Business awards' roadshow in Klang draws over 100 participants
The roadshow seeks to motivate businesses to take part in the esteemed awards programme, encouraging them to overcome self-imposed boundaries and strive for national-level recognition.
SME Association of Malaysia national president Dr Chin Chee Seong said it remains dedicated to supporting the long-term growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
This is by enhancing their competitiveness in an ever-evolving market landscape and steering them towards more structured, forward-looking business models.
"We have established a strong presence across the country through our branch and member networks, which extend beyond state lines to regional levels.
"This allows us to connect deeply with local businesses and truly understand their real needs," he said in his speech.
SME Association of Klang president Alan Tan Fuu Soon said the city has a deep historical heritage and has been home to many capable and forward-thinking entrepreneurs.
"True business strength doesn't lie in size, but in remaining steadfast during challenges and staying true to one's values. Klang entrepreneurs are shining examples of steady progress and continual breakthroughs," he said.
Alan added that PBA seeks to recognise businesses that are steadfast, adaptable and dedicated to contributing to society.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Malay Mail
FMM urges Putrajaya to gazette Sept 15 holiday to give firms clarity, aid compliance
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called on the government to urgently gazette the September 15 public holiday to provide legal clarity to employers. The additional holiday that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday in a special address has triggered concerns within the manufacturing sector over compliance and planning, the group said. FMM said many businesses remain unclear whether the holiday falls under Section 8 or Section 9 of the Holidays Act 1951, which would affect their obligations under the Employment Act 1955. 'This is critical to provide legal clarity and enable businesses to plan operations, workforce scheduling, and ensure compliance with the Employment Act 1955,' said FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai. The group warned that manufacturers operating on shift-based or continuous cycles face higher risks from such unplanned disruptions. The four-day stretch from Saturday to Tuesday may force production lines to halt and restart, which FMM said would be inefficient and costly. It added that the cascading effects on supply chains, logistics and delivery timelines would be especially difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage. FMM advised employers to prepare buffer stock, adjust schedules, and communicate with workers, customers and suppliers to minimise operational risks. The group also reminded businesses to monitor the gazette and consider using the substitution option under Section 8, if applicable. It then reiterated its view that 'policy announcements must reflect clarity, consistency, certainty, and credibility,' adding that ad hoc decisions could undermine Malaysia's attractiveness to investors.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Focus on SMEs to boost women in workforce, says TalentCorp official
The government plans to increase the female labour force participation rate to 60% by the end of the year. KUALA LUMPUR : A greater focus should be placed on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of efforts to increase the number of women in the workforce, says a Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) official. TalentCorp's chief strategy officer Nazrul Aziz said it was necessary to further incentivise SMEs so that they would offer flexible working and caregiving arrangements to female employees. 'We have no issue with multinational corporations (MNCs) and GLCs. But for every 10 Malaysians, only three work for MNCs and GLCs. 'If we want to make a shift in the (labour market's) ecosystem, we need to focus on SMEs,' he said at a panel discussion on the World Bank's inclusive employment practices report launched here today. Nazrul spoke in agreement with human resources minister Steven Sim, who earlier highlighted the low participation rate in women's career comeback programmes. The TalentCorp official said SME employers needed to be further incentivised to support these programmes. 'We're providing tax incentives to companies that implement flexible working arrangements. 'But now, we have to focus more on SMEs, because MNCs and GLCs are already pretty much there (in supporting women's career comeback programmes),' he said. He added that so far, about 3,000 companies have participated in TalentCorp's advocacy programmes promoting flexible working arrangements. Former Women's Aid Organisation deputy executive director Yu Ren Chung said it was important to amend the Employment Act to outlaw discrimination against women during the hiring process. 'There's actually no law that prohibits companies from choosing not to hire someone because they might, for example, start a family. 'The Employment Act, right now, mostly covers employees, but there's no legal reason why it can't also tackle discrimination towards job seekers,' he said. Previously, World Bank economists had spoken about Malaysia's struggle to retain women in the workforce. The government's target is to increase the female labour force participation rate to 60% by the end of the year.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Groups warn of productivity losses from Sept 15 additional public holiday
The Malaysian Employers Federation said while it appreciates national celebrations and commemorations, such observances must be balanced with economic realities and the long-term competitiveness of Malaysian businesses. PETALING JAYA : An employers' group and a business association have expressed concern over the impact the additional public holiday on Sept 15 may have on business operations. In a televised address today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Sept 15 would be designated as an additional public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day. In a statement to FMT, the Malaysian Employers Federation said the extra public holiday warrants careful reconsideration because of its financial and operational impact as such holidays disrupt production schedules, logistics chains, and service continuity. 'This disruption results in lower output, delays in fulfilling delivery commitments, increased costs from rescheduling or deferring operations, and reduced overall productivity, especially for SMEs already operating on tight margins,' MEF said. It also said additional public holidays translate to increased wage bills, with preliminary estimates suggesting that each extra holiday could cost Malaysian employers over RM1 billion collectively. MEF said the practice of declaring ad hoc public holidays, often without broad stakeholder consultation, may affect Malaysia's image as a predictable and business-friendly destination. Noting that investors seek clarity and certainty in policymaking, it warned that repeated instances of surprise public holidays risk undermining investor confidence, particularly among foreign investors. 'While MEF appreciates national celebrations and commemorations, such observances must be balanced with economic realities and the long-term competitiveness of Malaysian businesses,' it said. In a separate statement, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) president William Ng said that while he appreciates the symbolic importance of celebrating Malaysia Day, additional public holidays, especially those announced on short notice, can be disruptive for SMEs. He said the added holiday would increase costs for SMEs in terms of lost productivity, overtime pay, and delivery delays. 'We urge the government to conduct impact assessments before declaring unscheduled holidays,' he said. Ng also welcomed the encouraging economic indicators shared by Anwar in his address, particularly stronger GDP growth, improved global competitiveness rankings, and a more stable ringgit. 'However, we urge the government to ensure that the benefits of this growth are meaningfully felt by the SME sector, which continues to face persistent challenges in accessing financing, addressing labour shortages, and adapting to rising operational costs,' he said. He also called for greater support to help SMEs manage cost pressures, particularly through wage subsidies, targeted tax relief, and automation grants. Earlier today, human resources minister Steven Sim said employers must comply with the declaration of the additional public holiday in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration. Bernama reported him as saying employers could observe the additional public holiday and pay regular salaries, or instruct their employees to work and pay them according to the public holiday rates. 'Employers can also opt to give a replacement holiday on another day if their employees are required to work on that public holiday,' he said.
