Special task force to ensure Malaysian SMEs are safeguarded

A special task force has been set up to ensure that the interest of local SMEs are being safeguarded, in view of there location and setting up of operations by Singapore companies in Iskandar Malaysia. While the Government is encouraging investments from Singapore companies, local SMEs could be rest assured that this move will not result in putting their businesses at risk, but will instead complement them.

There location must be close enough for Singaporean SMEs to continues upporting the value chain of MNCs operating in Singapore, and as such, Iskandar Malaysia has been identified as a potential destination for Singaporean SMEs to invest. In attracting Singapore investments, the business positions of local SMEs shall not be compromised, and opportunities hall been couraged for them to have business ventures and smart partnerships with each other.

One of the concerns related to local SMEs is the lack of skilled workforce. In ensuring that our SMEs would provide a pool of ready talents to meet the demands of the industry, a special taskforce for SMEs has been established to analyse issues and undertake corrective measures towards realising this objectives.

This is done through multiple initiatives under the Iskandar Malaysia Human Capital Blueprint, including various training courses and workshops. The Taskforce will help SMEs to re-skill existing talents and equip them with crucial softskills needed in a business environment which include presentation skills, language command and interpersonal skills.

This Taskforce will comprise MITI and its Agencies; including SME Corp. Malaysia and MIDA, as well as Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Johor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and private sector representatives from Johor trade and industry associations and chambers of commerce.

Source: eNEWS Febuary 2011, SME Corp. Malaysia. http://www.smecorp.gov.my/node/1868