SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp. Malaysia) serves as the primary coordinating body under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives of Malaysia. The agency's main mission is to implement national support and development programs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which number over 1.1 million in the country.
The agency is involved in the coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of programs aimed at supporting and developing SMEs, and it actively participates in international initiatives that strengthen the position of small and medium enterprises both domestically and globally. Key activities of SME Corp. Malaysia include organizing training sessions and facilitating technical cooperation.
During the meeting, the agency's programs aimed at addressing the labor shortage through increased productivity via automation and digitization were presented, along with initiatives related to vocational training implemented within the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system.
Throughout the discussions, the parties addressed the development of small and medium businesses, placing particular emphasis on the exchange of experiences in implementing programs supported by relevant ministries and agencies. The importance of adopting flexible business models, such as the gig economy, and the necessity of adapting to the demands of digital transformation were highlighted.
Special attention was given to the prospects of collaborative efforts in enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. Opportunities for implementing tools like the ESG Quick Guide and the SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement (SCORE) in Uzbekistan were discussed. Additionally, the organization of joint training sessions and programs aimed at meeting the needs of local and international markets was considered.
As a result of the meeting, directions for future cooperation were identified, including the organization of joint educational programs and webinars for sharing experiences and best practices.