Minister to attend SME Business Enhancement Seminar

4 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has been invited to participate in the upcoming SME Business Enhancement Seminar on September 21 at Raia Hotel.

Themed “Level Up Your Business,” the seminar aims to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sabah with essential knowledge and practical strategies to boost their market competitiveness.

A delegation led by Datuk Frankie Liew, President of the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce, paid a courtesy visit to Phoong. The delegation included key members such as organizing chairman and Product Development and Trade Director Jackie Voo, Young Entrepreneur Vice Chairman Desmond Hsiu, and committee members Hong Jia Hao and Dick Lee.

They were accompanied by Asmah Khalid, Director of the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (Sabah Branch), and her officer Azlan Mohd Said.

During the visit, Voo briefed Phoong on the seminar, which will be co-organized by several agencies, including the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO), the Department of Food Safety and Quality (BKKM), the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), and the Sabah Religious Affairs Department (MUIS Halal Hub).

The seminar will cover critical topics such as intellectual property rights (including trademarks and copyrights), Malaysia's food safety standards, agrifood marketing, available grants, and the process for Halal certification.

Phoong expressed that the seminar aligns seamlessly with the state government's objectives of upgrading and developing SMEs. He emphasised the importance of enhancing the market competitiveness of SMEs for the economic development of Sabah.

“This event will provide SMEs with valuable insights into relevant policies and practical strategies for business enhancement, particularly in areas like intellectual property protection, food safety, agrifood industries, and Halal certification processes,” he stated.

He encouraged SMEs in Sabah, especially those in the food and beverage sector, to actively participate in the seminar to gain insights and resources to establish a solid foundation for their business growth.

“Through such initiatives, we hope SMEs will distinguish themselves in the competitive market and achieve greater business success,” Phoong concluded.