Huawei Kick-Starts Tech Programmes with SME Association: SME Corporation Malaysia and MDEC to Drive Digital Transformation of SMEs

[KUALA LUMPUR, 11 DECEMBER 2020]Small and medium enterprises, or SMEs, make up over 98% of business establishments in Malaysia, contributing more than 38% to the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP).

Realising the important role SMEs play in the Malaysian economy, and the urgency for these enterprises to go digital in order for them to continue to thrive in the future, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (“Huawei”) has kick-started a series of SME programmes, in collaboration with the SME Association of Malaysia (“SME Association”), SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp. Malaysia), and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), to drive digital transformation among SMEs and create a sustainable ecosystem for SME growth.

The programmes leverage Huawei’s deep knowledge and expertise in digital infrastructure such as connectivity, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to spur technological innovation for SMEs.

Through the programmes, SMEs will be able to enjoy facilitation for innovative solutions, funding, as well as advisory and capacity building services.

Huawei, SME Association, SME Corporation Malaysia and MDEC presented these joint efforts during the SME Day virtual event on December 11. The details of the SME programmes are as follows:

eServices Hub

On December 11, Huawei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SME Association to launch an eServices Hub to accelerate digital transformation for its members and other SMEs in Malaysia and build a healthy “SME-sell-SME” ecosystem.

With Huawei as its Technology Enabler, the eServices Hub is a platform that will be fully integrated with the SME Association’s website. The Hub will facilitate:

• Sharing of practical technology with SMEs in Malaysia; 
• Joint development of need-based digital solutions with technology-based SMEs (or Tech SMEs) for local SMEs, to create new business and job opportunities, and; 
• A flexible Go-To-Market to accelerate business growth for Tech SMEs.

Through the eServices Hub, Tech SMEs will be able to sell with Huawei and sell through Huawei.

SME-AI Portal

Huawei and SME Corporation Malaysia launched an SME-AI portal as part of its on-going “SME Adopt and Innovate (SME-AI)” digital programme.

The programme aims to drive Malaysia’s SMEs further into digitalisation by leveraging Huawei’s digital expertise, particularly in the areas of Cloud and AI, for more sustainable growth – supporting SME Corporation Malaysia’s agenda to facilitate the faster rollout of ICT adoption among local businesses.

Among the benefits local businesses stand to gain from the SME-AI programme are access to technology, digital advisory, finance assistance, workspace, market expansion, mentoring as well as self-training tools for SME players to sharpen their digital skills.

Huawei also plays a role as MDEC’s partner in the SME Transformation Journey where both parties provide structured guidance for SMEs on how to get started on or advance in their digital transformation journeys.

Speaking at the SME Day event, MDEC’s Digital Adoption Ecosystem Director, Muhundhan Kamarapullai said, “The pandemic has been nothing short of life-altering and this has quickly elevated business digitalisation, especially remote working to a credible long-term option. It’s time for SMEs to leverage this momentum and collaborations such as those highlighted today. MDEC supports such collaborations and extends assistance to SMEs by providing access to digitalisation programmes, incentives and digital technology solutions.”

SME Corporation Malaysia CEO En. Rizal Nainy said , "The only way for SMEs including micro enterprises to grow and sustain for the future is to adapt to the fast-changing global business landscape through digital transformation. In a post-pandemic world, where things are done differently with greater emphasis on digitalisation in every aspect of work and life, adopting digitalisation is key for SMEs to thrive in the now prevailing digital economy. For SMEs to succeed, it is imperative for them to re-engineer their businesses by aligning and integrating their business strategies, processes and infrastructure to support digital transformation.

“I am confident that in a post-pandemic world, many new opportunities would be available for small businesses, especially for those who are embarking on online or digital businesses. It is most essential to understand how buyer behaviour is changing in order to determine the best way to connect with customers, and this is where digital businesses have the most advantage,” he added.

SME Association Malaysia’s National President Datuk Michael Kang said, “With the Association’s continued commitment to bring value to our members, we are pleased to work with Huawei to establish an exciting digital platform that will benefit our members in driving digital transformation through various cloud-based business solutions available. SMEs need to embark in digitalisation to enhance their completeness and growth.”

Huawei Malaysia’s Vice President of Cloud and AI Mr. Lim Chee Siong said that Huawei realises the crucial role SMEs play in the business ecosystem and the overall economy. “Therefore, we are committed to do everything we can to drive digital growth among SMEs and support the Malaysian government’s vision to digitally transform this sector,” he said.

“As a global technology leader, always pushing the boundaries of technology, we believe that it is our duty to use our technological expertise and resources, such as in 5G, Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as technical support, to help SMEs incorporate digital solutions to help them grow and thrive, and contribute towards building a healthy SME ecosystem in Malaysia and the overall Digital Economy,” Mr. Lim said.

“With our partners, I am certain we will be able to create a conducive space for SMEs to grow, build a healthy ecosystem where they can thrive, and with a fully digitalised sector, firmly position Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN,” he added.

For more information, please visit https://smemalaysia.org/smeday.