Thursday, July 5, 2012

afternoon highlight (05/07/12/119/593) Japanese SMEs keen to foray into global halal mart via KL


Japanese SMEs keen to foray into global halal mart via KL

KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium Japanese companies, which have fought shy of Islamic markets in the past, are keen to make a foray into consumer products in global Islamic market via Kuala Lumpur.

With the purchasing power on the rise in Malaysia, the timing could not be better to introduce and market the latest Japanese lifestyle goods to Malaysia, says Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) managing director Joji Ikeshita.

The larger Japanese companies, especially those in the manufacturing sector, are familiar with the expertise in the Malaysian market, but SMEs are unfamiliar with the tastes and demands of Muslim customers.

"For most of them, it would be their first time abroad, testing the markets," he said at a media briefing yesterday.

A test shop called Good Goods Japan shop will be open at the centre court of Pavilion KL from July 23 to 29. The shop will display its products, including those for daily use.

It will be held in conjunction with Tokyo Street's first anniversary celebrations at Pavilion which include Tokyo Fashion Fiesta.

He said 40 Japanese companies will participate, offering more than 300 goods for sale, ranging from toothbrushes, yukata to cosmetics.
"They are looking for distributors to sell their products which are limited in volume."

Of the 40, 11 companies hail from the Tohoku and Ibaraki areas which have been hit and damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11 last year.

"Though the areas were heavily damaged by the natural disasters, they are making a strong recovery."

Ikeshita said in the past, Japanese businesses have been focused on the manufacturing sector and now they have turned more towards the services sector.
Jetro, a government-related organisation that helps investments and trade, finally decided to introduce these businesses to the Asean market after a successful stint in China recently.

"Malaysia is the first market in the region we are bringing them into, while Thailand will be the next one in October."

He said that it had been challenging to get the Japanese SMEs to head beyond the Japanese shores and had to be educated on various aspects, including pricing of products due to duties and access to markets.

Meanwhile, Jetro will organise one-to-one business meetings with Malaysian retailers and wholesalers in Prince Hotel on July 23 and 24.
 
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 5 July 2012
afternoon highlight (05/07/12/119/593)

Today's Pick (05/07/12/121/815) Plans to make Johor electronics manufacturing services hub


Plans to make Johor electronics manufacturing services hub
 
JOHOR BARU: Plans are in the pipeline to further develop, strengthen and position Johor to be a leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) hub in Malaysia.


Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister (Miti)  said the state has all the right ingredients to become a successful EMS hub.


Johor has established itself in the electronics and electrical (E&E) manufacturing activities for years and now is the time to bring it to the next level,'' he said.

Mukhriz said in a press conference after attending a closed door meeting on the Johor Business Industry steering committee between Miti and the state government.


He said the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) had approved 929 manufacturing-related projects for Johor from 2007 until April this year with RM41.48bil investment.


Of the RM41.48bil investment, RM14.99bil (14.4%) came from the domestic investors and RM26.49bil (15.3%) from foreign investors, according to Mukhriz.


He said of the total approved projects for Johor, 506 or 54.5% were new investments while 423 were existing projects (45.5%) for additional investments and expansion purposes
.


Johor is second after Selangor in total investments for manufacturing activities.

(Investments totalled) RM276.54bil nationwide from 2007 until April 2012,'' said the deputy minister.

Source: The Star
Date : 4 July 2012
Today's Pick (05/07/12/121/815) 

afternoon highlight (04/07/12/118/592) Matrade-GE seminar on O&G business opportunities


Matrade-GE seminar on O&G business opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) in collaboration with GE Malaysia will organise a seminar on "Business Opportunities in Oil & Gas with GE Malaysia" to be held on July 11 at Menara Matrade here.
The event is an initiative under the global sourcing programme where Matrade collaborates with international companies to provide a platform for Malaysian companies in supplying their products and services to world-class organisations.
The objectives of the seminar are to create awareness among Malaysian companies on the procurement requirements and policies, and to provide information and explanation on oil & gas projects available in GE, Matrade said in a statement yesterday.

The seminar is also to encourage Malaysian companies to create a benchmark for their products and services in order to be capable of meeting the procurement requirement not only by GE Malaysia, but also other international companies around the world.

The seminar will be followed by two days of business meetings with GE Malaysia with the aim to assist GE in sourcing the right Malaysian companies for their products and services.
Interested Malaysian companies can attend the seminar for free and register online at www.matrade.gov.my.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 4 July 2012
afternoon highlight (04/07/12/118/592) 

Today's Pick (04/07/12/120/814) Programme to boost Malaysia IT vendors' capabilities


Programme to boost Malaysia IT vendors' capabilities


KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has teamed up with Microsoft Malaysia Sdn Bhd to launch the 1Vendor Development Program (IVDP) to boost the capabilities of local IT vendors.

Microsoft Malaysia managing director Ananth Lazarus said 475 MOF-registered IT contractors will be trained and certified under the first phase of the programme from July to December this year.
He added that Microsoft Malaysia had reinvested about RM2 million for the programme and should all go well, the second phase will be continued next year.

"As with any programme that is new, we want to measure the milestones, the quality of how we do things and the output we deliver back to the country," he told reporters after the launch by Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah yesterday.

Currently, there are about 3,500 registered IT vendors with MOF. Over time, Lazarus said they would like to scale all of the vendors.

Prestariang Systems Sdn Bhd was appointed as 1VDP training and certification provider.

The company has partnered Microsoft Malaysia since 2003 and it is the only Microsoft's large account reseller and certified partner for learning solution.

Lazarus said according to IDC, global IT spending will grow to US$1.8 trillion (RM5.69 trillion) and emerging markets like Malaysia will continue to have a big impact on the growth.

1VDP will train and certify IT contractors registered with MOF with competency training on Microsoft products.
Source: New Straits Times
Date : 3 July 2012

afternoon highlight (03/07/12/117/591) Upbeat outlook on halal logistics


Upbeat outlook on halal logistics

Container haulier and logistics service provider Kontena Nasional Bhd expects its halal logistics division to contribute between RM7 million and RM8 million, or about 5 per cent, to annual revenue from this year.

Up till May this year, the group handled some 216,000 tonnes of halal products worth RM450 million.
With the growing international demand for halal products, Kontena Nasional, a subsidiary of NCB Holdings Bhd, said it hopes to position itself as the preferred ancillary service provider in the country.

The group hopes to fill the gap in the entire halal production and distribution chain.
Its Petaling Jaya branch was certified as a halal logistics service provider in warehousing and transport by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) in December last year.

