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StarSpecialTHE STARSunday 26 October 2014

A winning combination > 3 Advancing businesses with innovative solutions > 4

SME

Constructyour success

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SME StarSpecial, Sunday 26 October 2014

The right tools for successGREGORY BASIL

SMEs are the backbone ofthe Malaysian economy.According to the Economic

nsus 2011, SMEs make up 97.3%otal business establishments incountry with the majority ofinesses being in the wholesale

d retail trade restaurantsd accommodation, and thenufacturing of textiles andducts.

Realising the importance ofEs to the nations gross domesticduct (GDP), the government

med the National SMEvelopment Council (NSDC).This council brings together theated ministries that implementE development programmes toide on the direction policy forE development in the country.A key initiative highlighted in theDC is the SME Masterplan (2012-20), which was released in July12. This masterplan aligns theals of SME development with theuntrys aspirations of becomingigh-income nation by the year20.

According to the SME AnnualReport 2012/13, a number ofSME development programmeswere implemented last year bythe various ministries and thegovernment agencies based onthe six focus areas under the SMEMasterplan.

The focus areas are:lInnovation and technology

adoptionlHuman capital developmentlAccess to financinglMarket accesslInfrastructureNo SME Development

Programmes were implementedlast year in the sixth focus area legal and regulatory environment.

Based on the strong demandfrom SMEs, the government hasdedicated more resources toprogrammes that relate to financialaccess compared to programmes inother focus areas.

Last year, a total of RM9.2bil wasinvested by the government in 52programmes in this focus area.

Sorting money matters

Financing is an importantaspect in the development of SMEs.Many SMEs find access to fundingvery challenging. This can beattributed to a variety of reasonssuch as a non-existent track record,weak credit rating and the lackof collateral and documentationrequired by most banking andfinancial institutions.

In addressing this, the variousministries and agencies in thegovernment have prioritised accessto financing by substituting privatesector funding with governmentfunds, schemes and guarantees.

One example is the Soft LoanScheme for Small and MediumEnterprises. This scheme was

introduced to assist existingSMEs and start-ups in thefinancing of projects, fixedassets and working capital.

With this, the financing,manufacturing and service-based industries are able tolower their cost and maintaintheir focus on increasingefficiency and productivity.

The government has alsoengaged with stakeholders inthe financial services industryto increase their understandingof the unique financial needs ofSMEs.

The response receivedfrom SMEs through theseinitiatives has enabled financialinstitutions to better meet theirdiverse and challenging needs.

Financial institutionsin Malaysia now offer an

array of financing optionsfor SMEs, for example, theYoung Entrepreneur Fundoffered by SME Bank, and theSME Property and BusinessFinancing offered by Maybank.

However, SMEs will still needto carry out sufficient researchand be resourceful in choosingthe type of funding that is mostsuited to them.

Visibility throughsocial media

The advent of social mediahas created a revolution inthe business world. This isespecially true for start-ups and

SMEs.Many start-ups haveleveraged on the power of socialmedia to give their businessesmuch-needed visibility at verylittle cost. This benefit wouldnot have been available tobusinesses some 10 years ago.

Social media is an excellentmarketing channel becausethe power of the crowd is veryimportant. Social media cangive you advice and secondopinions. You can even use it tofind and recruit people, saysJohan Gorecki, founder of theGlobe Forum, an internationallyrecognised marketplace forsustainable innovation.

He adds that being on socialmedia would mean businessesopen themselves up tocriticism, both constructive anddestructive. But it can also helpa business grow tremendously.

People can warn you if youare not on the right track andthey can also give you advice onhow to carry out your businessmore effectively and efficiently,says Gorecki, who also worked

with the founders of Skype.Social media also creates

transparency. It reportsopinions, debates and allowsfor free communication in themarket. Businesses should alsobe cautious of what they put upon social media.

Social media is a double-edged sword because onceinaccurate information abouta business is posted on socialmedia, it can go viral in justa matter of hours, resulting

in detrimental effects for thebusiness. Repairing this damagecan sometimes take months andcost a lot of money.

Communicatingeffectively

As it is vital for SMEs toalways stay connected, therole of telecommunicationscompanies in propelling abusiness to the next level hasbecome increasingly vital.

