MALAYSIA Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) will be collaborating with the Centre of Entrepreneur Development And Research (Cedar), a subsidiary of SME Bank, to enable SMEs to adopt digitalisation.
Cedar has been appointed as a partner in MDEC’s SME Digital Accelerator programme, where it aims to train 1,000 businesses and match them with digital solutions and incentive facilities.
The programme provides SMEs with a structured approach to kick-start their digital adoption journey and ensure implementation with outcome-based results.
Qualified and registered SMEs will participate in a three-day online training workshop where they will be exposed to ‘Lean Model Canvas’ and ‘Design Thinking’ modules, plus technology matching with a choice of over 400 technology solution providers (TSPs).
“SMEs are hit hard by the pandemic and need to relook at various aspects of their business beyond digital marketing.
“Operations need to be optimised, and digital technology is a key enabler.
“Many SMEs are still in the dark on how to take the first step to adopt digitalisation and the SME Digital Accelerator programme aims to help them overcome barriers hindering digital adoption and propel the business further as we chart our course towards economic recovery,” says MDEC chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz.
Facilities for SMEs in adopting digital solutions include SME Digitalisation Grant announced by the government along with the SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF) financing by SME Bank.
“SME Bank, through our subsidiary Cedar, provides development solutions beyond financing in helping SMEs weather the impact of Covid-19 and towards recovery,” adds SME Bank group president and CEO Aria Putera Ismail.
Other facilities provided by Cedar include ScoreXcess, a digital platform that enables entrepreneurs to apply for business financing online from multiple financing agencies or institutions simultaneously through one single application, and ODELA, a self-regulated business-to-business e-commerce platform.