It is now applying for halal certification at three other warehouses in Johor, Penang and Port Klang.

"This move is significant with the increasing demand for halal products with the world halal food industry estimated to rise to US$655 billion (RM2.12 billion) in 2011," said Kontena Nasional chief executive officer Hood Osman when met at the World Halal Research Summit 2010 in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday.

He said the group is also working together with SME Corp to help enhance small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their export business, by consolidating their business with Kontena Nasional's service to lower their logistic cost.

"Some of the SMEs I have met had to use the services of courier providers to export their products, which is expensive. Our group has proposed for the SMEs to let us provide the logistic aspect of the business by consolidating with other SMEs around the area, so we can do a schedule pick-up and they can place their product at our warehouse," said Hood.
To further grow the business, Kontena Nasional will invest between RM7 and RM10 million until next year to expand its multi conventional trucks to 50 from 25 now to support the halal division.

Services in the package include halal storage and warehousing, both containerised and conventional halal transportation, halal distribution, halal shipping, halal freighting for sea and air cargo, samak service for containers, customs facilities and other halal value-added services. The group has yet to have a projected target on how much this division will govern its revenue in the future but according to Hood, the group aspires to be the country's primary total logistics provider in the industry, especially in the area of halal trade facilitation.

Last year, it posted a total revenue of RM221 million.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 June 2012
afternoon highlight (03/07/12/117/591) 

Today's Pick (03/07/12/119/813) From July 1, food outlets without Jakim halal logo risk fine, jail


From July 1, food outlets without Jakim halal logo risk fine, jail


KUALA LUMPUR: Starting July 1, all food outlet operators who are still using and displaying halal logo not issued by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) or State Religious Council (MAIN), will be liable to a fine and imprisonment.
Jakim director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said a corporate organisation still using the halal logo from other sources could be fined with an amount not exceeding RM200,000 for the first offence and not exceeding RM500,000 for the second or subsequent offence.
For a non-organisation, a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or a maximum jail term of three years, or both, can be imposed upon conviction, he said in a statement here Friday.
He said for a second or subsequent offence, they could be fined an amount not exceeding RM250,000 or maximum jail term of five years, or both, upon conviction.
"Starting Sunday, Jakim will not hesitate to take action against food outlets and premises which do not have Jakim or MAIN halal logo," he said.
Othman also reminded the food outlet operators that the usage of halal logo or words like 'ditanggung halal' (halal assured), 'Muslim food', 'Ramadan buffet', as well as symbols that could confuse the Muslims, was prohibited as stipulated under the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, which had taken effect since Jan 1, this year.
He also called on members of the public with information about the abuse of halal logo to lodge a report to Jakim to enable further action be taken. - Bernama
Source : The Star                                                   Date : 29 June 2012
Today's Pick (03/07/12/119/813) 

Monday, July 2, 2012

afternoon highlight (02/07/12/116/590) BAE Systems seeks more partners


BAE Systems seeks more partners

KUALA LUMPUR: Global defence, security and aerospace company BAE Systems is looking at expanding its relationship with Malaysian partners and doubling its efforts to engage with more small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Its managing director for Southeast Asia, John Brosnan, said having established Kuala Lumpur as its Southeast Asian hub since moving from Singapore last year, BAE Systems was now looking beyond Klang Valley to strengthen its presence.

"We are here for the long term. We went to Sabah and Sarawak, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Johor, again trying to find potential partners. It's a continuous engagement," Brosnan said.
He said the British company was doubling its efforts to find new business partners, especially SMEs.

BAE Systems has had a presence in Malaysia for over 20 years. The company is currently involved in more than a dozen partnerships and joint ventures with local companies such as Composites Technology Research Malaysia Systems Integration Sdn Bhd (CTRM), Boustead Heavy Industries Corp and BHIC Bofors Asia Sdn Bhd.

"Malaysia has been a pretty good experience for us. CTRM is an example. We played a small part to what the company is today - from a handful of people working to thousands now," Brosnan said.

He said BAE Systems found a lot of small companies with big aspirations that were well-managed with good capabilities in Malaysia.

"We need companies that have agility, creativity and innovation. Those are the qualities we found here," Brosnan said.
"We want to be part of the industries here and understand economic priorities of these places," he said.

Brosnan said although BAE Systems was mainly a defence company, its investment track record was not only in defence industry but also in areas such as human capital and education.

He said one of the areas the company was looking at was cybersecurity. Bernama

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 2 July 2012
afternoon highlight (02/07/12/116/590) 

afternoon highlight (27/06/12/113/587)MRT Corp likely to award two viaduct packages


MRT Corp likely to award two viaduct packages

 
KUALA LUMPUR: Two viaduct packages worth close to RM2bil for the nation's biggest infrastructure project, Klang Valley My Rapid Transit (KVMRT), are expected to be awarded tomorrow.
MRT Corp chief executive Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid told StarBiz that these were two of the last three packages for viaducts construction.
“We are meeting the Prime Minister this Thursday on the matter and will soon thereafter announced the awards of Viaducts 2 and 3, which are quite a big projects as they run along several stations for each packages,” he said.
He added that these two awards were in the open tender category. Each of the two viaduct packages is estimated to be worth slightly less than RM1bil.
People looking at a map which outlines the MRT project’s track. First phase of the project is expected to be operational by Decem ber 2016, and the second by June 2017. — Bernama
Viaduct 2, with total length of 5.4km, runs along three stations and Viaduct 3, with total length of 6.26km, runs along four stations.
In general, these two packages will involve the construction of elevated civil works from stations in Kota Damansara to Section 17. A viaduct guideway is an elevated guideway structure where the tracks for the MRT trains will be located in.
There are eight of these packages five under the open category and the remainder under bumiputra category. The last viaduct package to be awarded is number eight, which is currently under tendering process.
In total, MRT Corp has awarded 31 of the total 85 Klang Valley MRT packages for Line 1 to date, valued at RM13.83bil. The remaining 85 packages for Line 1 would be awarded by December.
Line 1, which connects Sungai Buloh to Kajang via track that runs through the city centre, is made up of two phases. The first phase is from Sungai Buloh to Semantan, and the second from Kajang to Taman Maluri.
Amir expects the first phase to be operational by December 2016, and the second by June 2017. 
Source: The Star                                                                                                     
Date: 27 June 2012
afternoon highlight (27/06/12/113/587)

Today's Pick (02/07/12/118/812) Start swimming with the big fish


Start swimming with the big fish

MANY would agree that market access remains one of the major barriers for SMEs apart from access to finance. In their daily existence, it is quite tough for SMEs to knock on the doors of large conglomerates to seek opportunities to be part of their global supply chain.

