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The government is fully aware of contributions and the importance of SMEs as engines of growth in the Malaysian economy. The government has introduced various measures and incentives to promote the development of SMEs, alleviate their problems and assist their development efforts. For the Ninth Malaysian Plan period, the focus will be transforming industrial businesses and value-creating entities. The formulation
of technology and innovation-driven strategies will be given increased priority. Greater emphasis will also be placed on promoting investment in new areas of growth as well as reinforcing innovation capability and capacity to augment productivity.
However, providing funds and incentives alone are not enough. SMEs must improve themselves by adapting to the changing times. They must adopt new technologies, improve their human resources and move up the value chain by producing higher value goods and services. I am pleased to note that the SME Business Directory continues to place great emphasis on the topic of STI. I would like to congratulate the publishers, SMI Association of Malaysia and Tourism Publications Corporation Sdn Bhd for their continuing efforts in spreading awareness on the importance of research and development, science, technology and innovation.
Thank you and God bless.
From,
Datuk Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, JP,
Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation