Entrepreneurs and MSMEs backbone of Nation’s economy

7 March 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

KUALA LUMPUR: The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2023 Gala Night, a prestigious and challenging accolade honours and recognises most deserving candidates for their exceptional contributions to the national economy.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) Datuk Ewon Benedick said this event with partner, Star Media Group (“SMG”) demonstrated their ability to go beyond their role in mass media.

SMG, in collaboration with CelcomDigi Berhad, Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd, RHB Bank Berhad, and MARTRADE, has provided a platform to showcase the strength of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the resilience of Malaysian entrepreneurs, Ewon shared.

He said that over the past fourteen years, SOBA has recognised successful enterprises, fostering a community for MSMEs to promote entrepreneurship, enhance competitiveness, and facilitate knowledge sharing among its alumni.

SOBA has acknowledged over 400 entrepreneurs and businesses for their significant contributions to the economy, he said, congratulating the group.

“Entrepreneurs and MSMEs had always been the backbone of Malaysia’s economy. Since independence, our forefathers had strived to build this nation through hard work and persistence,” he said adding that in line with objectives of SOBA, his Ministry had initiated programmes to assist and support SME Corp-registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) aiming to list on Bursa Malaysia in 2024.

The support provided will alleviate the challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly regarding the listing expenses and provide Malaysian MSMEs with fundamentals to be more competitive, he stressed.

“My ministry is also dedicated to supporting Malaysian entrepreneurs in expanding their product markets globally. By providing assistance to our entrepreneurs, in the long term, it will provide businesses with sustainable results and boost the national economy,” he shared.

“MSMEs will continue to be in the forefront of our country’s economy. By working together, you, the entrepreneur, along with the government, agencies and corporations, the sky is the limit. In the long run, your success will benefit the people and country.”

In the midst of an ever-evolving business environment, entrepreneurs lead the way by being savvy, being adaptive and having perseverance to strive for success, he stated.

Also present during the event were Chan Seng Fatt Group CEO of Star Media Group, Dato' Seri Dr. Michael Tio Group Chief Executive Officer, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd, Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak President and Chief Executive Officer, Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad, Steven Soon, Head of Enterprise Sales (SME) Department, CelcomDigi Berhad, Yip How Nang, Head of SME Banking, RHB Bank Berhad and Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).