KUALA LUMPUR, April 10: The half-day business forum, organised by the Economic Bureau of Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan yesterday, proved to be a treasure trove of insights for local businesses.
A key takeaway? Government support is readily available for businesses of all sizes, particularly in the export trade.
But the critical question remains: Do local businesses know how to tap into these resources effectively?
This forum sought to bridge that gap. Representatives from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC) unveiled the extensive range of facilities and grants designed to help Malaysian businesses make a global impact.
Kicking off the event, Asnor Vidya Nor Azmi, MATRADE’s Director of Customised Programme and Digital Trade, standing in for Deputy CEO (Export Development) Mansor Wahid, highlighted the newly-launched MADANI Digital Trade (MDT). This innovative platform is a game-changer, designed to empower Malaysian businesses—especially SMEs—with tools for market diversification, digital adoption, and enhanced global competitiveness.
Through MDT, businesses can forge connections with international buyers via MATRADE’s Premium Buyers and International Sourcing Programmes (INSP) and showcase their products and services to the world virtually. MDT also offers valuable market intelligence, insights into grants, and a host of trade-related solutions.
MATRADE’s Deputy Director of Marketing Development, Muhd Shahrulmiza Zakaria, emphasised the tangible benefits of aligning with MATRADE’s programmes. Export promotion expenditures, for example, are claimable, and businesses can gain access to a wealth of market intelligence and networking opportunities through MATRADE’s 46 overseas offices.
Shahrulmiza also assured attendees that MDT not only simplifies processes such as import/export declarations but also aligns with national and regional frameworks like the MADANI Economy Framework and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in digital trade.
Addressing concerns about the 24 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysian goods, Shahrulmiza, who had worked at MATRADE’s office in New York when Donald Trump first took office as president in 2016, said while the government is addressing the matter vigorously, he encouraged businesses to diversify and seize opportunities in other regions, especially countries whose wealth was on the rise.
He cited natural foods, halal products and services, and healthcare solutions as some of the high-potential markets that local businesses could pursue.
SIDEC’s Chief Operating Officer, Loo Chuan Boon, shared his organisation’s vision of transforming Selangor into ASEAN’s leading digital economy hub. SIDEC has been pivotal in empowering startups, SMEs, and tech entrepreneurs through accelerator programmes, digitalisation initiatives, and collaborations with industry heavyweights.
Notably, SIDEC has expanded its focus to the semiconductor industry, cementing Selangor’s position as a regional tech powerhouse. By nurturing talent in integrated circuit (IC) design and driving innovation, SIDEC is shaping the future of the region’s digital economy.
Highlighting SIDEC’s impact, Loo revealed that over the years it has generated over RM736.12 million in gross merchandise value, empowering more than 70,000 technopreneurs, SMEs, and startups through 80-plus initiatives.
He also underscored the importance of inspiring the younger generation to embrace science and technology as a lucrative, long-term career path.
The forum also spotlighted successful collaborations and business innovations. Puteri Nur Najwa of PAYMATE presented her company’s expertise in B2B payment automation, helping businesses streamline supplier payments, reduce errors, and optimise cash flow.
With features like automated workflows, multi-level approval systems, and mobile payment management, PAYMATE has gained traction for modern businesses as it helps to businesses collect payments faster by generating payment links, sending reminders, and enabling multiple payment modes and facilitates businesses to use credit cards for payments, offering up to 55 days of interest-free credit.
JS Lim, Managing Director of EITA Resources Bhd, took the stage to discuss his company’s use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance elevator repair and maintenance efficiency, saving customers both time and money.
Finally, Elton Kuah, Founder of Enrich Social Media, introduced various digital platforms designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the digital business landscape.
By the forum’s conclusion, it was clear that opportunities for Malaysian businesses are vast and within reach—with the right knowledge and tools. Events like these serve as a critical bridge, connecting businesses with the resources needed to thrive both locally and globally.
WE