They will have to take the extra mile to sell their products and services, as well as provide the assurance that they are the ones these big players are looking for. On the other hand, SMEs that can adhere to the stringent market requirements and high-quality standards are usually the ones that are sought-after by these huge corporations.
There are times, when I was approached by SMEs complaining about how tough it was for them to penetrate into the local market, let alone in the global playing field. I hear them and understand the constraints faced. Nonetheless, I believe in the words by the man with positive thinking, Norman Vincent Peale; "Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds".

And just to share, I always remind myself and my team to practice the 4C principle, which stands for Connect, Communicate, Consult and Colla-borate.

This has always been our main ingredients used when executing every given task. Hence, being the central coordinating agency, we are here to communicate with you and connect you in many ways in identifying the potential solutions to overcome the many challenges faced, particularly ease of market penetration.

In fact, we have been continuously providing avenues to link potential SMEs to the big players over the past 15 years. Our industrial linkage programme, now branded as Business Linkage Programme (BLING) is developed to create linkages between potential SMEs and various MNCs, large corporations as well as hypermarkets like Tesco, Giant, AEON and Mydin.
On top of that, our dedicated BLING team is always exploring opportunities with the big names in the industry. I'm proud to mention that to date SME Corp has succesfully organised business opportunity sessions with renowned global players with the likes of The Boeing Co, BAE Systems, international hypermarket chains as well as MRT Corp to name a few. Indeed, we brought along our business matching session to the Global Women Summit 2012, in Athens recently.

From time to time, we were often approached by the big corporations to assist them in sourcing for suitable SMEs that could be their potential suppliers. Thanks to our in-house diagnostic tool which is famously known as SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement (SCORE).
With SCORE, MNCs and large corporations are assured that SMEs we proposed are the cream of the crop as only companies rated three star and above will be selected to participate in this programme.

Once we have identified the pool of SMEs, a business opportunity session will be organised, bridging them with the big corporations to further explore business opportunities. As in previous years, the highlight of Smidex 2012 which was held two weeks ago, is the one-to-one Business Matching.

Marking its 15th year, the ultimate objective of this session is to provide a channel for SMEs to forge strategic business partnerships and networking with the Large and Multi-National Corp. This is indeed the perfect opportunity for SMEs to understand what it takes to be their suppliers.

Through sessions like this, SMEs will take the necessary steps to upgrade their technology and comply to the necessary standards once they have a better understanding on the customer's requirements.

Since the inception of Smi-dec/SME Corp, the business linkage activities done in matching SMEs and their potential partners comprising MNCs, GLCs and large companies have generated nearly RM1.2 billion worth of potential sales, with a total of 1,372 linkages.

Last year alone saw a total of 178 business matching sessions materialised at our SME Annual Showcase, with sales negotiations valued at RM194.7 million.

I am delighted that this year, a total of 231 business linkage materialised, with sales negotiations valued at RM247 million negotiated during the three-day session!

My heartfelt thanks to Proton, Perodua, BAE Systems, The Boeing Co, hypermarkets and the rest of our partners for their support and commitment shown during the recent Smidex 2012-Business Matching Session.

Did you miss that business opportunity? Don't worry ... our business linkage activities are not only done during Smidex, it is a year-long activity. Don't hesitate to talk to us if you need our assistance to link you with your potential clients. After all, this is what we do best; getting you connected and pioneering your business transformation! Just remember what B.C. Forbes said:

"If you don't drive your business, you will be driven out of business!'. Put on your gear, and let's start swimming with the big fish ...

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

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 2 July 2012
Today's Pick (02/07/12/118/812) 

afternoon highlight (29/06/12/115/589) Call to tap Guinea's economic sectors



Call to tap Guinea's economic sectors

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian firms have been invited by the Republic of Guinea to tap opportunities in it's economic sectors like mining and infrastructure development.

"In the past, companies like Telekom Malaysia and Bernas had invested in Guinea but failed. Things are different now and we view Guinea as a growing market in the African region," International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

Mustapa said the President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, is calling on Malaysian firms to take part in the country's economic sectors such as mining, ports construction and affordable housing projects.
"We should leverage on the opportunities given to us," he said yesterday at the closing of the SME joint programme by the ministry, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB).

Earlier, Mustapa received a delegation led by Conde at Matrade, where they were given an overview of the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the halal industry in Malaysia.

There were discussions on the possibility of SME Corp and Halal Development Corp providing expertise and consultation to create and help develop the SMEs and halal-related industries in Guinea. About 85 per cent of the country's 10 million population are Muslims.
Malaysia and Guinea, which have rich bauxite reserves, uranium, diamonds and oil, have agreed to look into new areas of bilateral relations.

Mustapa said Guinea's bilateral trade with Malaysia increased by 162.7 per cent, valued at US$78.5 million (RM250.42 million) in 2011, compared with US$28.4 million (RM90.60 million) in 2010.

Palm oil constituted 71.5 per cent of Malaysia's total exports to Guinea in 2011, followed by chemicals and chemical products and processed food. Imports were mainly iron and steel, machinery, appliances and parts, and crude rubber.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 June 2012
afternoon highlight (298/06/12/115/589) 

Today's Pick (29/06/12/117/811) Mustapa: Usahawan senarai hitam CCRIS boleh rujuk SME Corp


Mustapa: Usahawan senarai hitam CCRIS boleh rujuk SME Corp
KUALA LUMPUR - Usahawan yang menghadapi kesukaran mendapat pinjaman akibat disenarai hitam dalam CCRIS atau Central Credit Reference Information System, boleh merujuk kepada SME Corp untuk bantuan, kata Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (Miti), Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
Beliau berkata usahawan yang telah menjelaskan pinjaman namun masih disenarai hitam oleh CCRIS serta CTOS Credit Tip-Off Service, juga boleh merujuk kepada SME Corp.
"Kami membuka peluang kedua untuk usahawan, dan SME Corp akan mencari jalan untuk membantu dan mendapatkan nasihat," katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis penutupan Sesi Rangkaian dan Peluang Perniagaan Usahawan PKS dalam Program Kerjasama antara Miti, Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) dan Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB), di sini hari ini.
Beliau mengulas mengenai saranan Kementerian Kewangan supaya Bank Negara mencari jalan untuk mewujudkan sistem yang lebih baik untuk CCRIS dan CTOS, supaya dapat membantu Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) memperoleh pinjaman.