These days, SMEs have a widerange of choices with the manyofferings by various telcos.

From unlimited talk-timeto Wi-Fi-enabled modems for

broadband sharing, the featuresare endless.To show its support for

the Malaysian SME scene,Telekom Malaysia Bhd has beenorganising the SME BizFest forthe past three years.

The SME BizFest is ashowcase of the latest and mostinnovative ICT solutions that areavailable for SMEs.

This year, the event was heldin four cities Petaling Jaya,Johor Baru, Penang and Kuching and afforded SMEs businessnetworking opportunities,affordable ICT solutions, andbusiness education and tips.

The SME sector in Malaysia

is one that is flourishingtremendously and thegovernments commitmentin driving the developmentof SMEs is evident through itsmany initiatives.

When coupled with socialmedia platforms and the righttelecommunication tools, it iswithout a doubt that Malaysiaprovides one of the bestenvironments for SMEs to soar.

Access to financing is achallenging aspect formany SMEs.

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StarSpecial, Sunday 26 October 2014 SME 3

A winning combinationWITH the rapid growth ofunstructured corporatecontent, enterprises

face increasing difficulties inmanaging documents andelectronic information.

Konica Minolta has thuslaunched a global managedcontent services (MCS)programme with the aim toimprove operational efficiencyby streamlining the digitalworkflow and to meet theneeds of individuals.

Under its medium-termbusiness plan TRANSFORM2016, one of Konica Minoltasmajor management policies isbusiness expansion throughincreasing capabilities toprovide more services andsolutions.

The companys MCScapabilities will grow businesscontent management bycombining multi-functionprinters with software to createcomplete input/output devicesthat handle customers day-to-day business processes.

Konica Minolta multi-

function printers can helpstreamline customers workflowand daily business processesthroughout the document lifecycle.

Offering good value

One of the challengesfaced by businesses is the

Minolta offers consultancy,implementation of infrastructureand managed services tobusinesses across variousindustries.

Nearly 6,000 customersworldwide have had theirprocesses optimised with regardsto the handling and utilisation ofinformation through optimisedprint services.

Customers can look forward tobenefit from a total solution withthe integration of technology aswell as MCS in their daily workprocesses.

This exemplifies KonicaMinoltas dedication to be atthe forefront of technologicalinnovation and provision ofbusiness services and solutions.

nFor more information, visitwww.konicaminolta.com.my

Restore thecondition ofyour hair withthe AdvancedFollicle Technologytreatment.

Solving hair issuesTHE sebaceous glands onthe scalp produces oil tomoisturise the scalp, but when

the oil travels to the surface,it combines with sweat, lipids(cholesterols), dead skin cellsand dirt and eventually hardenson contact with air. This causesclogging in the hair pores.

Build-up of excess keratinwithin hair follicles preventssebum outflow.

It hardens over time andoccupies the hair follicles whileholding on to hair that is in itsresting phase, preventing newhair from growing.

It also causes hair thinningdue to follicle shrinkage.Clogged pores also prevent thefollicles from breathing.

Hair eventually falls off,

leaving the scalp infected andflaky with dandruff.Contrary to popular belief,

using deep-cleansing shampoosmay not unclog hair follicles itonly cleanses the scalp surface.

This problem can only besolved via treatment fromreliable hair care centres.

The common hair and scalpproblems associated withcongestion include a sensitivescalp, dandruff, thinning andgreying hair.

101 Hair Care is a pioneerhair care centre and itssignature treatment, theAdvanced Follicle Technology(AFT) specifically targets the

root cause in hair and scalpdisorders at different stages.Coupled with acupuncture

massages and herbal essences,this treatment restores thehealthy function of hair follicles,roots and scalp.

AFT is a customisedtreatment consisting of fourmajor steps deep cleansing,prevention, hair growthstimulation and strengthening.

The order varies on a case-by-case basis.

The most crucial step in

AFT is deep cleansing, whichremoves excess sebum anddead skin cells, regulates sebumsecretion and removes folliclecongestion. It results in clearerscalp, improved oil balance andreduced sensitivity.

The next step is to preventthe hair roots from entering aresting stage prematurely. Italso balances sebum secretion,and ensures effective absorptionof tonic to nourish hair roots.Reduced hair fall and clearerfollicles will be evident afterthis step.

