Matrade champions benchmarking initiative in Kedah
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is strengthening efforts to boost global competitiveness among Malaysian exporters in the northern region through structured benchmarking programmes focused on enhancing organisational capabilities and industry best practices.
In a statement, Matrade said that in today's competitive global market, exporters must move beyond compliance and cost efficiency by embracing innovation, operational excellence, and international standards.
Its benchmarking initiatives help local companies measure performance against global peers, identify gaps, and adopt world-class strategies for sustainable growth.
Matrade, in collaboration with Deloitte Consulting Malaysia, organised the benchmarking programme with over 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from diverse industries.
The programme serves as both a learning platform and a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and alignment with global market expectations, offering participants tailored insights, expert guidance, and industry networking.
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz emphasised that competitiveness is no longer optional but essential, noting that exporters must be agile, efficient, and customer-centric to succeed in today's global market.
'This programme supports the northern region MSMEs in boosting productivity, building strong brands, and expanding global market access. For Kedah-based exporters, this is a vital step toward moving up the value chain, achieving long-term and sustainable growth,' he said in the statement.
Mohd Mustafa highlighted that several northern-based mid-tier companies, including Golden Fresh, Respack, Century, and Jin Bin Corporation, have achieved outstanding results by embracing global competitiveness.
He said these companies have elevated their products to world-class standards through continuous innovation and bold international expansion, successfully entering new markets across continents and strengthening their global brand presence.
The Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) is Matrade's flagship initiative launched in 2014 to support export-ready companies with strong growth potential.
To date, 370 MTCs have benefited from the programme of which seven of them are based in Kedah. The participating companies have reported significant improvements in operational efficiency, market expansion, and global brand recognition as a direct result of Matrade's facilitation under MTCDP.
Matrade will continue expanding its regional outreach to ensure companies in states such as Kedah are not left behind in Malaysia's journey towards becoming a competitive, export-driven economy.
For more information, email Matrade at midtier@matrade.gov.my.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Eshbal Advances North American Growth Strategy with Planned Launch of U.S, Based Manufacturing of Eshbal Pita Bread and Strategic Acquisition
TSXV: ESBL VANCOUVER, BC, June 24, 2025 /CNW/ – Eshbal Functional Food Inc. (TSXV: ESBL) ('Eshbal' or the 'Company'), a developer of gluten-free and health-focused food products, is pleased to announce key developments supporting its North American expansion strategy: the planned commercial launch of its U.S. produced gluten-free pita bread, and the asset acquisition of Swonder Bread, an Israeli-based bakery specializing in sprouted gluten-free sourdough products. Gluten-Free Market Snapshot: North America Leading Global Demand The global gluten-free products market was valued at approximately USD 7.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach over USD 13.67 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.0%.1 North America continues to lead globally, accounting for 35.1% of total market revenue in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 9.3% CAGR through 2030.2 Within the category, baked goods are the dominant product segment, representing more than 31.5% of global gluten-free product sales in 2023, with further growth expected at a CAGR of 11.7% from 2032 to 2033.3 In North America, bakery products were also the largest and fastest-growing segment in 2024, led by increased consumer demand for alternatives that meet both health and lifestyle criteria.4 These trends are driven by increased awareness of celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and broader lifestyle preferences. A growing number of consumers are seeking bakery products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional options, while also aligning with plant-based, clean-label, or reduced-carb dietary goals.5 _____________________ 1 Grand View Research, Gluten, Report ID: GVR-1-68038-834-3 2 Grand View Research, Gluten, Report ID: GVR-1-68038-834-3 3 Report ID: 16550 4 Report ID: 16550 5 Food Ingredients, Bakery trends: Industry taps functional ingredients as healthy indulgence demands rise, 26 Mar 2025 | By Gaynor Selby 6 Planned Launch of Locally Manufactured Flagship Gluten-Free Pita