Latest news with #BumiputeraEnterpriseEnhancementProgramme
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SME Corp's BEEP Plus propels Sarawak-based SSK Resources to greater heights
Marilyn, SSK Resources' Project Development Executive, during a presentation about the company. KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak-based engineering firm, SSK Resources (M) Sdn Bhd, has experienced significant growth and transformation since participating in the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia. In 2023, the company which involved primarily in the oil and gas industry, received assistance through the BEEP Plus programme with grant amounting to RM248,680.00 under the Productivity and Automation Enhancement component. The programme has enabled the company to achieve critical improvements across operations and service delivery, thus positioning them as a leading player in the regional market and strengthening its long-term growth potential and international competitiveness. SSK Resources Project Development Executive, Marilyn Awing Jaton said the company recorded a 35 per cent increase in sales for areas related to Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and design since joining the BEEP Plus programme. 'Joining the programme gave our company the confidence and encouragement to move forward,' she told The Borneo Post. BEEP Plus provides assistance in the form of a matching grant for micro enterprises in Sabah and Sarawak. It was first introduced in 2023 under the Program Pengukuhan Mikro MADANI , following the launch of the MADANI Economic Framework by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As of June 2025, a total of RM15.69 million in grants has been approved for 184 micro enterprises across Sabah and Sarawak. The programme offers matching grants of up to 70 per cent of project cost or a maximum of RM250,000.00 disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Reverse engineering works using Geomagic Design X and Geomagic Control X software , funded under the BEEP Plus. SSK Resources provides expertise in reverse engineering, renewable energy, turbo machinery and subsea technology project consultancy. Following its establishment in 2006, SSK Resources expanded its operations by opening three branches – its headquarters in Kuching, a branch office in Bintulu, and an operations office in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. While the company's primary focus has been on the domestic market, it is now gearing up for regional expansion into neighbouring countries. In addition, SSK Resources has forged strategic alliances with internationally renowned companies from Germany, China, India and the United States — partnerships that bring cutting-edge technological expertise and deep technical know-how to the table. However, the journey was not without obstacles. One of the main hurdles was securing financial support, in addition to training and development and marketing assistance. 'Out of determination to keep the business afloat, we searched for various support mechanisms and eventually discovered SME Corp. Malaysia's BEEP Plus through the internet,' she revealed. Marilyn noted that BEEP Plus stood out because of its focus on technology and automation, which helped SSK Resources increase operational efficiency. 'We found it appealing and highly relevant to our needs. It improved our operations, reduced reliance on external equipment, and sped up our engineering and design processes,' she said. SSK Resources has since taken a leap forward in 3D technology by developing an innovative product called WISTERIA, a customised 3D-printed insole designed based on an individual's foot structure assessment. The product has received positive feedback from medical professionals, public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and teaching hospitals in Sarawak. Another notable benefit gained from the programme, Marilyn said, was the greater flexibility for on-site 3D scanning, which significantly enhanced project execution. Marilyn with SSK Resources director Fatimah Abdul Latip. Looking to the future, the company is planning to expand its marine services into Vietnam and Singapore and introduce WISTERIA in Brunei and Thailand besides the domestic market. When asked whether SSK Resources would recommend BEEP Plus to other businesses, the answer was an unequivocal yes. 'This programme has helped us increase productivity, reduce costs and access international markets through improved service delivery,' said Marilyn. Eligible expenses under BEEP Plus include product packaging improvement; productivity and automation; brand development and promotion; online applications; e-commerce; e-payment and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems; product development and innovation; purchase of raw material and equipment; rental of business premises; renovation works; and export-related training, courses, seminars or conferences. BEEP Plus SME Corp SSK Resources
Borneo Post
19-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
BEEP Plus helps Brown Eyes Production venture into international frontier
Ramlah briefs SME Corp Malaysia CEO Rizal Dato' Nainy (centre) during a visit by SME Corp Malaysia. TAWAU (June 20): The Government's commitment to empowering Bumiputera micro enterprises in Sabah and Sarawak continues to bear fruit through the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia. The programme, which was introduced specifically for micro enterprises in both states in 2023 under the Program Pengukuhan Mikro MADANI initiative, has shown a significant impact on local industry players. Brown Eyes Production, a professional photography and videography company in Tawau, Sabah, is among those to have benefited from the programme. Founded by Ramlah Haji Ahmad in 2016, Brown Eyes Production initially operated from home. However, with her strong entrepreneurial spirit combined with strategic support from SME Corp. Malaysia through the BEEP Plus matching grant amounting to RM146,615.70, the company has succeeded in making a major transformation in the creative business landscape in Sabah. Ramlah shows the works produced by her company. Through the assistance, Brown Eyes Production