The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is set to launch its first SME Digital Summit, which is set to take place virtually from Aug 11 to 13.
The Summit which aims to enable SMEs to accelerate their digitalisation journey will host up to 100,000 participants who will join various digital panel discussions and workshops.
“These are crucial for our businesses to prosper since they will encourage SMEs to take that digital leap forward. More importantly, they will be more inclined to tap into new market opportunities and even engage the US$300 billion potential that the ASEAN Internet Economy offers. This will accelerate Malaysia’s efforts in expanding its digital economy and further ensure shared prosperity for all,” said Surina Shukri, chief executive officer of MDEC.
The Summit will also inaugurate MDEC’s #SayaDigital Month, an initiative designed to accelerate the growth of a digital society in Malaysia.
The month-long campaign aims to expand digital competence and adoption among all Malaysians, with the first two weeks of the month focusing on driving digital business.
The second half of the month will then aim to provide opportunities for Malaysians to learn and enhance their digital skills.
A part of MDEC’s 100 Go Digital campaign, this extension aims to increase digital literacy, facilitate digital adoption for SMEs and increase engagement between key players in the ecosystem.
These include information-sharing sessions, focused panel sessions as well as business matching and networking opportunities.
Additionally, MDEC, together with Bank Simpanan Nasional and SME Bank, are encouraging businesses to digitalise by applying for the SME Business Digitalisation Grant, where a company will be matched with a 50 percent matching grant of up tp RM5,000 for the subscription of approved digital services.
The Smart Automation Grant (SAG) on the other hand is aimed at SMEs and mid-tier companies in the services sector to kickstart their digital adoption journey.
Each successful SAG application will receive up to 50 percent of the total project cost, subject to a ceiling limit up to RM200,000 or, whichever is the lowest, through this matching grant.