Sesi rangkaian dan peluang perniagaan usahawan (PKS) itu dianjurkan oleh Bahagian Pembangunan Keusahawanan Miti dengan kerjasama MATRADE dan PUNB.
Bahagian Pembangunan Keusahawanan Miti memainkan peranan dalam membangunkan usahawan melalui pelbagai program, termasuk dalam aspek latihan keusahawanan, peningkatan kualiti produk dan perkhidmatan serta promosi dan pemasaran.

Melalui program peningkatan kualiti produk dan perkhidmatan yang dilaksanakan dengan kerjasama SIRIM Berhad, program ini berjaya membangunkan 1,379 syarikat Bumiputera yang mengeluarkan lebih 2,900 produk.

Mereka terdiri daripada usahawan dalam lima sektor iaitu makanan dan minuman, kosmetik dan herba, seramik, kaca serta perabot manakala Matrade pula berfungsi sebagai agensi yang membantu usahawan dalam meneroka pasaran luar negara melalui beberapa program seperti pembangunan pengeksport Bumiputera dan program pembangunan pengeksport wanita.

Program-program itu bertujuan membimbing usahawan PKS supaya lebih berkeupayaan, berkeyakinan serta meningkatkan tahap profesionalisma bagi menghadapi cabaran dalam pasaran antarabangsa.

Syarikat yang terpilih akan dibimbing serta didedahkan dengan aktiviti-aktiviti promosi perdagangan antarabangsa, seminar dan latihan serta diberikan seorang pegawai pembimbing yang berpengalaman untuk tempoh sepanjang berada dalam program.

Seramai 200 usahawan PKS yang mewakili 120 syarikat mendapat manfaat menerusi program ini.- Bernama
Source : Sinar Harian
Date : 27 June 2012
 Today's Pick (29/06/12/117/811) 

afternoon highlight (28/06/12/114/588) Work on MRT viaduct to begin August

The Malaysian Reserve
28 June 2012
afternoon highlight (28/06/12/114/588)

Today's Pick (28/06/12/116/810) Retailers group raises forecast


Retailers group raises forecast


REVENUE GROWTH: 5pc-6pc expected on higher contributions from abroad
THE Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association (MRCA) has revised upwards its 2012 revenue growth projection of its members to between five per cent and six per cent as it foresees more contributions coming from abroad.

MRCA, which has 206 members with over 10,000 retail outlets, late last year projected average growth of four to five per cent for its members.
The revised projection is more in line with the six per cent growth forecast by the Malaysia Retail Association (MRA). However, MRCA numbers are different from those of MRA as the former o takes into account sales growth registered overseas by its locally-incorporated members.

Newly-appointed president Datuk Nelson Kwok said that the slightly better projection came despite some retailers experiencing a month-to-month decline of 20 per cent in the April-June period.

"The food and beverage industry (nevertheless) continues to hold with some players registering up to 20 per cent growth," Kwok told Business Times in an interview.

"New concepts like Chatime and Overtime have expanded nationwide contributing to significant growth," he said.

"Consumer spending over the next six months is uncertain. They (consumers) are adopting a "wait- and-see" attitude. They prefer to conserve their cash and buy very selectively. Consumers are constantly looking for promotions."

He cited Groupon as a very popular method of getting value-for- money deals.
Meanwhile, as the economic outlook remains uncertain, Kwok said retailers are gearing up for a possible slowdown. They are looking at cost-effective measures and maximising staff performance. Venturing abroad is a solution opted for by some retailers.

Kwok, the founder of Nelson's Corn in Cup, said that margins for his business are better abroad.

Other MRCA retailers with operations abroad include Marry Brown, Bonia and King Confectionery.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 26 June 2012
Today's Pick (28/06/12/116/810)

Today's Pick (27/06/12/115/809) Services top contributor in 2011


Services top contributor in 2011

PUTRAJAYA: More than RM700 billion was generated by 660,000 established businesses that have been actively operating in Malaysia in 2010, according to the Department of Statistics.

The figures were released in the Economic Census Report 2011 that was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop yesterday.

"The services sector contributed RM371.6 billion, followed by the manufacturing sector with RM170.7 billion and mining and quarrying with RM88.7 billion," he said.
Nor Mohamed said that there were almost seven million employees in the main economic sectors.

"The majority of workers were employed in the services sector with 52.9 per cent, followed by the manufacturing sector with 26 per cent and construction sector with 14 per cent," he said.

Nor Mohamed said that out of the 660,000 active businesses, 127,422 were owned by women.
"The highest women-owned establishments were in the services sector with 91.5 per cent, followed by manufacturing with 6.9 per cent and construction with 1.1 per cent," he said.

The report also stated that the highest average monthly salary in 2010 was in the mining and quarrying sector.
"Those in mining and quarrying sector earned the highest with 32,000 workers earning an average of RM7,700 monthly," said Nor Mohamed.

The report is done every five years and consists of 11 publications, including agriculture, transportation, education, business and manufacturing services.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 26 June 2012
Today's Pick (27/06/12/115/809)

Today's Pick (26/06/12/114/808) Platform to help SMEs penetrate European e-commerce sector


Platform to help SMEs penetrate European e-commerce sector

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can soon penetrate the European e-commerce sector through an integrated platform provided by e-commerce and payment solutions provider Multimedia Prospect Sdn Bhd and Belgium national post service Bpost International.
Bpost managing director Luc De Munck said Europe had emerged as the largest e-commerce market in the world despite the eurozone crisis.
“People are getting more cost-conscious and are more (online) savvy. They shop online and don't limit to just buying within the European countries,” he told reporters after signing an agreement with Multimedia Prospect Sdn Bhd.
“Bpost sees a year-on-year rise of at least 30% in its parcels postage as compared with last year,” he said, adding that some customers were turned off by the additional hidden costs of postage but through logistic solutions provided by Bpost, sellers were able to gain recurring sales from customers due to the enhanced buying experience.
“In Bpost, we have found the right logistics partner that has the tools and experience to boost Malaysian e-commerce activities globally, especially selling into the eurozone.
“This tie-up enables buyers to know the exact amount of postage that they are paying for with much transparency,” ManagePay Systems Bhd managing director Chew Chee Seng said.
He also said that SMEs had to be cultivated that selling online was an additional channel to increase their revenue.
“We have hand-picked 30 companies from about more than 3000 companies in Malaysia Digital Enterprise Exchange (MDEX) portal to sell in the European Union.
“The 30 companies are chosen because they are trusted brands that provide good quality products. We are very selective of the companies as we do not want to tarnish the image of the (MDEX) portal,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Belgium ambassador to Malaysia Marc Muellie and SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim.
Among some of the goods sold by the 30 companies include items that can be posted like packed food and beverage, spices, apparels, decorative products, kitchenware, utensils, batik and songket.
“By September or October, we hope that there are at least five companies who come on board and sell,” Chew said.
The company also hopes to set up 40 service hubs across the whole of Malaysia in three years.
The technical integration provided by both companies is expected to be completed by end-August which will see faster deliveries and lower returns of postage sent to the eurozone.
The inking ceremony was witnessed by Belgium ambassador to Malaysia Marc Muellie and SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim.
Source : The Star
Date : 26 June 2012
Today's Pick (26/06/12/114/808)

afternoon highlight (25/06/12/112/586) Minimum wage: Private sector wants more time


Minimum wage: Private sector wants more time

THE private sector wants the government to delay the implementation of the minimum wage policy and has appealed to the International Trade and Industry Ministry to extend the the transition period.

