THE Penang government is committed to empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) entrepreneurs in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is proven by various programmes and initiatives that have been implemented over the years.
He listed several state government initiatives such as the ‘Entrepreneurship One Culture’ (K1B) campaign, digital strengthening programmes for 3,000 entrepreneurs since 2018, and the Go Digital Micro Entrepreneur Programme in 2021 to assist micro-entrepreneurs.
“We have also collaborated with e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Foodpanda, Grab, PG Mall and AirAsia Grocer, benefiting a total of 42,935 MSME entrepreneurs and contributing a gross merchandise value (GMV) growth of RM150 million in 2020.
“Furthermore, the state government has provided RM45 million in interest-free loans through the PEKA Loan Scheme, benefiting 2,170 entrepreneurs.
“All of these efforts, are in line with the Penang2030 vision to upgrade the people’s income through entrepreneurship.
“We are committed to increasing the number of entrepreneurs in the state who are resilient, global-minded, and competitive,” Chow said in his speech before opening the Jelajah Jiwa SME 2023 Pulau Pinang at Aeon Mall Bukit Mertajam today.
Also present were state Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Rashidi Zinol and Astro AWANI chief editor Ashwad Ismail.
Chow also urged MSME entrepreneurs to fully embrace digitalisation to transform the way they conduct their businesses.
“This is because we want to bring MSME products to the international level. Therefore, it is important for local entrepreneurs to master digital technology.
“The MSMEs play the role of a catalyst for the state’s economic growth and are among the contributors to investment growth.
“It is very important for the state government to continue supporting the MSME entrepreneurs in Penang,” he said.
Organised by Astro AWANI, the two-day Jelajah Jiwa SME 2023 programme (Oct 21 and 22) is a comprehensive platform for MSME entrepreneurs to build networking, and create opportunities and ideas to improve the competitiveness and quality of MSME entrepreneurs in the country.
Penang is the fourth state for the programme this year after Sabah, Johor Bahru and Kelantan.
Chow hoped that MSME entrepreneurs in Penang would take full advantage of the ongoing Jelajah Jiwa SME 2023 at the Aeon Mall Bukit Mertajam.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis