Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) intensifies the effort in driving the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sarawak towards becoming global champions.
Deputy CEO (Exporters Development), Abu Bakar Yusof said, “MATRADE has adopted an inclusive and holistic approach in the exporters development agenda. We develop a continuous funnelling strategy where we are guiding these MSMEs at the early stage to be new exporters, facilitate them to grow bigger to become Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) and later, large corporations”.
One of the initiatives is the inaugural Benchmarking Programme with the theme “Global Supply Chain and Sustainability” which was held today in Kuching, Sarawak. This interactive platform is organised to provide MSMEs with guidance based on MTCs’ experiences and vast knowledge. Key areas of discussion revolved on how to internationalise their businesses, equipping these MSMEs with essential elements of global competitiveness as well as adopting best practises by the MTCs.
The Benchmarking Programme is also paving a closer working relationship between MSMEs and MTCs in fostering strong networking and subsequently opening up opportunities for MSMEs to be part of the MTCs’ export supply chain. This is the first time of such event has been organised in East Malaysia, and Kuching is the first location.
The Mini Fireside Chat on the topic “Grow Bigger, Go Global” has featured panellists from two prominent MTCs in Sarawak, namely Kim Hin Industry Berhad and East Asia Palm Products Sdn Bhd. These two companies were successful alumnis of Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP). The panel is also joined by an expert from Deloitte Consulting Malaysia. The panellists have inspired MSMEs with their export journey, shared valuable insights and experience, as well as their efforts in adopting sustainability and being important player in the global supply chain.
“MTCs have been instrumental in propelling a competitive domestic supply chain. More than 7,000 MSMEs are currently involved in the MTCs export supply chain. MATRADE believes that this is a good starting point for our MSMEs to expand their businesses globally. Coupled with key elements of competitiveness such as digitalisation and sustainability, we believe that MSMEs especially from Sarawak have what it takes to be a successful exporter in the future,” commented Abu Bakar Yusof.
The recent study on MTCs by Deloitte Consulting Malaysia has identified at least 39 homegrown MTCs in Sarawak. “We wish to have more Sarawakian companies becoming MTCs in the future, and currently we have ten companies participated in MTCDP,” he added. In line with the 12th Malaysia Plan and core values of Malaysia MADANI, MATRADE will drive the transformation of MSMEs in Sarawak to become MTCs and being successful in their internationalisation activities. These will create spillover effects to the local economy, employment and higher income.