The growth stimulation stepenhances microcirculation tothe scalp and ensures nutrient

and oxygen delivery to folliclesto enhance hair growth and hairtexture.

The final step strengthensexisting and new hair roots. Itresults in healthier hair texture,and stronger, thicker and longerhair growth.

1O1 Hair Cares AcupuncturePoint Massage technique, pairedwith AFT, is effective in treatingclogged follicles and improvingblood circulation to enhance theabsorption of herbal essences.

nFor more information,call 1300 888 101 or visitwww.101hair.com.my

management and utilisation ofbusiness information.

For example, getting theinformation to the right personat the right time, time spentin retrieving invoices, orders,reports and correspondence,growing mobile workforce,increasing paper workload ande-mails and adhering to theinformation security policies.

Konica Minolta MCSaddresses these challenges bystreamlining and optimisingbusiness processes around thecontents.

It allows companies to:lCapture, reformat and

retrieve documents morequickly to speed up theworkflow.

lScan, save and sharedocuments electronically,reducing paper and energy cost.

l

Organise and categorisedocument workflow soeveryone stays in the loop fromanywhere at any time.

lSafeguard sensitiveinformation and respond tochanging compliance demands.

With more than 10 yearsof experience through itsoptimised print services, Konica

Konica Minoltas multi-function printers act as hubsand enablers to the businessenvironment.

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SME StarSpecial, Sunday 26 October 2014

Advancing businesseswith innovative solutions

TELEKOM Malaysia Berhad(TM) now provides anothertool to empower local SME

inesses with the launch of itsest retail solution offering, Shopa Box today.This launch also reflects TMsntinuous efforts in encouraging

adoption among SMEs inlaysia.Shop in a Box was launchedDatuk Sri Dr Halim Shafie,irman of TM, together withzi A. Hadi, executive vicesident, SME, TM.Dr Halim demonstrated howcould now use a debit card torchase various items, be it angadget, kain pelikator even

mang, via the new solution.n his speech, Azizi explained,op in a Box is a completeail solution that will enableailers to increase productivityd subsequently, their businessfits by using a simple yet

ordable, bundled value-addedvice.For the more than 70% of TMsE customers who are fromretail industry, Shop in a

x offers a number of servicesters such as payment andlection solutions, market reach,ter customer experience andny services that are yet to beveiled.The types of services includese under the payment andlection solution cluster ePay and SurePay Point of Sale

OS).The two services provideyment flexibility andnvenience especially for small

inesses in suburban areas.t also attracts customerso prefer to go cashless whilepping.

TM provides enhanced

tomer experience through itssiness Made Easier offerings, ine with its aspiration to become

preferred ICT partner for SMEMalaysia by 2016.Powered by TMs broadbandnnectivity, SurePay and SurePayS payment solutions utiliseonline payment system (TM

ctronic Payment Gateway) andmobile payment system (TMbile Payment System).SurePay enables businesseseceive payment throughine channels either via credit

debit card, while SurePay POSs Point-Of-Sales and payment

utions that allow merchants toept cash, debit and credit card

yments.The solution also empowersall and medium businesses,abling them to increase sales,hance productivity and attainder market reach.To introduce Shop in a Box to

SMEs nationwide, TM lined upon-ground marketing activities,including a nationwide roadshowthat began on Oct 1 called the SMEMega Bazaar.

Locations during the roadshowincluded Pasar Siti Khadijah,Kelantan and Pasar Payang,Terengganu, where the teamdemonstrated and showcasedShop in a Box to local merchants.

In addition to the roadshows,TM also promoted its paymentsolutions by participatingas a premium partner in#MYCyberSale, which is Malaysiasbiggest online sale event, held lastmonth.

The event was initiatedby Multimedia DevelopmentCorporation (MDeC) and is theworlds first government-ledonline sales event that includedparticipation from 4,500merchants and featured 225,000

online deals with discounts of upto 90%.

At the same time, 18 selectedTMpoint outlets across thecountry with a designated SMEcorner and SME consultant

will also showcase the SurePaydevices, giving potentialSME customers hands-ondemonstration of the SurePaysolution.