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is seeking a two-year grace period to adjust to the minimum wage and is also seeking a review mechanism to prevent any indiscriminate increase.
But International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed yesterday appealed to the private sector to understand the need for the changes.

The recently gazetted Minimum Wage Act is part of six policy reform initiatives under the Strategic Reform Initiatives (SRIs) of the New Economic Model to propel Malaysia towards becoming a high-income economy.

"We are prepared to have dialogue sessions with regard to the retirement age for the private sector, although the bill is already in Parliament for the first reading," he said at a briefing yesterday.
The annual dialogue session to discuss non-tax related issues was attended by the FMM, Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).

Among the issues raised were energy (gas, electricity, petrochemical and renewable energy industrial estates), halal certification, transportation (container yard charges) and concessionaire agreements by the government with companies providing the services.
MICCI, in its recommendations on the minimum wage policy, said wages should be determined by market forces and without political interference.

Setting up a national minimum wage policy as means to achieve high-income economy status without regard for matching productivity improvement would only "damage" the economy, it said.

On the retirement age, the MEF has called for a five year transition period to allow for some flexibility in implementation.

It also felt that certain employees should be exempted, such as those doing heavy manual work and in the construction, plantation, airline, electronics, textile and transportation sectors.
It, however, expressed concern about the proposed unemployment insurance for the private sector by the Human Resources Ministry.

The setting up of the unemployment insurance would increase the cost of doing business as well as bail out "recalcitrant" employers at the expense of well-managed employers, it said.

MEF added that current provisions were adequate in protecting the rights and obligations of both the employees and the employers.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 22 June 2012
afternoon highlight (25/06/12/112/586)

Today's Pick (25/06/12/113/807) Merger offive Bumi ICT firms serves as test case


Merger offive Bumi ICT firms serves as test case

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's information, technology and communications (ICT) sector is kickstarting merger and acquisition activities so that they are able to compete with the world's top ICT companies.

Malaysian Association of Bumiputera ICT Industry and Entrepreneurs president Ashran Ghazi said a test pilot initiative is under way to merge five Bumiputera ICT companies with the help of government-owned venture capital firm MalaysiaVenture Capital Management Bhd (Mavcap).

"We will see what happens after the merger takes place. If it is successful, we will carry out more merger activities which will also be open to non-Bumiputera ICT companies," Ashran told reporters here yesterday on the sidelines of the Bumiputera Technopreneur Dialogue with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Ashran, who is also the National Entrepreneurs Forum (NEF) president, said for starters, each company and Mavcap will set up an entity with each party having its own stake. Mavcap will pull out after two years after recouping its investments.


He said the initiative is necessary as currently there are too many ICT companies involved in the same activity such as creative content or software development.

Earlier, Najib witnessed a signing of a memorandum between NEF and Mavcap for a merger and acquisition programme that will help Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Also present were MDeC chief executive officer Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, TM chairman Datuk Dr Halim Shafie and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa.

Najib in his speech said in order for Malaysia to become a high-income nation, it must tap into the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of its youths.

The dialogue was organised by the Malaysian Association of Bumiputera ICT Industry and NEF.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 22 June 2012
Today's Pick (25/06/12/113/807) 

afternoon highlight (22/06/12/111/585) Master plan to chart SMEs' direction, progress


Master plan to chart SMEs' direction, progress

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has drawn up an SME master plan to chart the direction and progress of the country's small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the plan will focus on creating an enabling ecosystem to accelerate the SME growth.

"One of the strategic goals under the plan is to promote innovation and the adoption of technology by SMEs," he said at the launch of Smidex 2012, Asean-India SME conference and SME Week here yesterday.
The master plan is one of the many efforts taken by the government to support the growth of the SME sector.

"We have also found that it is inspiring for businesses when we develop recognition programmes to support SMEs that excel," Najib said.

Therefore in 2010, the inaugural SME Innovation Award was introduced to recognise SMEs that are deemed most innovative.

The winner of the best innovative SME will receive the prestigious RM1 million cash prize and a trophy.

He said the government recently launched a RM500 million syariah-compliant commercialisation innovation fund for SMEs with innovative products or services which are already at the stage of commercialisation.

"Another effort which we are trying to do for winners from SMEs that have performed very well is to create a green lane for them so that the government is able to take up some of their products and services.
"A complaint sometimes heard is how do they become fame, how do they become regional champions when they have without businesses back home," Najib said.

He said SMEs employ the most number of people outside government, contributing to a large chunk of the gross domestic product.

They also provide the linkages between big businesses and small ones.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 22 June 2012
afternoon highlight (22/06/12/111/585)

Today's Pick (22/06/12/112/806) SMEs urged to build a broader brand portfolio


SMEs urged to build a broader brand portfolio

KUALA LUMPUR: Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are urged to move from the usual focus on building businesses to a broader branding concept in order to grow further.
 
The Small & Medium Industries (SMI) Association of Malaysia national president Teh Kee Sin said many SMEs today find it difficult to gain entry into certain markets.

"This might be because their products are still weak in terms of packaging and branding, which would unfairly reflect on the quality of the products," Teh said after the Media Prima Bhd (MPB) luncheon with SMI Association of Malaysia here yesterday.
Also present at the luncheon were MPB chairman Datuk Johan Jaafar, MPB group managing director Datuk Amrin Awaluddin and New Straits Times Press group managing editor Abdul Jalil Hamid.

Teh said SMEs are expected to play an increasingly important role for the country to make the quantum leap in its development.

"We hope we can remake the SMEs, so that the sector can contribute more to the growth of the country's gross domestic product (GDP)," he said.
 
By 2020, Teh said, SMEs are expected to contribute 42 per cent to the country's growth.

