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