event, the SME Annual Showcase 2013 (SMIDEX 2013), this conference will focus on leveraging opportunities in South Korea, one of the most advanced economies in the Asian region.

With the theme "SMEs Changing the Game", the conference will focus on the South Korean dynamic business growth and ways for SMEs in the Asean region to be able to emulate the best practices from the South Korean success stories.

During this conference, a panel of distinguished speakers will facilitate insightful discussions on a diverse range of topics to further the exchange of ideas and share the potential economic growth and market opportunities that are abundant in both economies.

As South Korea charts its way to becoming a global force in innovative technologies, heavy engineering and creative industries, we in Asean, and particularly in Malaysia, should leverage on the networking and business opportunities that are available, particularly with the on-going trade liberalisation under the Asean-Korean FTA.

Hence, I wish to invite entrepreneurs, professionals and trade association representatives to attend this not-to-be-missed conference as there is so much to acquire and gain from it.

So register now on SME Corp website www.smecorp.gov.my I personally look forward to welcoming you in person at the Asean-Korea SME Conference in June.

The South Koreans have transformed their game and won big. It's time we do the same!

Datuk Hafsah Hashim is the chief executive officer of Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp Malaysia) 

Pusat latihan kemahiran janjikan peluang - Jerantut

Jerantut: Bagi masyarakat di daerah ini, pembinaan lebih banyak pusat latihan kemahiran baik dalam bidang pelancongan, pertanian, ternakan, akuakultur dan kejuruteraan begitu dialu-alukan khususnya oleh generasi muda.

Source from (Harian Metro): http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/2013041504092620130415040926/Article/index_html
Published: April 15, 2013

Seorang penduduk, Roslan Sahuna, 51, berkata dengan tersedianya pusat untuk melatih pelbagai kemahiran, ia peluang yang perlu direbut generasi muda di daerah ini untuk memajukan diri.

“Latihan seperti pelancongan, ternakan, perikanan, pertanian dan kemahiran sudah berada di depan mata dan sewajarnya generasi muda Jerantut merebut peluang yang terbuka luas untuk menambah ilmu pengetahuan seterusnya bergelar insan berjaya satu hari nanti.

“Peluang disediakan kerajaan ini amat bagus untuk rakyat bukan saja di daerah ini, malah memberi peluang kepada penduduk di seluruh negeri ini untuk menuntut ilmu di sini,” katanya.

Bagi Adzland Zakaria, 40, berkata peluang menimba pelbagai kemahiran di pusat pendidikan disediakan kerajaan wajar disahut oleh generasi muda Jerantut untuk menimba pelbagai ilmu kemahiran yang boleh mengubah masa depan mereka.

Katanya, banyak peluang boleh direbut oleh golongan belia khususnya dalam bidang pertanian, akuakultur serta pelancongan kerana bidang berkenaan terbuka luas di Jerantut.

Sharifah Ahmad, 26, berkata, pusat latihan dan pendidikan yang ada di Jerantut memberi peluang kedua kepada lepasan sekolah yang tidak dapat melanjutkan pelajaran ke universiti.

Justeru, katanya, golongan terbabit tidak perlu bersedih jika tidak dapat melanjutkan pelajaran ke menara gading kerana institusi latihan kemahiran menjanjikan masa depan yang gemilang jika mereka berusaha dan merebut peluang disediakan.

MIDF sedia dana RM1b

MALAYSIAN Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) memperuntukkan dana berjumlah lebih RM1 bilion untuk disalurkan sebagai pinjaman kepada usahawan dalam pelbagai sektor ekonomi di seluruh negara tahun ini.

Source from (Berita Harian): http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/MIDFsediadanaRM1b/Article
Published: April 14, 2013


Mohd Najib Abdullah, Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan MIDF

Dana itu akan diagihkan anak syarikat milik penuh Permodalan Nasional Bhd itu menerusi lima skim pinjaman mudah yang dikendalikannya.

Skim itu ialah skim pinjaman mudah untuk perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) dan skim pinjaman mudah untuk automasi dan permodenan.

Tiga lagi skim lain ialah skim pinjaman mudah untuk pembangunan vendor automotif, skim pinjaman mudah bagi pemegang Permit Import (AP) terbuka beralih kepada perniagaan lain susulan pemansuhan permit itu menjelang 2015, dan skim pinjaman mudah usahawan dalam bidang perkhidmatan.

Pengarah Urusan Kumpulannya, Datuk Mohd Najib Abdullah, berkata peruntukan dana itu bertujuan memudah serta meningkatkan akses syarikat tempatan, khususnya PKS untuk mendapatkan pembiayaan dan seterusnya memajukan perniagaan mereka di dalam dan luar negara.