"This is in line with the new economic model to boost SMEs' share in the GDP to develop Malaysia into a high-income nation."
Currently, SMEs' contribution to the country's GDP is at 32 per cent.

Commenting on the collaboration with MPB, Teh said the company will use MPB as a platform to boost the industry by promoting SMEs through MPB's media channels.

"We hope we can uplift the qualities of SMEs to move them up in line with the government's call for the transformation," he said.
 
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 21 June 2012
Today's Pick (22/06/12/112/806) 

afternoon highlight (21/06/12/110/584) All eyes on NAP


All eyes on NAP

PETALING JAYA: Indications are that some aspects of the revised National Automotive Policy (NAP) will soon make its appearance, ending the long wait for liberalisation of the sector.
One government source said phases of the NAP were expected to be announced soon and would include a liberalisation of the segment below 1,800cc, making it more attractive for new players to enter the marketplace.
“Something will be announced soon. It's logical that for Malaysia to be a liberalised market, we need to open it up. That will create competition for parameters to move forward,” the source said.
The source added that the announcement would touch on matters that the Government wanted to implement “as soon as possible”.
When asked to comment on this, Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said his ministry, which is reviewing the NAP, was in the final stages of streamlining the incentives for energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs).
“We are almost finalising the incentive regime for EEVs. We are going to encourage the development and production of (EEVs) in Malaysia,” Mustapa said after the launch of Miti Report 2011 yesterday.
He added that the Government was talking to “a few Japanese automakers” to manufacture EEVs locally. According to reports, the Government has put in place strategies under the upcoming revised NAP to turn Malaysia into a regional hub for EEVs.
Mustapa also said that the Government was in the final stage of setting up the Malaysian Automotive Council, which would oversee the overall implementation of NAP.
“The council will oversee the auto industry, taking into account regional and global developments. It will play a strategic role in charting the future of the industry,” he said.
Previous news reports have quoted Mustapa as saying that one of the key areas being looked into by the Government is the opening up of the 1,800cc segment.
On this, Mustapa said: “We are looking into it (liberalising the segment) but there is nothing definite yet.”
The changes brought about by the revised NAP in 2009 was set out to liberalise the local automotive industry but since then, many industry observers felt that the policies have not created “sufficient pull” for foreign players.
One example is the policy where foreign firms can apply for manufacturing licenses to hold 100% shares in firms to produce vehicles with engine capacity of larger than 1,800cc and costing more than RM150,000.
Many feel that this is more of an impediment as foreign firms are practically barred from competing within the category of vehicles below 1,800cc a segment dominated by national car companies Proton and Perodua.
The segment below 1,800cc is also the largest sub-segment in Malaysia. This sub-segment constitutes about 90% of the total passenger vehicles market. Both the national and non-national players as well as markets in other Asean countries have been focusing on this segment (1800cc and below).
“The revised NAP should be clear, unlike the current one which is entirely grey. Foreign investors are confused,” said one industry observer, adding that foreign players looking to come into Malaysia might see this as a deterrent and head elsewhere places that offer better incentives.
An analyst pointed out that a liberalisation of the segment below 1,800cc meant increased competition and the introduction of new technologies as well as technical expertise to the domestic industry.
“New players coming in means added competition and more (product) choices at competitive prices, which means existing players (within the segment below 1,800cc) would need to stay on their toes and remain competitive,” she said.
She also said the introduction of new players into the market would be a boost to the local total industry volume (TIV). According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), total vehicle sales in May rose 26% to 58,229 units from 46,045 a year earlier, due to the introduction of new models and the normalisation of the vehicle supply chain of local car companies. Year-to-date May, vehicle sales was however lower at 244,620 units from 255,413 a year earlier.
On the outlook for June, MAA said vehicle sales was expected to be maintained at May level.
AmResearch, in its report yesterday, pointed out that May TIV marked the strongest growth seen so far this year both on year-on-year and month-on-month basis. “More importantly, May numbers also marked the first significant year-on-year rebound following five months of contraction since December 2011,” it said, adding that it was raising its TIV projection this year to 607,625 units (from 605,981 previously).
“We see room for further upgrades, depending on the strength of response to upcoming new model launches.” OSK Research, meanwhile, said while year-to-date TIV fell short of its 1.1% growth forecast, the research house still sees encouraging volume for the ensuing months driven by new vehicle launches.
“Not just from the top five but also other marques, in addition to the boost to volume in the entry-level segment, which we expect to pick up pace ahead of the upcoming festive season in the third quarter.
“All in all, the growth numbers will perk up due to the low base effect caused by last year's earthquake in Japan and the devastating floods in Thailand

Source: The Star
 Date: 21 June 2012
afternoon highlight (21/06/12/110/584)

Today's Pick (21/06/12/111/805) RM100m allocation for bumiputera entrepreneurs in ECER


RM100m allocation for bumiputera entrepreneurs in ECER
KUANTAN: The government yesterday allocated RM100 million from the Bumiputera Agenda Coordinating Fund's (Teraju) RM2 billion fascilitation fund to spur Bumiputera entrepreneurship in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
The allocation is expected to help at least 100 Bumiputera entrepreneurs in ECER, which covers Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Mersing in Johor.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said Teraju would open its one-stop centre at the ECER Development Council's (ECERDC) office here soon and interested Bumiputera entrepreneurs could submit their applications for the fund at the centre.
"We do not limit the number of entrepreneurs and those who are eligible should come forward and apply," he told reporters after launching the Jejak 2012 programme here yesterday.
Present were Teraju chief executive officer Husni Salleh and Pahang state secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Safian Ismail.
For ECER, Nor Mohamed said among the Bumiputera companies and entrepreneurs that could benefit were those in the food, agriculture and oil and gas sectors.
 "Our aim is to generate investments of between RM500 million and RM600 million from the companies which receive the grants from the facilitation fund," he said.
He said ECER was the fourth economic development region to benefit from the fund after the Northern Corridor Economic Region, Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy and Sabah Development Corridor. The last development corridor to benefit from the fund is Iskandar Malaysia.
Earlier, in his speech Nor Mohamed said Teraju, which was established in February last year, had assisted seven projects worth RM692 million through its facilitation fund.
 "It involves RM82 million worth of fund and the projects cover those in the sectors of agriculture; wholesale and retail; information and communication technology and the oil, gas and energy," he said.
At the same time, he said Teraju through its education foundation "Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera" had also accumulated RM158 million funds which would be used to help Bumiputera students.
For this year, he said the foundation had offered scholraships to 210 students and more would get the financial assistance next year.
At the function, Nor Mohamed also witnessed the signing of memorandum of understanding between Pahang Aircraft Industries Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Aviation Academy Sdn Bhd for the development of an aviation campus here.
Source : The New Straits Times                                            Date : 20 June 2012 
Today's Pick (21/06/12/111/805) 

afternoon highlight (20/06/12/109/583) SME Bank expects NPLs to frop to 15% Rozzaina Md Redzwan

