Ample opportunities to improve, CM tells SMEs
Published on: Friday, April 29, 2016
Papar: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), especially those in rural areas, are urged to be proactive in acquiring the latest information on how to further improve their businesses by seizing existing opportunities and facilities provided by the Government. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said exposure to such knowledge is vital so that they would be in the know about various government schemes, aids and programmes that could help them to be successful entrepreneurs. "It is the Government's aspiration to produce as many bumiputera entrepreneurs, including from rural communities in SMEs, as their contribution to the nation's growth generates ample jobs and increases their socio-economic income and livelihood.
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"That is why I am calling on them to participate in government programmes or seminars so that they would realise the importance of knowing available and many opportunities including assistance that could help them to develop their small and medium-sized businesses further," he said, after launching a first "Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) SMEs Roadshow 2016" at the Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP) in Kimanis, Thursday. A total of 450 participants, mostly SMEs throughout Sabah, are taking part in the four-day programme beginning Wednesday, that features various talks on opportunities and assistance as well as latest technology that they could take up to develop and expand their business operations.Among its main objectives are enhancing awareness among the local SMEs on various programmes and assistance provided by many agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) and SDC initiatives to improve the development of SMEs, providing latest information on SME Entrepreneur Development Fund and Start-up for Bumiputeras in Sabah and existing financial aids offered by the government agencies and providing a platform for the local SMEs to discuss issues and challenges they face in SME development in Sabah.The programme was jointly organised by the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) together with Teraju and SME Corp Malaysia in cooperation with Federal and State governments, local authorities, business chambers, and training institutes, among others.
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Musa who is also Sedia Chairman said it would be a big loss if SME entrepreneurs miss the ample opportunities that would provide them with much information and facilities to go forward.He said the government is committed to improve the socio-economy of the rural communities venturing into SMEs to be in line with the programme themed "Exploring the Potential of the Rural SMEs."
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"Do not take lightly the contribution of SMEs to the country's economic growth as the sector contributes about 33 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation and provides ample jobs and opportunities to others."Hence, I am encouraging SMEs entrepreneurs to be alert on existing government opportunities and financial aids including loans so that it would make their business operations bigger and generate better returns," he said.Although the SME development has reached a proud level, Musa said the bumiputera and rural communities have yet to be fully involved in the development of SMEs in the nation.Hence, Musa said such roadshows will be held throughout Sabah to enhance awareness and a chance to the SME operators especially in the rural areas to take part and gain vital exposure.Eight areas have been identified for the roadshow and apart from Kimanis, Sipitang would be the next in May followed by Sandakan (July), Tawau (July), Kota Marudu (August), Tambunan (August), Keningau (September) and Ranau (October). Some 500 people are expected to take part in each programme.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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