SME Corp Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (MOFA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has successfully organised the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) 2023, benefitting 13 delegates from diverse African countries.
During the training programme, participants had the privilege to interact with over 20 organisations in Malaysia. These engagements provided them with invaluable insights and best practices, particularly in essential areas such as policy, framework and strategic initiatives that benefitted the participating countries.
Other focal areas included mainstreaming market access, the internationalisation of MSMEs, and the crucial role of finance in amplifying the growth of MSMEs.
Additionally, participants were able to immerse themselves in real-world settings with visits to the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and two (2) Malaysian MSMEs, namely Boom Grown and Aerodyne Group.
SME Corp Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard Giluk Dompok said: “Tonight, our hearts are filled with gratitude and pride. It’s about celebrating the shared passion, bonds formed, and lessons learned during our journey of MSME Development for African Countries”.
While, SME Corp Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Rizal Nainy, said, “TCTP has been implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia since 2011 and to date, a total of 171 participants across 15 African nations have benefitted from this programme. This year, a total of 13 delegates from diverse African countries namely Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia have been selected.”
“With our enduring commitment to fostering international collaborations and spearheading global MSME initiatives, SME Corp. Malaysia envisions more such impactful programmes in the future.”
During the closing ceremony, Rizal also presented the participants with the certificate to acknowledge and commend their commitment and dedication. Adding to the evening’s highlights, an accolade was presented for the ‘Best Plan of Action’ of TCTP 2023.
Musheke Kakuwa from Zambia received the award for his exemplary presentation and thorough action plan. Meanwhile, the ‘Best Participant Award’, the title which recognised exceptional talent and dedication showcased throughout the programme, was awarded to Ms. Nancy Theopolina Mupiya from Namibia.
Also present during the closing ceremony of the TCTP were Devrin Jeck, Undersecretary of the International Cooperation and Development Division, MOFA, Nakagawa Tatsuya, Second Secretary from the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Sugawara Minako, Chief Representative of JICA.
The closing ceremony, held on 19 September 2023 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Kuala Lumpur, marked the end of a nine-day intensive training programme which served as an exchange of insights into MSME development, drawing successful practices from both Malaysia and Japan.