Bread in North America Eshbal is preparing to locally manufacture its gluten-free Pita Bread in the North American market. The upcoming launch marks the first time the Pita Bread will be manufactured and distributed locally in the United States. For more than a decade, the Pita Bread has been produced and exported from Israel to a California-based restaurant group, which has provided consistent and positive feedback. Eshbal views this long-standing relationship as a strong indicator of product-market fit and future commercial potential. The Pita Bread formulation is entirely plant-based and gluten-free, and was developed in alignment with publicly available ingredient standards used by leading health-focused retailers, to avoid substances commonly listed as non-compliant.6 The initial rollout of U.S. manufactured Pita Bread will be in frozen format to meet distributor requirements and ensure product integrity. In parallel, Eshbal is advancing development of an ambient, shelf-stable version that has, in testing, demonstrated several months of room-temperature shelf life. The Company believes this future format could enhance accessibility for retailers by reducing reliance on freezer space and streamlining logistics. Acquisition of Swonder Bread: Expanding into Sprouted Sourdough On June 15th , Eshbal has completed the acquisition of the operations of Swonder Bread, an Israeli bakery specializing in sprouted-grain sourdough and vegan breads. The acquisition includes all core assets — including proprietary recipes, trademarks, client base, production equipment, and inventory. Swonder's products are gluten-free, plant-based, and free from artificial additives. They are produced using a natural fermentation process combined with sprouted grains—a method known to enhance digestibility and nutritional value. These capabilities expand Eshbal's position in the clean-label and gut-health product space. As consideration, Eshbal will pay approximately CAD $150,000 over three years for the acquired assets based on a Swonder product's revenue performance formula. The transaction is not considered material to Eshbal in terms of size, cost, or operational impact. It is an arm's length transaction, and no finder's fees were paid. To support a smooth transition, the founder of Swonder has agreed to sign a consulting agreement with Eshbal, which has a 36-month term, providing expert guidance on sourdough production, process integration, client onboarding, and marketing. The consulting agreement was signed on June 15th. Eshbal believes that Swonder's product line can be scaled with relative ease in the Israeli market given existing infrastructure and brand awareness. More importantly, the acquired IP and formulations are expected to serve as a foundation for potential future offerings in North America. 'From day one, M&A has been a key part of our strategy—and this transaction represents one of the many steps we intend to take,' said Tomer Bar Meir, CEO of Eshbal. 'Swonder Bread brings unique and hard-to-develop know-how that fits perfectly with our long-term goals. We see immediate opportunities to grow this business in Israel, and we believe the underlying technology offers exciting potential for future product development in North America as well' About Eshbal Functional Food Eshbal Functional Food Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of health-focused food and nutraceutical products. With extensive experience in food innovation, the company leverages proprietary R&D and specialized production technologies to deliver Gluten-Free, Vegan, Low-Carb, Sugar-Free, and supplement-based solutions across a range of categories — from baked goods and spreads to protein blends, cereals, and dietary supplements. Eshbal caters to a diverse mix of industrial, foodservice, and retail clients in Israel and abroad, and is now actively scaling its presence across the North American market. This expansion follows the successful completion of a reverse takeover (RTO) with Hakken Capital Corp., through which Eshbal became a publicly listed company on the TSX Venture Exchange as of April 14, 2025. Eshbal is committed to making a meaningful impact on personal wellness — offering better choices for those seeking nutritious, innovative, and accessible food solutions. The Company's mission is to help people lead healthier lives by rethinking everyday food through science, purpose, and passion. To learn more, visit: Disclaimers: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc., nor its Regulation Servicer provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as 'expects,''anticipates,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates' and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statementsare not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward- looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States or elsewhere. These securities have not been, and will not be, registered in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered or exempt therefrom.