The Malaysian Reserve
20 June 2012

Today's Pick (20/06/12/110/804) Mukhriz: Entrepreneurs given funds will be monitored


Mukhriz: Entrepreneurs given funds will be monitored

MERBOK: Entrepreneurs who have received funding from financial institutions will be monitored to ensure their businesses succeed and do not fail halfway, according to Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir.
Mukhriz said entrepreneurs should also undergo an assessment process before being given funding to ensure a higher probability of their business succeeding.
“We do not want to give public money indiscriminately to anyone who is not really serious or has intentions other than hoped for, as we hope entrepreneurs who have received funding from financial institutions succeed in their business.
“We do not just give money and leave them alone – we follow up with various other programmes. We assess their weaknesses – if it’s marketing, that’s where we help them,” he said at a media conference after the launch of the state-level “Jom Niaga” carnival for micro, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs at UiTM Kedah yesterday.
He said the ministry would help in all aspects, including with branding, packaging and market access.
“We often see micro, small and medium entrepreneurs pre-occupied with production. They should know that promoting and marketing their products is equally important,” he said, adding they should not just wait for customers to come to them.
Mukhriz said to succeed, entrepreneurs also needed a conducive environment besides putting in a lot of effort.
“A conducive environment could create many job and business opportunities, which also help the local economy and in turn create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” he said.
Over 300 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs from the food, manufacturing and service sectors in the state are attending the two-day programme organised by SME Corp Malaysia.
SME Corp chairman Datuk (Dr) Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid said the event drew some 10,000 visitors yesterday alone, and the previous seven events at other locations nationwide, which brought together entrepreneurs and representatives of financial institutions in an outdoor festival-like gathering, also received good public response.
Activities have included interactions with successful entrepreneurs, children’s colouring contests, weapons demonstrations by the armed forces, concerts and “pocket talks” by financial institutions. – Bernama
Source : The Star 
Date : 20 June 2012 
Today's Pick (20/06/12/110/804)

afternoon highlight (19/06/12/108/582) Malaysian firms clinch RM17m sales in China


Malaysian firms clinch RM17m sales in China

Malaysian exhibitors participating in the 13th SIAL China 2012, a trade show in Pudong, Shanghai, from May 9-11, clinched RM17.3 million in sales.
The event is one of the largest and most significant for the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Asia.

Fourteen Malaysian companies were housed at the Malaysian pavilion, coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), and they displayed a wide range of products from the F&B industry.

These included honey products, biscuits, confectionary, snacks, tea, coffee, energy drinks and frozen foods.

Matrade, in a statement today said the Malaysian companies received 1,233 inquiries, during SIAL CHINA 2012.

The event had attracted the participation of international pavilions from 37 countries, including Korea, the United States,Spain, Portugal, Poland, India, Japan, Brazil, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. -- BERNAMA
 
 
Source: Business Times
Date: 19 June 2012
afternoon highlight (19/06/12/108/582)

Today's Pick (19/06/12/109/803) Malaysian brands can make 'world's best' list


Malaysian brands can make 'world's best' list

MALAYSIAN brands have the potential to be among Interbrand's Best Global Brands as more brands from Asia make it to the list.
 
Interbrand, one of the world's leading brand consultant, compiles valuable brands which are country specific as well as on a global level.

"Over the next five years, there could be more companies in the top 100 list coming from this part of the world," said Interbrand Singapore director of client services Jonathan Bernstein.

Asian brands on the list now are mostly from Japan and South Korea. They include Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai, and most recently, HTC from Taiwan.
Bernstein was not able to say when a Malaysian brand would make into the list which is now dominated by US brands like Coca-Cola, IBM, Microsoft and Google.
 

He was speaking at a press conference yesterday on the upcoming Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands (MMVB).

The selection process of the top 30 companies and their total value is now on-going.

The event, in its fourth edition, is organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As), in partnership with Media Prima Bhd and supported by Matrade.
This is the first time Media Prima, which includes the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group, is teaming up with 4As for MMVB.

"We are the only complete media platform in the region. Basically, it shows the strength of how this (partnership) will benefit the industry," NSTP chief executive officer Mohammad Azlan Abdullah said.

He added that there will be activities and promotions for the event which will take-off with the CEO breakfast at the NSTP headquarters.

There will be coverage on television, radio and outdoor billboards.
The breakfast forum, to be attended by some 150 CEOs, chief marketing officers and chief financial officers will be held on July 6.

In deriving the MMVB list, Bernstein explained that 100 listed companies will be selected in the initial stage before being narrowed down to the final top 30, with the highest brand value.

Apart from being listed on Bursa Malaysia to qualify, the origins of the brand must be Malaysian or if it is a foreign brand, it must have been listed for at least 10 years.

The companies' financial forecast, role of the brand and brand strength will be taken into account in deriving the brand value.

Companies must provide among others, their brands' projection to deliver earnings in three to five years.
It is not unusual to see some names repeated in the list over the years. They include Maybank, AirAsia, YTL, Celcom and Maxis.

Meanwhile, Tony Savarimuthu, president of 4As Malaysia said that in 2007, Malaysia's top 30 brands were worth RM57 billion, RM62 billion in 2008 and RM54 billion in 2009.

The MMVB gala night is scheduled on October 2012.
 
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 16 June 2012
Today's Pick (19/06/12/109/803) 

afternoon highlight (18/06/12/107/581) MIDA anjur seminar untuk vendor tempatan


MIDA anjur seminar untuk vendor tempatan
LEMBAGA Pembangunan Pelaburan Malaysia (MIDA) sudah mengatur 470 mesyuarat padanan perniagaan untuk 120 vendor tempatan pada seminar penyumberan luarnya minggu depan.

Ketua Eksekutifnya, Datuk Noharuddin Nordin, berkata seminar itu bermatlamat menyediakan arah aliran dan keperluan terkini global dalam penyumberan luar untuk industri teknologi tinggi selain perkembangan terkini dasar, insentif, kemudahan dan perkhidmatan sokongan kerajaan yang disediakan untuk komuniti perniagaan di Malaysia.
Objektifnya, kata beliau ialah untuk meneroka peluang penyumberan luar dalam pelbagai sektor, termasuk sokongan mesin dan kejuruteraan, pengangkutan, peranti perubatan, kimia, elektronik dan ICT, perniagaan dan perkhidmatan lain.
Peserta boleh memperoleh peluang menjalin rantaian dengan perniagaan tempatan dan asing serta agensi utama kerajaan serta bertukar pandangan dan idea mengenai inovasi dan kreativiti bagi memacu pertumbuhan. - Noharuddin Nordin, Ketua Eksekutif MIDA.
 
