Malaysian SMEs stil lagging behind in digitalisation journey: Gobind
KUALA LUMPUR: Most Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are still trailing behind larger enterprises in their digitalisation journey, said Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo.
He said that to address the issue, the ministry is working hard through initiatives like the Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI), recently launched by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, to help SMEs accelerate the adoption of digital technology in their operations.
"The MADANI Government has also set aside RM50 million for digital matching grants for SMEs and digital grants for vendors.
"Global technology companies based in Malaysia, such as Microsoft and Alibaba Cloud, are working closely with the government to assist SMEs through multiple programmes," he said in his keynote address at the CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 today.
Explaining further, Gobind said the government is also committed to ensuring that SMEs are prioritised in navigating current geopolitical challenges, with funds allocated for this purpose, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday.
He said the government's initiatives have always been designed to provide SMEs with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
"Our vision is to create a digitally empowered Malaysia – where every business, regardless of size, can thrive in our national digital ecosystem.
"We are committed to fostering an environment that supports innovation, digital adoption, and ultimately, building up Malaysia as a strong digital nation," he added.
Yesterday, Anwar announced that the government has agreed to increase government guarantees under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme by RM1 billion to assist SMEs affected by the recent United States (US) tariff announcement in securing loans from commercial banks.
Additionally, another RM50 million will be allocated to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to expedite efforts for SMEs to explore new markets through participation in international trade expos and exhibitions, as well as facilitating business matching with foreign buyers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
Royal warning on haj travel scams
Gathering in faith: Sultan Sharafuddin with Amirudin (in purple) meeting with congregants at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam. — Bernama SHAH ALAM: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed sadness and disappointment over the rise in fraudulent haj travel packages affecting Muslims in the country. His Royal Highness said it was especially disheartening that those exploiting the situation were Muslims themselves, who were willing to deceive their fellow believers for personal gain. Sultan Sharafuddin decreed that stern action be taken against any individual or travel agency offering haj packages that take advantage of and deceive Muslims. The Ruler said this in a post on the Selangor Royal Office's Facebook page, in which His Royal Highness and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, extended Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to Muslims across Malaysia. His Royal Highness also called on Muslims to uphold the sanctity of the haj by ensuring that all arrangements are made through licensed and recognised agents and companies authorised by the authorities to manage haj and umrah affairs, Bernama reported. At the same time, Their Royal Highnesses prayed that Malaysian pilgrims would be granted a mabrur haj and return home safely. According to the statement, the Sultan and the Tengku Permaisuri also hoped that this Aidiladha would inspire all Muslims to be grateful for Allah's blessings and to perform the sacrificial rites to help the poor, as well as reflect on the plight of the less fortunate. Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin performed the solat sunat Aidiladha with more than 10,000 congregants at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam yesterday. Also present was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Star
43 minutes ago
- The Star
GIGih scholarship
> Applications for the GXBank 'Impian GIGih Biasiswa' are open. > Recipients of the scholarship will receive comprehensive financial backing for their studies, covering tuition fees, living allowances, accommodation costs, and other educational expenses throughout their undergraduate studies. > Self-development opportunities including opportunities for an overseas immersion programme, courses focused on building essential future-ready skills and a practical internship experience will also be offered to successful scholars. > Eligibility criteria: > Open to Malaysian citizens aged 22 and below in the year of application; > Applying for full-time undergraduate study at any Malaysian public university; > Total monthly gross household income of RM8,000 and below; > Not a recipient of any other scholarship, sponsorship or bond agreement from other sponsors throughout the course of the tuition; and > Minimum CGPA of 3.30 in STPM, diploma, A-Levels, matriculation, foundation or equivalent. > Interested applicants must submit an essay (350-500 words) detailing their aspirations for their community. Details:
The Star
43 minutes ago
- The Star
Zambry: Learning institutions must work as one
Shaping leaders: Zambry signing a poster to launch the event as (from left) Karisma programme for Madani Young Leaders head Prof Datuk Dr Aldrin Abdullah, Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Higher Education director-general Prof Dr Azlinda Azman and deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Dr Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, and (far right) Academy of Higher Education Leadership director Prof Dr Harshita Aini Haroon look on. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star THE Malaysian higher education system must no longer be viewed as fragmented silos of universities, polytechnics and community colleges, but rather as a cohesive ecosystem with shared goals, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He urged educators and society to shift their mindset and see all institutions – regardless of type – as part of a single, collaborative framework. 'Unity in diversity must be our strength. 'All institutions – whether universities, polytechnics or community colleges – must be part of one holistic ecosystem,' he said. Stressing equity across the education sector, Zambry said it is time to put an end to outdated hierarchies. 'There should no longer be any sense of inferiority between universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. 'We have a mission to prepare a future generation that can compete in a challenging global world,' he said during a dialogue session at the 2025 Karisma programme for Madani Young Leaders in Putrajaya on May 26. The audience comprised academic staff from the Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges Department (JPPKK) as well as representatives from 20 public universities. The Karisma programme aims to prepare emerging leaders in higher education to become principled decision-makers who can serve the community and the nation. During the event, Zambry also launched the 'Karisma: Aspiring Madani Leaders; The 3H Leadership Module', which will serve as a foundation for higher education institutions in grooming future talent. He stressed that the country's strength lies in the diversity of its academic landscape. 'The key is to strengthen cross-disciplinary efforts and institutional networks, not compete in isolation. 'Whether it's a polytechnic or a research university, each plays a critical role in developing the nation's intellectual and economic capacity,' he said. Addressing a question about how academic staff – especially those from East Malaysia – often feel overlooked in higher education discussions, Zambry said inclusivity is essential across the board. 'We must not look at who is more or less important; we are all in the same ecosystem and no one should feel sidelined,' he said, adding that empowerment must be felt across all regions, including Sabah and Sarawak. Rejecting ageism in academic leadership, he also countered the perception that leadership must come only with seniority. 'I don't believe someone must be a certain age to be a leader, give them a chance from as early as age 27 instead of waiting until they're in their 50s. 'I want to produce new leadership and new thinking. There are leaders who do not think, and thinkers who don't want to lead. 'Imagine if our universities could produce groups of thinkers, leaders, debaters, those who accept differences in opinion, and act based on the right values. 'The next generation needs education that can address the complex challenges of the world,' he said. Meanwhile, Zambry said the federal government has no objections to Sarawak's initiative to provide free higher education to its people through state-owned higher education institutions. He said this is because the state has the financial means and administrative capability to do so. The federal government, he said, will always cooperate with the respective states to further improve the quality of education, whether at the primary or higher education level, as long as it does not involve constitutional issues or contravene existing laws. On March 20, the Sarawak Cabinet approved a proposal paper for the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, which will be implemented next year.
