KUALA LUMPUR: The SME Central Incentives System (SCENIC) will enable optimum distribution of resources to small medium enterprises (SMEs) and avoid overlapping of assistance provided.
In launching the integrated database today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said SCENIC will aid recipients under the SME development programme.
According to SME Corp Malaysia, who are the developers of SCENIC, it will serve as an important referral to avoid duplication of resources while encouraging optimisation of resources.
Najib launched SCENIC after chairing the National SME Development Council (NSDC) Meeting here.
The 23rd NSDC meeting was also attended by 16 ministers and deputy ministers.
In exemplifying the success of SMEs in Malaysia, Najib also said that there are currently 1,997 SMEs ready to export their products via the digital free trade zone (DFTZ).
DFTZ, launched earlier this month, is expected to increase SME export to USD38 billion (RM155.2 billion) and provide 60,000 job opportunities in the country.
"I hope all members of the meeting will increase efforts to realise our mission and work together with International Trade and Industry Ministry, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp."
Najib also added that with increased allocation to SMEs in the 2018 Budget, the gross domestic product of SMEs is expected to increase between 6.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent next year.
In the Third Quarter 2017 SME survey, SME Corp said SMEs were looking forward for an improvement in their business in the near future despite continued pressure in rising costs of living.
The 2018 Budget however will allow issues to be resolved by addressing current requirements of SMEs.
Najib at the event also launched the second season of the Chor and Chah mini-series, an initiative by SME Corp in cooperation with Suhan Movies and Trading Sdn Berhad to provide television viewers with information on entrepreneurship, product exports and financial assistance for SMEs.
During the meeting, three main papers were discussed which were the 2016 Economy Census: SME Perfomance, SME development initiatives under the 2018 Budget and Coordination of Human Capital Development Programme.
Also in attendance was SME corp chief executive officer Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.