MARII LAUNCHES TECHNOPRENEUR PROGRAM FOR RURAL SMES

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 -- The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) has launched a programme to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage existing technologies in the automotive sector to enhance their business operations.

In a statement today, MARii said the Technopreneur Development Programme (TDP) was jointly developed together with Fintech Lab, with the aim of accelerating SMEs’ adoption and utilisation of digital tools and systems via a shared platform developed by the institute and its partners.

The programme was launched earlier today by the International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking in Penampang, Sabah, in conjunction with the Malaysia Autoshow Sabah 2019.

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MARii said 10 Sabah-based SMEs, specialising in handicrafts, furniture as well as food and confectionaries, were shortlisted as the first participants for the programme.

The participants will undergo coaching and training sessions on the adaptation and adoption of Industry 4.0-related technologies as well as new business practices -- in line with the National Policy on Industry 4.0.

The six-month programme also features business matching sessions, and the participants would be provided with assistance and guidance in financial management.

“Programmes such as the TDP allow businesses, especially rural industries, to leverage existing technologies to enhance and digitalise their daily operations.

“The sharing of technologies across sectors will also provide easier access for companies operating in rural areas to modernise their operations," said Darell.

Meanwhile, MARii chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari said as SMEs account for a sizeable portion of the Malaysian economy, it is important that the normalisation of technology utilisation be made a key focus, particularly within the SME ecosystem.

--  BERNAMA