KUALA LUMPUR: SME Annual Showcase & Conference (SMIDEX) 2017 has achieved RM557.5 million in business matching, surpassing SME Corp’s target of RM555 million, said Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
He was speaking at the Enterprise 50 (E50) dinner and award presentation here today.
“SMIDEX 2017 saw the participation of 11,195 trade visitors and 316 exhibitors, both local and international.
“In terms of business matching or ‘Big Match’, potential sales totalling RM557.5 million was successfully negotiated.
“In total, 109 SMEs and 38 anchor companies participated in 377 sessions throughout participated in 377 sessions throughout the three days of business linkages.
“Local SMEs were also linked with international counterparts from Brunei, Hong Kong, South Korea and Mauritius which participated in both the exhibition and business matching,” he said.
Last year, RM529 million worth of sales recorded during business matching at SMIDEX 2016.
Meanwhile, Harta Maintenance Sdn Bhd was announced as the number one winner of the E50 this year while Builtech Project Management Sdn Bhd as the first runner up and Respack Manufacturing Sdn Bhd as the second runner up.
In addition, Ever Delicious Food Industries Sdn Bhd managing director Yo Bee Keow was named as the E50 Women Entrepreneur Award 2017 for her excellence and outstanding performance in managing her business.
Over 500 companies with a four or five star ratings under the SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement Program (SCORE) organised by SME Corp were invited to submit nominations, however only 50 of the best companies were evaluated by Deloitte and a panel of professional judges to receive this award.
The companies that were shortlisted have undergone a rigorous assessment process, based on various parameters which include management process, innovations, market strategy, technology adoption, export revenue, capital investment, training and research among other.
This is the 20th year the E50 Award is being celebrated since its introduction in 1997.