equipped the company with various advanced photography equipment which further boosted the quality of the company's services and professional image. Now, the company is not only known locally but has also penetrated international markets including Switzerland, Indonesia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Vietnam. One of its achievements was when it managed to generate international income of CHF10,000 (RM50,000) through a 10-day photography project in Switzerland and registered as a member of the Swiss Malaysia Chamber of Commerce, thus opening up more global market opportunities. The company also recorded an impressive increase in annual sales from RM604,076 in 2023 to RM850,000 in 2024 – a jump of 41 percent. In addition, Brown Eyes Production managed to double the number of employees from just two to 11 permanent staff, as part of its operational expansion plan. Ramlah is also actively introducing digitalisation in the company's daily transactions. Ramlah attends to queries from customers at her premises. Now, 90 percent of the company's operation has been digitalised using systems such as Niagawan+e-Invois, MySyarikat (HR management), Pixieset (booking/POS/payment/inventory) and the official website. This effort has also contributed to an increase in digital interactions to 1.28 billion views, compared to 400 million previously. As the first female entrepreneur in Sabah to print exclusive albums in-house, she is now focusing on two main branches of the business, namely professional photography and videography services and exclusive album printing. This year, Brown Eyes Production is expanding its services further by offering live drone services and multi-camera production. And to ensure that the level of service quality continues to be superior, the company also implements systematic SOPs and KPIs, in addition to collaborating with industry players, especially in large-scale events such as the Mega Food Festival. Ramlah's success does not stop there. She was also named Outstanding Graduate & Best Participant in the Creating Millionaires Among Young Women Entrepreneur (CREAM@YWE) 2024 Programme, and obtained recognition as the Sabah Talented Women Idol 2024. According to SME Corp. Malaysia, as of May 2025, 173 micro enterprises from Sabah and Sarawak were approved matching grants totaling RM14.28 million under the BEEP Plus programme. Ramlah shows photography equipment funded under the BEEP Plus. The programme offers matching grant of up to 70 percent of project costs or a maximum of RM250,000.00 covering various business components including branding, digitalisation, automation, training and premises renovation. BEEP Plus has proven to be an important catalyst for micro enterprises such as Brown Eyes Production to remain competitive at the global level. Apart from BEEP Plus, Ramlah is also a participant of the GrowBiz Programme by SME Corp. Malaysia and is one of the Top 5 GrowBiz entrepreneurs 2024/2025 in Sabah and Sarawak regions. This success story proves that with the right strategy, Government support and high commitment, Bumiputera micro enterprises from rural areas can also carve their own success in the international arena. BEEP Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme SME Corp
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Hub to empower sabah entrepreneurs
Published on: Sunday, May 04, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Ewon (centre) signs the MSME Hub plaque and new office witnessed by others. PENAMPANG: The launch of SME Corp Malaysia's new office and the Sabah Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Hub on Saturday marked a significant step forward in the Federal Government's efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, particularly in Sabah. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the initiative was inspired by his vision to provide accessible facilities and advisory services for the business community in Sabah. 'This hub serves as a one-stop centre for business owners to obtain guidance and information on government entrepreneurship programmes,' he said during the launch at Donggongon Square, here. In 2024 alone, 10,035 entrepreneurs visited SME Corp's physical hubs, with 2,607 visits recorded in the first quarter of this year. Ewon also announced the continuation of the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus in 2025, following its positive reception in Sabah and Sarawak. 'I'm pleased with the outcomes of this programme, which aligns with the 'Look East Within the Country' initiative and is tailored specifically to support micro-enterprises in East Malaysia,' he said. As part of the initiative, 15 local entrepreneurs received a total of RM841,099.97 in grants. SME Corp Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Bernard Giluk Dompok said the launch was a major milestone under Ewon's leadership in boosting Malaysia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. 'The opening of this hub not only brings the Minister's vision to life but also demonstrates Kuskop's commitment to expanding access to business support,' he said. He also thanked industry players and strategic partners for their continued support in developing the MSME sector. SME Corp CEO Rizal Dato' Nainy said the MSMEs form the backbone of the Malaysian economy, comprising 96.9 per cent of all business establishments. 'This year, we're focusing on digitalisation and global competitiveness. We aim for over 90 per cent of enterprises to digitalise operations by the end of 2025,' he said, adding an MoU with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will further support financing, digital tools and training. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to fully use the facilities at the Hub and participate in national-level events like SME Venture @ Asean 2025, scheduled for October in Kuala Lumpur. Ewon urged members of the local business community to be proactive in seeking out information on government assistance, funding opportunities and market access. 'As entrepreneurs, you need to take initiative — get informed, explore your options and make the most of the support systems available,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
