Latest news with #HemalaAPSivam
Barnama
an hour ago
- Business
- Barnama
Vanakkam MADANI Spurs Indian Community's Business Aspirations In Perak
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Vanakkam MADANI initiative is fast emerging as a platform for economic empowerment, with its latest Business Finance Programme in Ipoh, Perak on Saturday drawing over 200 participants from the Indian community. Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) Women Entrepreneurs Wing chairman Hemala AP Sivam said the strong response to the programme underscored the community's growing awareness of the importance of financial literacy and access to business support systems. 'This is a clear sign that when opportunities are made accessible and community-focused, the impact is immediate and meaningful,' she said in a statement to Bernama today. The programme, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development and key financial agencies, focused on enhancing access to financing and capacity-building for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Among the agencies involved were TEKUN Nasional, SME Bank, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and Bank Rakyat. The programme was supported by the Perak Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Women Entrepreneurs Wing of MAICCI. The event was launched by Datuk Anbumani Balan, senior private secretary to the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development. 'This initiative was made possible under the visionary leadership of Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, whose commitment to inclusive economic growth continues to uplift communities across Malaysia,' she added. Meanwhile, Hemala also commended the role of the ministry and the participating agencies in bridging economic gaps and strengthening the resilience of local enterprises, adding that the recent business programme forms part of a broader effort to empower minority communities through inclusive policies and targeted outreach under the MADANI economic agenda. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MAICCI: SST expansion a strategic window for business readiness
KUALA LUMPUR: The expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) beginning July 1, 2025, is seen as a timely and strategic move that provides businesses, particularly women-led enterprises, with the clarity and space to strengthen operations and build long-term resilience. Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) Women's Wing Head, Dr Hemala AP Sivam, said the government's decision reflects an inclusive and responsive approach to policymaking that balances fiscal goals with the practical needs of the business community. "This move allows businesses, especially those led by women, to review their operations, reskill their workforce, and realign themselves to meet future demands," she said in a statement to Bernama today. Hemala, who is also the food manufacturer APS Manja Sdn Bhd's executive director, said the revised SST framework offers a crucial opportunity for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers and women entrepreneurs to strengthen internal capabilities and prepare for regulatory changes. "It is a chance to optimise cash flow, invest in automation, and adopt digital tools. For women entrepreneurs balancing both economic and caregiving responsibilities, this period offers the policy clarity and structured space they need to grow sustainably," she said. The government will implement the SST revision and expansion starting July 1 to enhance national revenue and broaden the tax base in support of long-term fiscal sustainability. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Sales Tax rate will remain unchanged for essential goods, while a rate of either five or 10 per cent will apply to non-essential or discretionary items. The Service Tax will be expanded to cover additional sectors such as rental and leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education, and beauty services. Selective exemptions will be introduced to avoid double taxation and to ensure that essential services for Malaysians are not burdened. Hemala urged businesses to use the current period to strengthen compliance mechanisms and engage with relevant ministries, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial networks to ensure effective implementation. "This is not just a tax revision, it is a catalyst for dialogue, innovation and strategic transformation. We support the government's efforts to ensure the SST framework remains transparent, equitable, and aligned with national development goals," she said. Hemala also stressed the importance of inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved areas. "With targeted support, digital access and capacity-building initiatives, women-led enterprises can become a vital force in strengthening Malaysia's economic resilience," she added.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
SST expansion a strategic window for business readiness, says MAICCI Women's Wing Head
KUALA LUMPUR: The expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) beginning July 1, 2025, is seen as a timely and strategic move that provides businesses, particularly women-led enterprises, with the clarity and space to strengthen operations and build long-term resilience. Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) Women's Wing Head, Dr Hemala AP Sivam, said the government's decision reflects an inclusive and responsive approach to policymaking that balances fiscal goals with the practical needs of the business community. 'This move allows businesses, especially those led by women, to review their operations, reskill their workforce, and realign themselves to meet future demands,' she said in a statement to Bernama today. Hemala, who is also the food manufacturer APS Manja Sdn Bhd's executive director, said the revised SST framework offers a crucial opportunity for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers and women entrepreneurs to strengthen internal capabilities and prepare for regulatory changes. 'It is a chance to optimise cash flow, invest in automation, and adopt digital tools. For women entrepreneurs balancing both economic and caregiving responsibilities, this period offers the policy clarity and structured space they need to grow sustainably,' she said. The government will implement the SST revision and expansion starting July 1 to enhance national revenue and broaden the tax base in support of long-term fiscal sustainability. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Sales Tax rate will remain unchanged for essential goods, while a rate of either five or 10 per cent will apply to non-essential or discretionary items. The Service Tax will be expanded to cover additional sectors such as rental and leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education, and beauty services. Selective exemptions will be introduced to avoid double taxation and to ensure that essential services for Malaysians are not burdened. Hemala urged businesses to use the current period to strengthen compliance mechanisms and engage with relevant ministries, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial networks to ensure effective implementation. 'This is not just a tax revision, it is a catalyst for dialogue, innovation and strategic transformation. We support the government's efforts to ensure the SST framework remains transparent, equitable, and aligned with national development goals,' she said. Hemala also stressed the importance of inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 'With targeted support, digital access and capacity-building initiatives, women-led enterprises can become a vital force in strengthening Malaysia's economic resilience,' she added.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
SST expansion a strategic window for business readiness
KUALA LUMPUR: The expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) beginning July 1, 2025, is seen as a timely and strategic move that provides businesses, particularly women-led enterprises, with the clarity and space to strengthen operations and build long-term resilience. Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) Women's Wing Head, Dr Hemala AP Sivam, said the government's decision reflects an inclusive and responsive approach to policymaking that balances fiscal goals with the practical needs of the business community. 'This move allows businesses, especially those led by women, to review their operations, reskill their workforce, and realign themselves to meet future demands,' she said in a statement to Bernama today. Hemala, who is also the food manufacturer APS Manja Sdn Bhd's executive director, said the revised SST framework offers a crucial opportunity for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers and women entrepreneurs to strengthen internal capabilities and prepare for regulatory changes. 'It is a chance to optimise cash flow, invest in automation, and adopt digital tools. For women entrepreneurs balancing both economic and caregiving responsibilities, this period offers the policy clarity and structured space they need to grow sustainably,' she said. The government will implement the SST revision and expansion starting July 1 to enhance national revenue and broaden the tax base in support of long-term fiscal sustainability. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Sales Tax rate will remain unchanged for essential goods, while a rate of either five or 10 per cent will apply to non-essential or discretionary items. The Service Tax will be expanded to cover additional sectors such as rental and leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education, and beauty services. Selective exemptions will be introduced to avoid double taxation and to ensure that essential services for Malaysians are not burdened. Hemala urged businesses to use the current period to strengthen compliance mechanisms and engage with relevant ministries, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial networks to ensure effective implementation. 'This is not just a tax revision, it is a catalyst for dialogue, innovation and strategic transformation. We support the government's efforts to ensure the SST framework remains transparent, equitable, and aligned with national development goals,' she said. Hemala also stressed the importance of inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 'With targeted support, digital access and capacity-building initiatives, women-led enterprises can become a vital force in strengthening Malaysia's economic resilience,' she added.
