Malaysian SMEs are very fortunate to enjoy the full support and assistance of the Government, despite facing intense competition in today’s business environment. The Government has been proactively introducing new incentives and assistance programmes to spur the development of SMEs in Malaysia.

As SMEs constitute more than 99% of total business establishments in Malaysia, it is vital to promote a thriving SME sector in Malaysia’s quest to become a developed nation by the year 2020. The Government’s focus in developing the SMEs is evident in the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the Third Industrial Master Plan, which lay out the key strategies to boost the sector.

The National SME Development Council chaired by YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia has set targets to increase the SME’s contribution to the GDP from current 32% to 37% by 2010, its share of total exports from 19% to 22% and for SMEs to increase its workforce from current 5.6 million to 6.2 million by 2010.

The SMI Association will work hand in hand with the Government to achieve these targets as it is also our vision to make SMEs the economic power house of the country by 2020.

In its continuing efforts to assist and support SMEs, the Association has organized numerous seminars, workshops and roadshows in 2007, both locally and abroad. Amongst these activities include the SME Recognition Award 2007, Trade Mission to China Qingdao-Yantai 2007, the Export Coaching Seminar Roadshow 2007, SME Financing & Opportunities Seminar 2007 and visit to the Port Klang Free Zone. Exposure to such events is essential for SMEs to continue learning, improving and innovating, in their quest to be leaders in the marketplace. Combining the initiative of the SMEs with the
incentives offered by the Government and the assistance of other supporting bodies, there is no doubt that local SMEs can emerge as global leaders in their respective industries.

On the same positive note, it is my pleasure to present to you the all new 7th edition of the SMI/SME Business Directory. In addition to the updated information in the regular sections, a new article entitled “Science and Technology for SMIs” has been introduced this year. With the rapid advancements in science and technology today, we felt that it is apt to highlight the impact of scientific and technological progress on SMEs and also the assistance that is available to them in these areas.

Until the next edition, have a productive year ahead!