Press Release

Celebrating Distinction at The National Mark of Malaysian Brand Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CELEBRATING DISTINCTION AT THE NATIONAL MARK OF MALAYSIAN BRAND FORUM
MORE TOP COMPANIES JOIN THE RANKS OF BEARING THE MARK OF EXCELLENCE
SELANGOR, 9 October 2014 – Studies have indicated that 75% of consumer chooses their products coming from a well-known brand. Understanding this importance is one of the contributing factors to success in business and the reason that SME Corp. Malaysia has continued to encourage SMEs to get certification on the National Mark of Malaysian Brand (NMMB). A number of 24 top companies received their certifications for the NMMB during the Malaysian Brand Forum 2014 at the Palace of the Golden Horses, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. YB. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) graced this Event and presented the certificates and trophies to the successful recipients of the NMMB.
The NMMB is one of the strategic initiatives under the SME-Brand Development Programme which is aimed at promoting greater market access to SMEs that have proven to be capable suppliers of products and services. The programme is also a part of the Government’s aim on changing Malaysians’ perception on home-grown brands, vis-a-vis the quality and standards of the dominant international brands.
“As customers are presented with a wide array of sophisticated and innovative offerings in the market coupled with advancements in technology, higher quality and more personalised products and services will be in great demand…Companies must keep pace with the rapidly-changing trends in demand patterns of consumers, to ensure the sustainability of their product brands”, said YB. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, in his address during the event.
Since the inception of this initiative in 2009, 145 companies have applied for this certification of which 102 have been certified. These 102 companies proudly bring with them not only good, measureable home grown brands, but most importantly is that their products and services stand out as they are incorporated with the attributes of Quality, Excellence and Distinction. Among the brands that have received certification are Spritzer, Goodnite, Smart Reader, Erican and Joven to name a few.
In addition, since 2009, manufacturing is the most dominant sector that has been certified with the NMMB. It comprises 85% of the recipients while services sector comprises of 15%. This year, 24 companies have been certified with the NMMB which is a 9% increase from 22 companies last year, indicating that it is not easy to pass the high standards set in order to obtain the certification.
Among the highlights of the event included a Forum which focused on exploring new approaches to branding, in order to encourage the development of companies, mainly SMEs in Malaysia, as well as to provide a valuable and effective platform for participants to share their experiences and information on branding initiatives. The forum featured reputable speakers, YBhg. Dato’ Normaziah Sheikh Muhamed Co- Founder, SimplySiti Sdn. Bhd. and Mr. Jovian Mandagie, Chief Executive Officer, Jovian Apparel Sdn. Bhd who shared their experiences and strategic ways to manage brands.
The event was also attended by YBhg. Tan Sri Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Hj. Abdul Majid, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Hafsah Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia dan Puan Khalidah Mustafa, Managing Director SIRIM QAS.
For more information please contact Ms. Intan Zanariah at 03-2775 6116 or email – izanariah@smecorp.gov.my ,
Ms. Sarahana Mohamad at 03-2775 6225 or email – sarahana@smecorp.gov.my, Ms. Wan Nadiah at 03-2775 6168 or email – nadiahmanan@smecorp.gov.my
PERBADANAN PERUSAHAAN KECIL DAN SEDERHANA MALAYSIA (SME CORP. MALAYSIA)
Level 6, SME 1, Block B, Platinum Sentral,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 603-2775 6000
Fax: 603-2775 6001
Website: http://www.smecorp.gov.my
E-mail: info@smecorp.gov.my
About: SME Corp. Malaysia
SME Corp. Malaysia is a Central Coordinating Agency that formulates overall policies and strategies for SMEs and coordinates the implementation of SME Development Programmes across all related Ministries and Agencies. It acts as the central point of reference for research and data dissemination on SMEs, as well as, provides advisory services for SMEs in Malaysia. SME Corp. Malaysia also assumes the role of the Secretariat to the National SME Development Council (NSDC) which is chaired by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Top Entrepreneurs of National Mark of Malaysian Brand Taken Back to Nature

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TOP ENTREPRENEURS OF NATIONAL MARK OF MALAYSIAN
BRAND TAKEN BACK TO NATURE

Pahang, 8 August 2014 – A total of over 100 participants that include the past recipients of the National Mark of Malaysian Brand and Enterprise 50 (E50) winners as well as representatives from hypermarkets, MNCs and large companies such as AEON, The Store Corporation, MRT Corp, MyOutlets, Sime Darby and Panasonic attended the Networking Session for the National Mark of Malaysian Brand Recipients and Related Agencies 2014 at Tanarimba, Janda Baik, Pahang today.
The National Mark of Malaysian Brand is an initiative under the SME Brand Development Programme by SME Corp. Malaysia in collaboration with SIRIM QAS to enhance visibility of Malaysian products and services in both local and international markets. Launched on 2 March 2009, the Mark depicts quality, excellence and distinction of Malaysian products and services.
This is the third annual networking session organised under the National Mark of Malaysian Brand programme. These sessions aim to provide an important platform for recipients to mingle and network with one another in order to share their experience and insights on brand building and transformation. The recipients also enjoyed the opportunity to build rapport with representatives from Government agencies and large corporations. With the rationale that Malaysia is a brand in itself that showcases biodiversity, the theme of the event was “Back to Nature”, which included an open forum that allowed feedback and candid discussion in a casual and relaxed environment.
The event was graced by the presence of YBhg. Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Hj Abdul Majid, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia and YBhg. Dato‟ Hafsah Hashim, CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia and Mr. Parama Iswara Subramaniam, Senior General Manager SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd were among the guests who attended the networking session.
In his speech during the event, YBhg. Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin mentioned that the session was a great outlet for SMEs to learn from each other about new-age marketing as well as to establish important connections. “Networking is vital in getting good ideas off the ground and peer networks could help improve businesses by the exchange of experience, knowledge, advice and opportunities for partnerships and support, while simultaneously getting insights from experienced and successful entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. Furthermore, networking like today can create new bonds and alliances between well-established businesses with small businesses that share common interests,” he said.
The highlight of the day was a presentation by Ms. Kubi Springer, an international brand specialist who has experience working with large clients such as Nike, L‟Oreal and Sony to name a few. Titled “What is a Brand?”, Ms. Springer gave tips and shared insights on new approach in branding and commercialising brands.
For more information please contact Ms. Intan Zanariah at 03-2775 6116 or email – izanariah@smecorp.gov.my ,
Ms. Sarahana Mohamad at 03-2775 6225 or email – sarahana@smecorp.gov.my.
PERBADANAN PERUSAHAAN KECIL DAN SEDERHANA MALAYSIA (SME CORP. MALAYSIA)
Level 6, SME 1, Block B, Platinum Sentral,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 603-2775 6000
Fax: 603-2775 6001
Website: http://www.smecorp.gov.my
E-mail: info@smecorp.gov.my
About: SME Corp. Malaysia
SME Corp. Malaysia is a Central Coordinating Agency that formulates overall policies and strategies for SMEs and coordinates the implementation of SME Development Programmes across all related Ministries and Agencies. It acts as the central point of reference for research and data dissemination on SMEs, as well as, provides advisory services for SMEs in Malaysia. SME Corp. Malaysia also assumes the role of the Secretariat to the National SME Development Council (NSDC) which is chaired by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia.
150 SMEs Benefitted from Branding Seminar 2014

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150 SMEs BENEFITTED FROM BRANDING SEMINAR 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 May 2014 – 150 SMEs, mostly the recipients of National Mark of Malaysian Brand, 1-InnoCERT and winners of E50 attended the Branding Seminar 2014 organised by SME Corp. Malaysia today. The main objective of the Seminar is to create awareness among SME companies on the importance of branding, as well as to share the many other key elements contributing to the success of a brand such as branding strategy and intellectual property.
The one-day Seminar today is the first initiative under the SME Business Advisory Panel (SBAP) and involved brand expert from University of Oxford. SBAP was the brainchild of the Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and it was announced during the 14th National SME Development Council (NSDC) Meeting. The main role of SBAP is to provide insights and views on SME development in Malaysia.
This Seminar was graced by YBhg. Dato’ Hafsah Hashim, CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia and involved a few agencies such as Malaysia Debt Ventures (MDV) and EXIM Bank and also a public listed company, Prestariang Bhd. The highlight of the seminar was the presentation by Dr. Paul Temporal, a leading global expert on brand creation, development and management from Temporal Brand Consulting, University of Oxford. Entitled “A Winning Brand Strategy”, he has shared success stories and information on how to elevate brand value. The event was also attended by government officials and representatives from trade associations.
Apart from the presentation by Dr. Paul, a representative from MDV has shared about the potential of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as an additional source of collateral to obtain funding and to spur more investments for companies. The representative from EXIM Bank has provided information on credit facilities to finance and support exports and imports of goods, services and overseas projects. The presentation included information on banking and credit insurance schemes from EXIM Bank. Prestariang Berhad, a company who is already listed in Bursa Malaysia was also present to share their listing experience. They also provided a glimpse into life as a public listed company.
The participants of the seminar also took the opportunity to get an in-depth information regarding SMEs branding development programmes during brand value clinic sessions which was jointly organised by SME Corp. Malaysia, MyIPO, MDV dan juga EXIM Bank.
YBhg. Dato’ Hafsah Hashim in her speech during the seminar highlighted that all participants to use the Branding Seminar as a platform to gain information, exchange ideas, knowledge and experience on brand value and also branding initiatives, while exploring excellent business networking opportunities at the same time.
“The Government also conducts other programmes aimed at assisting SMEs to increase the reach, breadth, width and depth of their current businesses. In this regard, MITI through SME Corp. Malaysia is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Royal Malaysian Customs to conduct awareness programme throughout the country this year on the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will take effect on 1 April 2015”, added Dato’ Hafsah.
For more information please contact Mr. Faiz R Sutarji at 03-2775 6014 or email – faizramzi@smecorp.gov.my ,
Ms. Sarahana Mohamad at 03-2775 6225 or email – sarahana@smecorp.gov.my.
PERBADANAN PERUSAHAAN KECIL DAN SEDERHANA MALAYSIA (SME CORP. MALAYSIA)
Level 6, SME 1, Block B, Platinum Sentral,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 603-2775 6000
Fax: 603-2775 6001
Website: http://www.smecorp.gov.my
E-mail: info@smecorp.gov.my
SME Corp. Malaysia
SME Corp. Malaysia is a Central Coordinating Agency that formulates overall policies and strategies for SMEs and coordinates the implementation of SME Development Programmes across all related Ministries and Agencies.
It acts as the central point of reference for research and data dissemination on SMEs, as well as, provides advisory services for SMEs in Malaysia. SME Corp. Malaysia also assumes the role of the Secretariat to the National SME Development Council (NSDC) which is chaired by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Celebrating & Recognising The Power of Malaysian Brands for Global Competitiveness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CELEBRATING & RECOGNISING
THE POWER OF MALAYSIAN BRANDS
FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
22 COMPANIES BEING AWARDED THE CERTIFICATION OF EXCELLENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 October 2013 – Another 22 companies received their certifications for the National Mark of Malaysian Brands (NMMB) during the Malaysian Brand Forum 2013 at the The Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. H.R.H. Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, the Regent of Perak Darul Ridzuan graced this Event and presented the certificates and trophies to the successful recipients of the NMMB.
Themed “From Kampung to the World”, the event serves as a platform to promote the recipients and to encourage the public to buy products or hire services which are certified with the National Mark of Malaysian Brand, thus making our SMEs feel proud to carry Malaysia’s branding par excellence to the world centre stage.
The NMMB is one of the strategic initiatives under the SME-Brand Development Programme which is aimed at promoting greater market access to SMEs that have proven to be capable suppliers of products and services. The programme is also a part of the Government’s aim on changing Malaysians’ perception on home-grown brands, vis-a-vis the quality and standards of the dominant international brands.
“The growth of more internationally regarded Malaysian brands will further reinforce Malaysia’s reputation for quality products and strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global marketplace”, said YB Datuk Ir. Haji Hamim Samuri, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in his address during the event.
Since the inception of this initiative in 2009, 132 companies have applied for this certification of which 77 have been certified, while others are in various process of evaluation. These proud 77 companies bring with them not only good, measureable home grown brands, but what’s important is that their products and services stand tall as they bring with it attributes of Quality, Excellence and Distinction.
Among the highlights of the event includes a Forum which focused on exploring new approaches to branding, in order to encourage the development of companies mainly SMEs in Malaysia as well as to provide a valuable and effective platform for participants to share their experiences and information on branding initiatives. The Reputable Speakers, Datuk Lat, Malaysia’s foremost Cartoonist and Mr. Giulio Xiloyannis, Director of Zalora Malaysia had shared their experiences and strategic ways to manage brands.
The event was also attended by YBhg. Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Secretary-General of MITI, YBhg. Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Hj. Abdul Majid, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Hafsah Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia and Pn Khalidah Mustafa, Managing Director of SIRIM QAS.
For more information please contact Mr. Faiz R Sutarji (General Inquiry) at 03-2775 6014 or email – faizramzi@smecorp.gov.my , Ms. Maslinda Zulkifly (National Mark of Malaysian Brand) at 03-2775 6181 or email – maslinda@smecorp.gov.my.
PERBADANAN PERUSAHAAN KECIL DAN SEDERHANA MALAYSIA (SME CORP. MALAYSIA)
Level 6, SME 1, Block B, Platinum Sentral,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 603-2775 6000
Fax: 603-2775 6001
Website: http://www.smecorp.gov.my
E-mail: info@smecorp.gov.my
SME Corp. Malaysia
SMIDEC was established under the Small and Medium Entreprises Corporation Malaysia Act 1995 (Act 539) and was later rebranded as SME Corporation Malaysia on 2 October 2009.
SME Corp. Malaysia assumes the task as the central coordinating agency to formulate overall policies and strategies for SMEs, and to coordinate programmes across 15 Ministries and 60 Agencies. SME Corp. Malaysia is the central point of reference for research and data dissemination on SMEs in Malaysia and positions itself as the single point of contact for all information and advisory services through its One Referral Centre ( ORC ), located at its premises in Platinum Sentral.
An agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI), SME Corp. Malaysia assumes the role of the Secretariat to the National SME Development Council (NSDC), which is chaired by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia. SME Corp. Malaysia has also been tasked to implement and drive the SME Masterplan 2012-2020, in horizontal collaboration with other Ministries and agencies to ensure that our SMEs – the building blocks of our nation‟s economic growth, are transformed, to better serve the nation.
SME Corp. Malaysia Launches New Website on National Mark of Malaysian Brand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SME CORP. MALAYSIA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
ON NATIONAL MARK OF MALAYSIAN BRAND
Kuala Lumpur, 25 March 2013 – Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia, today officially launched a new website that is dedicated to providing information and updates on the National Mark of Malaysian Brand certification scheme.
The website, www.nationalmark.gov.my, will carry information on the scheme including benefits of certification, the participation criteria and the evaluation and audit processes. The site will also list the successful brands that have been awarded the rights to use the National Mark of Malaysian Brand on their product packaging and in their marketing communications. Companies interested in participating in the scheme can conveniently download the application forms from the site.
In his address, Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid said that this new website is an effort to educate the SMEs and consumers about the mark and what it stands for. “The main objective of the National Mark of Malaysian Brand is to promote an international level of quality standards for Malaysian products and services. It is hoped that with this mark, Malaysian brands can gain a footing in local and global markets. This is why it is important that the mark be easily recognised as a symbol of Quality, Excellence and Distinction both locally and abroad”, he said.
“This website not only offers information about the programme, but also highlights the mark recipients in order to create awareness of their status as proud Malaysian brands endorsed by the government. We hope that more Malaysian brand owners will realise the benefits of this scheme and the assistance provided by the government in developing their brands. I encourage SMEs to embark on the process of certification”.
Also launched during the event was the “Why I Choose Malaysian Quality” video contest. This online contest that offers a grand prize of RM10,000 requires participants to submit short videos that creatively depict their reasons for choosing brands that carry the National Mark of Malaysian Brand. The short 15 to 20 seconds videos can be uploaded via Facebook and must accumulate “likes” in order to win. The winning entries will be judged by a panel who will award 70% of the total points for each entry while the remaining 30% of the points will be based on the number of “likes” the entry gets on Facebook.
The video contest is open to all Malaysians and will run from today until its closing date on the 14th of June 2013. Other than the RM10,000 cash grand prize, contestants also stand to win iPad from SME Corp. Malaysia. To know more about the contest, log on to www.nationalmark.gov.my
The contest is part of a larger campaign to promote awareness of the National Mark of Malaysian Brand. The campaign will include a variety of print and online media campaign, and is designed to reach out to Malaysians of all walks of life.
The launch of the new website and video contest today, coincided with the SME Networking Session 2013. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the session was aptly titled ‘Meet in the Sky’.
The annual event is organised to provide the opportunity for SMEs that have been awarded the National Mark of Malaysian Brand to network amongst each other and to meet with other organisations including GLCs, Ministries and Agencies. “This networking session aims to provide MAlaysian Brand recipients with exposure to relevant or related industries, also to help the Ministries, Agencies, GLCs as well as representatives from the private sector to learn more about products and services offered by those companies”, said Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid.
This is the second year the event was organised by SME Corp. Malaysia. It was attended by about 100 representatives from various companies and government agencies.
“We have received very positive response from SMEs who attended this and last year’s networking sessions”, said CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Hafsah Hashim. She said that the objective of the event was to foster a closer working relationship between SME Corp. Malaysia and the SMEs, as well as with other government agencies. To achieve this, we must have open forums that allow feedback and candid discussion in a casual and relaxed environment. “We have changed the venues to make the sessions more interesting and meaningful for the attendees. So far, we have found the networking sessions to be of benefit not just to the SMEs, but also to the government officers attending.”
Last year’s session was held at Putrajaya and was attended by more than 80 representatives from SMEs and government officers representing various agencies.
For more information please contact Mr. Faiz R Sutarji at 03-2775 6014 or email – faizramzi@smecorp.gov.my ,
Ms. Maslinda Zulkifly at 03-2775 6181 or email – maslinda@smecorp.gov.my.
PERBADANAN PERUSAHAAN KECIL DAN SEDERHANA MALAYSIA (SME CORP. MALAYSIA)
Level 6, SME 1, Block B, Platinum Sentral,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: 603-2775 6000
Fax: 603-2775 6001

Press Release

Celebrating Distinction at The National Mark of Malaysian Brand Forum

Top Entrepreneurs of National Mark of Malaysian Brand Taken Back to Nature

150 SMEs Benefitted from Branding Seminar 2014

Celebrating & Recognising The Power of Malaysian Brands for Global Competitiveness

SME Corp. Malaysia Launches New Website on National Mark of Malaysian Brand