“Peruntukan dana ini juga selaras dengan matlamat kami untuk melahir dan membangunkan lebih ramai usahawan tempatan dalam perniagaan strategik dan berpotensi khususnya bidang automotif dan perkhidmatan untuk bersaing dengan lebih kompetitif dalam pasaran terbuka.

“Bantuan kewangan MIDF ini membolehkan PKS memperoleh aset tetap yang diperlukan untuk melaksanakan langkah inovatif dan kreatif serta memperbaiki keberkesanan, meningkatkan kemampuan dan kapasiti, mengurangkan pergantungan pada pekerja asing serta mengurangkan kos pengeluaran,” katanya dalam temubual di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

Temubual itu bersempena penganjuran Minggu Saham Amanah (MSAM) 2013 Edisi Khas yang bakal dianjurkan PNB di Dewan 2020, Kangar Perlis mulai 20 April ini.

Justeru, Mohd Najib berkata, pihaknya mengalu-alukan lebih banyak usahawan daripada sektor perkhidmatan mengambil faedah daripada skim bantuan kewangan yang ditawarkan itu.

“Kami di MIDF mahu mengagihkan dana berkenaan seberapa cepat yang mungkin untuk membantu usahawan tempatan ini mengembangkan jangkauan operasi perniagaan mereka,” katanya.

MIDF telah menyokong pertumbuhan dan pembangunan PKS sejak 1960 dengan menyediakan laluan pembiayaan kepada PKS dalam pengkomersialan projek dan pengembangan projek yang dikomersialkan.

Difahamkan, MIDF, setakat ini, sudah meluluskan pembiayaan lebih RM10.6 bilion kepada industri perkilangan dan perkhidmatan yang berada pada peringkat pertumbuhan dan fasa matang pada peringkat pengkomersialan.

Bahagian Kewangan Pembangunan MIDF menyediakan pembiayaan kepada PKS dan syarikat lain dengan dana yang diperuntukkan oleh kerajaan melalui program pinjaman dengan kerjasama Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI), SME Corp, Lembaga Kemajuan Perindustrian Malaysia (MIDA) dan Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE).

Sementara itu sepanjang seminggu MSAM 2013 Edisi Khas itu, selain menyediakan tapak pameran khas untuk usahawan memperoleh pelbagai maklumat mengenai skim pinjaman dan perkhidmatan yang ditawarkannya, MIDF akan turut menawarkan perkhidmatan pengangkutan percuma untuk membawa orang ramai mengunjungi pameran itu.

Kulim Technology Park Supports Malaysian SMEs To Participate At Hannover Industrial Fair

HANNOVER, April 12, (Bernama) -- Though many small and medium sized companies lack resources and even proper information about overseas markets, they have an expert agency that can help them enter even sophisticated foreign markets and offer their range of products and services tailor-made to local demand.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=941404
Published: April 14, 2013

Kulim Technology Park Corp Sdn Bhd of Kulim has been supporting SMEs to foray into foreign markets through their participation in highly sophisticated industrial trade shows such as the Hannover Industrial Fair, which runs from April 8 to 12.

Annuar Mohd Saffar, vice-president of Kulim Technology Park Corp, is currently visiting the Hannover show to monitor and guide the performance of four companies which it has brought to Hannover to exhibit their products in different halls of the fair.

Kulim Technology Park Corp has regularly been coming to the Hannover Industrial Fair since four years.

In fact, one of the Kulim-backed companies, Supreme, was successful last year in getting good orders from a Singaporean company after the two met in Hannover.

"Hopefully, the four companies this year will get equally good business. Hannover is not just a venue where you get business from Germany alone; it has an international resonation.

This is an international venue where one get business from anywhere in the world," Annuar said in an interview with Bernama at the Malaysan Pavilion at the show.

Making an international comparison with similar parks set up in other parts of the world, Annuar said Moscow City was developing a technology park and he was invited to deliver a lecture at the Hannover Industrial Fair on how Kulim had evolved from its infant stage to its present level of development.

Subsequently, a Russian delegation visited Kulim end of September last year.

"Indeed, the Russians brought with them technical experts to see and identify how Kulim functoned. It was part of a learning experience for them," Annuar said.

Meanwhile, Kulim Technology Park is entering its fourth phase of development which, as Annuar puts it, means "we are working on the completion of the land for Kulim".

He said Kulim could successfully recruit two medical device manufacturing companies, one of which is Panasonic Energy which is engaged in the solar energy sector.

He attributes the recruitment of the two companies to Kulim's participation in various solar exhibitions in conjunction with the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

"Kulim pursues a two-pronged strategy...one is to attract foreign companies to set up an operation in Kulim and the second part is to provide support to small Malaysian companies to export by participating in foreign trade fairs.

"And we are here at Hannover in pursuit of the second part of our strategy. We have brought here four companies this time," Annuar added.

-- BERNAMA