As an introductory promotion,

A legacy of excellenceTELEKOM Malaysia Berhad(TM), Malaysias broadbandchampion and leading integratedinformation and communicationsgroup, offers a comprehensiverange of communication servicesand solutions in broadband, data

and fixed-line.As a market leader, TM isdriven by stakeholder valuecreation in a highly competitiveenvironment. The groupemphasises on delivering anenhanced customer experiencevia continuous customer service,quality improvements andinnovations while focusing onincreased operational efficiencyand productivity.

Leveraging on its extensiveglobal connectivity, networkinfrastructure and collectiveexpertise, TM is well positionedto propel Malaysia as a regionalInternet hub and digital gatewayfor South-East Asia.

TM remains steadfast inits transformation into a newgeneration of communicationsprovider to deliver an enhancedand integrated digital lifestyleto all Malaysians. It alsoopens up possibilities throughconnection, communication andcollaboration towards its sharedvision of elevating the nation intoa high-income economy.

As a model corporate citizen

committed to good governanceand transparency, TM continuesits pledge to ensure the integrityof its processes, people andreputation as well as thesustainability of its operations.

TMs corporate responsibility

ethos reinforces responsiblebehaviour in the four maindomains marketplace,workplace, the community andthe environment.

With a focus on ICT, thegroup further promotes threemajor platforms education,community/nation-buildingand environment through itsoutreach programmes.

TM is also a multiplecorporate awards winner, havingbeen recognised consistently forits high standards in corporategovernance and corporateresponsibility. TM was mostrecently honoured with thePlatinum Award for the Overall

Excellence Award and MostOutstanding Annual Reportof the Year for the NationalAnnual Corporate ReportAwards (NACRA) last year, 2011and 2006, and the IndustryExcellence Award for Main BoardCompanies under the Trade &Service category for the 17thconsecutive year.

In addition, TM has beenawarded the Anugerah CSR

Perdana Menteri for BestWorkplace Practices in 2009 and2010.

TM was also the winner ofthe Best Sustainability ReportAward (SRA) in Malaysia for twoconsecutive years at the 2013

Sustainability Reporting Awardsorganised by The National Centrefor Sustainability Reporting(NCSR) based in Indonesia.

TM was named TelecomService Provider of the Year forthe third time at the 2014 Frost& Sullivan Malaysia ExcellenceAwards as well as the BestBroadband Service Providerof the Year for the eighth timeand the Data CommunicationsService Provider of the Year forthe tenth consecutive year.

On the regional front, TMwas also awarded the FixedBroadband Provider of the Yearat the 2013 Frost & Sullivan AsiaPacific ICT Awards again for the

second year running.TM was also awarded theAsia-Pacifics Best WholesaleEthernet Service Provider for in2011 and 2012 by Metro EthernetForum for its commitmentin keeping pace with globalEthernet standards.

Additionally, the companywas also accorded the BestBroadband Carrier award in the2012 Telecom Asia Awards.

TM announced a three-monthwaiver of the SurePay monthlyfee for all subscriptions madebetween the launch date andNov 30.

Azizi also expressed TMsappreciation to its partners ManagePay Services Sdn Bhd andEbizu Sdn Bhd who enabled theoffering of SurePay and SurePayPOS solutions.

To assist SMEs in achievingbetter business performancethrough high-quality access andconnectivity, TM will continueto be innovative in creatingresourceful, value-added solutionsand ICT-related services.

We hope that more SMEs will

benefit from the opportunitiesand avenues opened up by TMin enhancing their businessactivities, said Azizi.

nFor more information, visitwww.tm.com.my

uk Sri Dr Halim Shafie, chairman of TM (front) visiting a merchants booth at theE Bazaar. He is accompanied by Azizi A. Hadi, executive vice president, SME, TMht) during the recent launch of Shop in a Box.

TM providescommitted enhancedcustomer experiencethrough its BusinessMade Easierofferings, in linewith its aspirationto become thepreferred ICTpartner for SME inMalaysia by 2016.

Datuk Sri Dr Halim Shafie, chairman of TM (left) andAzizi A. Hadi, executive vice president, SME, TM, slottingin a replica of a debit card during the recent launch ofShop in a Box.

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StarSpecial 7day 26 October 2014

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