Rakyat Post
4 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
From Courtroom To Cork In Bangsar: The Lawyer Who Traded Briefs For Bordeaux
Subscribe to our FREE Lau Jia-Sen had it all figured out – law degree, CLP certification, four solid years building a legal practice. The 36-year-old from Old Klang Road was living the Malaysian dream: steady paycheck, predictable hours, respectable profession. Then, in April 2024, everything changed. 'If I'd discovered my passion earlier, I would never have studied law,' Lau told TRP, sipping a cup of artisanal coffee at Juno, his gastro wine bar tucked away in a quiet corner of Bangsar. Named after the Roman goddess of protection and marriage (Hera in Greek mythology), the venue seems fitting for someone who's found his true calling. It's the kind of confession that makes parents everywhere clutch their pearls, but for this former lawyer-turned-sommelier, it's pure liberation. The Great Career Plot Twist The transition wasn't exactly overnight. While building his legal career, Lau was moonlighting as a barista – perhaps the universe's way of dropping hints about his true calling. Fast forward to today, and he's running Juno, a spot that's part wine sanctuary, part culinary playground, where natural wines meet European-Asian fusion in the most unpretentious way possible. 'Wine can be intimidating for the uninitiated,' Lau explains, describing his approach to hospitality. We want customers to appreciate what we have without feeling like they need a PhD in viticulture. His 60-70 label collection focuses heavily on natural wines – think free-range chicken, but for grapes. Minimal intervention, no chemicals, just fruit doing what fruit does best in ideal natural environments. More Than Just Grape Expectations The beauty of Juno lies in its refusal to take itself too seriously. Sure, they've got your classic French three to four-course meals and sophisticated wine flights, but they've also paired char kuay teow and nasi lemak with wine because why not? It's this kind of 'let's-see-what-happens' energy that keeps things exciting. The menu reads like a greatest hits of comfort food with a twist – European-Asian fusion pasta, fresh oysters, quality steaks, and hot doughnuts for dessert. Lau's personal favourite is the pepetama pasta, a Japanese take on carbonara that's 'salty, cheesy, savoury, a bit spicy, very Asian.' It's the kind of dish that makes you question why anyone ever thought fusion was a dirty word. Double Life, Double Trouble But wait, there's more. Lau also runs The plan? Merge the two operations at Juno's location – café by day, wine bar by night. It's ambitious, slightly crazy, and exactly the kind of move you'd expect from someone who went from practising law to curating wine lists in the span of a year. 'I knew nothing about wine a year ago,' Lau confesses. I do a lot of reading, ask wine professionals, do tastings, write notes. It's the kind of crash course that would make most people's heads spin, but Lau seems to thrive on the chaos. (Pix: Instagram/@junobangsar) The New Normal These days, Lau wears more hats than a vintage shop – operations manager, front of house, sommelier, cook, HR department, event planner, business development guru, menu curator, and doughnut maker. It's exhausting just reading the list, but he wouldn't have it any other way. I miss the predictability of a lawyer's paycheck, but I relish wearing all sorts of hats now. With several full-time staff members helping out and partners covering when he's away, Juno has become more than just a business – it's a community. Wine O'Clock Wisdom The monthly steak and wine nights (RM88 for grass-fed Angus beef and a glass of wine) perfectly capture Juno's philosophy: wine shouldn't be reserved for special occasions. It should be woven into the fabric of daily life, paired with whatever makes you happy, whether that's a perfectly cooked steak or a late-night bowl of noodles. Open daily except Tuesdays (6 pm-12 am weekdays, until 1 am weekends), Juno operates in that competitive Bangsar landscape where every corner seems to house another trendy spot. However, Lau has found his niche among natural wine enthusiasts and regular customers who appreciate his unpretentious approach to a good life. The Pour Decision When he's not busy revolutionising Bangsar's wine scene, Lau unwinds with pickleball. His current wine obsession? Matassa—meaning 'forest' in Catalan—offers fruity, floral, and mineral notes that create a journey in your mouth, said Lau. Maybe fruit and floral chamomile on the first sip, then towards the end, some sensation in your mouth. That's the beauty of natural wine. It's the kind of passionate description that makes you understand why someone would abandon a stable legal career for the unpredictable world of hospitality. Sometimes, the most important thing is just having the courage to try. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Malaysia Promotes Higher Education In Jakarta Via MyEduTour 2025
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has embarked on a promotional effort in Jakarta aimed at attracting more Indonesian students to further their studies at institutions of higher learning in Malaysia – and in the process, forging stronger people-to-people relations in both countries. The MyEduTour: Discovery Malaysia 2025 programme, organised by Education Malaysia Indonesia (EMI) — which is the official representative of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia — along with Tourism Malaysia Jakarta and the Malaysian Embassy, was held at the embassy ground. bootstrap slideshow The Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohamed Hasrin Tengku Hussin, said the initiative was part of the country's soft diplomacy effort featuring five public institutions of higher education, five private institutions of higher education, and a travel agency offering travel packages based around education. 'It is hoped that this programme may contribute to closer exchanges between Malaysians and Indonesians and forge stronger societal ties,' he said, adding that some 11,000 Indonesian students are currently enrolled in study programmes in Malaysia. The programme combines education and tourism for Indonesians and is in line with Malaysia's effort to become a regional hub for higher education. The embassy's Minister Counsellor (Education), Hasnul Faizal Hushin Amri, said the platform enables universities in Malaysia to offer academic programmes through interaction sessions and educational visit packages. 'The seminar provided detailed information on the programmes on offer, and this helped educators and representatives of universities to make the best choices for their students,' he said. MyEduTour is an ongoing effort to strengthen cooperation in education and tourism based on long-standing cultural and historical relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, he added.
