Govt To Strengthen MSME Training Under Whole-of-Government Approach – Sim

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The government is intensifying efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through structured training, skills development and broader ecosystem support.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the aim is to help thousands of MSMEs progress from micro and small categories into medium-sized and eventually large companies within a sustainable growth framework.

“KUSKOP cannot do this alone as it takes a whole government and whole society approach. We have to deal with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to see how we can work together to empower SMEs,” he told reporters after a dialogue session with the Concorde Club at Wisma Bernama here today.

The session, titled Building Up SMEs & Cooperatives, was chaired by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

The Concorde Club is an informal group comprising senior editors from local and foreign media organisations.

Sim added that collaboration with the Finance Ministry, financial institutions and economic agencies is also being strengthened to improve access to capital and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

“Our aspiration is to nurture strong Malaysian companies with their own brands, technology, trademarks and patents and to build an ecosystem that supports long-term growth,” he said.

Touching on social visit pass abuse, Sim pointed out that the government must strengthen local content policies, including prioritising Malaysian products and businesses in government-linked companies and public procurement, to ensure domestic enterprises can grow and remain competitive.

“If we do not create a supportive ecosystem for local businesses, they will not be able to improve quality. Without domestic trust, it is impossible to gain global confidence,” he said.

He added that empowering local enterprises through skills development, technology upgrading and improved access to financing would help them withstand increasing foreign competition.

On Jan 15, Sim, in a KUSKOP statement, pledged to ensure swift enforcement action against the abuse of social visit visas through close collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies.

He affirmed that he will work closely with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure prompt follow-up measures.

-- BERNAMA