SME Corp commits to ensure excellence of Malaysian brands with NMMB

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- SME Corporation Malaysia is committed to ensure the excellence of Malaysian brands with the National Mark of Malaysian Brand (NMMB) certification programme.

Chief executive officer Rizal Nainy said in a statement today that as Malaysia’s reopening is set to enter full steam by the third quarter, economic recovery efforts have also started to gather pace after a two-year slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said although the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector has been battered by multiple lockdowns, the sector is also starting to see more encouraging signs. Nonetheless, business sentiments have remained unfavourable due to factors such as inflation, disruptions to supply chains as well as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Amid such uncertainties, there is a need to continue to implement several initiatives to ensure SMEs in the country remain competitive by meeting the highest quality standards in their respective field, he said.

“Through NMMB, it is hoped that the negative perception on quality of products and services by SMEs will be removed,” he said.

The NMMB certification programme, spearheaded by SME Corp since 2009, saw 182 industry players accredited for their commitment to quality. This has enabled them to increase their market reach locally and globally.

Rizal added that branding is a key component of a company, a product or a service and gives it an identity. It is a visible symbol for a customer, a user, and a business partner.

“SME Corp is aware of its importance. Hence, the continuous running of the NMMB (programme) complements efforts by SMEs to reach out to markets beyond our shores,” he added.

He hopes more SMEs will take the initiative to get accredited as this would help them to be more competitive and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

The NMMB is conducted with SME Corp’s strategic partner, SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd. All  submissions will be evaluated, audited and monitored to ensure that applicants adhere to the strict standards set up by SIRIM QAS.

Successful applicants will be allowed to carry the NMMB brand on their product for two years.

The certification programme also allows SMEs to gain access to financial incentives, prioritised for trade promotional activities domestically and abroad as well as participate in various courses and workshops by SME Corp. 

This year, SME Corp with SIRIM QAS, will also conduct outreach and workshops that focuses on Branding and Trademark to help SMEs develope and enhance their quality and branding.

-- BERNAMA