SME Open Day 2025: Media Prima sparks new growth for local brands

New Straits Times

15-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima's 2025 SME Open Day has emerged as a new catalyst for small and medium enterprise (SME) owners to strengthen their brand presence and advance their marketing strategies.
Media Prima Bhd (MPB) chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar said the open day was part of the group's long-term commitment to supporting the growth of local brands, particularly among SMEs.
He said the programme went beyond just being an exhibition or engagement session, as it offered access to strategic partnership opportunities with MPB, including comprehensive promotional space across print, television, digital and radio platforms.
"Many SMEs have relied solely on social media, but through MPB, we provide a 360-degree marketing ecosystem to help them sustainably penetrate both domestic and international markets.
"We offer space and act as a strategic partner to help them brand their products more effectively, and this is not a one-day collaboration but the beginning of a long-term relationship," he told reporters here today.
Efendi said due to the overwhelming response from entrepreneurs nationwide, the group now plans to bring SME Open Day to Johor Baru, Penang and Sarawak.
"Many brands from outside the Klang Valley have expressed interest, so we aim to expand this initiative to other states to ensure equal opportunities for all SMEs," he said.
The second day of SME Open Day also saw a significant boost to the SME empowerment agenda, as Media Prima formed a strategic partnership with Glocal Link Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Mara Corporation.
Glocal Link general manager Badrul Hisham Baharum said the collaboration strengthened their shared mission to build an ecosystem that supported local entrepreneurs.
"Glocal Link and MPB share the same goal of assisting entrepreneurs. We are committed to developing strong local SME brands that can break into not only the Malaysian market but also global.
"We hope SME Open Day will become an annual event and be expanded nationwide to give more entrepreneurs, particularly those unable to attend in Kuala Lumpur, a chance to participate," he said.
Badrul added that, with its focus on branding, understanding the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, and providing a robust support ecosystem, SME Open Day 2025 could showcase how corporate synergy can drive greater success for local SMEs.