“Industri ini dipilih berdasarkan sumbangan ketara mereka dalam pertumbuhan ekonomi Malaysia. Acara itu akan menjadi platform untuk syarikat Malaysia menjalin rantaian dengan syarikat multinasional (MNC) terkemuka dan meneroka peluang untuk menyertai rangkaian nilai bekalan mereka,” katanya pada sidang media di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Seminar dan sesi rantaian perniagaan/vendor (B2B) bertema ‘Malaysia: Meluaskan Peluang Penyumberan Luar dalam Industri Teknologi Tinggi’ itu akan berlangsung pada Selasa minggu depan di Kuala Lumpur.

Seminar percuma dua hari itu dijangka menarik 318 peserta dan 22 syarikat utama, kata Noharuddin.

Katanya, ia akan menumpukan kepada peralatan mesin dan perkakasan, minyak dan gas, peranti perubatan, automotif, aeroangkasa, tenaga boleh baharu dan industri teknologi tinggi.

Selain itu, seminar berkenaan juga memudahkan usaha sama antara pelbagai pihak dan adalah forum untuk perniagaan menjalin rantaian dengan agensi utama kerajaan.
“Peserta boleh memperoleh peluang menjalin rantaian dengan perniagaan tempatan dan asing dan agensi utama kerajaan, dan bertukar-tukar pandangan serta idea mengenai inovasi dan kreativiti bagi memacu pertumbuhan,” katanya.

Seminar buat kali ketiga itu menarik 286 peserta, termasuk 21 MNC dan 85 vendor tempatan pada 2010, dengan 309 mesyuarat padanan perniagaan secara bersemuka antara vendor tempatan dan syarikat asing. – BERNAMA
Source: Bernama
Date: 18 June 2012
afternoon highlight (18/06/12/107/581) 

Today's Pick (18/06/12/108/802) Igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship


Igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship


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.

After thinking it through, one day might just be too short a time to touch everyone's lives? With time passing by so quickly, the event might just be over with the blink of an eye. A week would be more appropriate. Everyone across the boardroom nodded - and with that, "SME Week" was born.

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)

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 18 June 2012
Today's Pick (18/06/12/108/802)

afternoon highlight (15/06/12/106/580) Manufacturing sector sees better outlook in H2


Manufacturing sector sees better outlook in H2

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian manufacturing sector expects business conditions to improve in the next six months despite concerns over external developments and the rising cost of production, said the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
The improved outlook was also for both local and export sales and capital investment, which would lead to higher production volume and greater capacity utilisation, it said in a statement citing data from the FMM-MIER Business Conditions Survey, which is a semi-annual survey of business conditions in the manufacturing sector.
Index values under the survey ranged from 0 to 200 points with an index value above 100 indicting an improvement or positive outlook.
An index value above the growth-neutral threshold level of 100 points indicates an improvement or positive outlook, while that below the threshold level indicates a worsening or negative outlook.
The headline FMM-MIER Business Conditions Index (FMM-MIER BCI) is constructed from responses of manufacturers on the current level of business activity, which is a proxy for current business conditions, compared to six months ago.
The FMM-MIER BCI is expected to move up from its current 96.8 points to 120.2 points in the next six months, FMM said.
Nearly three in ten (28%) respondents indicated that they believed the current level of general business activity was higher compared with six months ago, while nearly a third (32%) indicated otherwise.
However, the indices for current local and export sales came in at below the threshold level, a reflection perhaps of the weakening growth momentum of the domestic economy, as well as increasing uncertainties in the global economy, said FMM.
23% of respondents indicated lower local sales compared to six months ago, while slightly less than a third (32%) indicated lower export sales.
However, as indicated by all the forward-looking indicators (except for production cost), survey respondents are positive going forward. Survey results also indicated that manufacturers expected business conditions to improve over the next six months. With two in five (40%) expecting a higher level of general business activity, the forward-looking expected business conditions index notched up 120.2 points.
Going forward, respondents expect improving sales. Nearly a third (33%) anticipate higher local sales, while two in five (40%) expect higher export sales.
Of concern is that nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) expecting higher production cost going forward, production cost could rise at a faster rate over the next 6 months, said FMM

Source: The Star
Date: 15 June 2012
afternoon highlight (15/06/12/106/580)

Today's Pick (15/06/12/107/801) Factoring facility a viable option for entrepreneurs


Factoring facility a viable option for entrepreneurs
By Bilqis Bahari
bt@nstp.com.my
2012/06/11
However, factoring services provider SME Factors Sdn Bhd may just be the funding solution for SMEs in
need of cash.
Chief executive officer Syed Zed Al Qudsy said the bottom line for SMEs is that they need support in terms
of funding.
He added that factoring is a viable option for SMEs as it will assist them in their businesses.
Factoring facilities have been in the country for around 30 years, but yet many SMEs do not know or
understand about the service, he said.
"They don't know how factoring can assist them, how it can help them in their businesses," Syed Zed told
Business Times in an interview recently.
A factoring services provider is a financier that assumes the receivables of companies to which loans are
disbursed. A typical initial loan facility could be up to 80 per cent of the invoice value. The factoring
company will assume the invoices and in turn collect payment on behalf of its customers.
The payment then will be returned to clients minus the fees for its services.
"In simpler terms, if you have a factoring facility with us, you can trade your invoice and we will give you
cash," said Syed Zed.
What distinguishes SME Factors, which was set up three years ago, from other SME loan providers is its
accessibility and speed.
"Our products are more accessible to SMEs simply because they are tailor-made for SMEs," he said, adding
that SMEs could get the company's facility within three days after an assessment is made. The fund ranges
from RM50,000 to RM30 million.
SME Factors currently has more than 2,000 clients from different sectors, such as construction, services and
manufacturing.
Moving forward, Syed Zed said plans are in the pipeline for the launch of a fund that caters to the private
sector within the next three to six months.
It is also planning for an initial public offering.
"Of course, this year we want to focus on growth and listing is part of our growth, but we want to be sure that
we are ready for that," said Syed Zed.

Source : The New Straits Times                        Date : 11 June 2012

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