Local industries should move towards digitalisation in the new norm

Local industries and businesses should turn to digitalisation as a medium in establishing the Malaysian brand globally in the “new normal” era.

International Trade and Industry (MITI) Deputy Minister, Datuk Lim Ban Hong said, it was important for traders and Malaysians to strike an ideal balance between saving lives and income sources amid the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that one of the alternative approaches to digital transformation is getting local industries to participate in e-commerce activities.

“E-commerce gives local small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) the opportunity to market and promote their products to bigger markets as easily as using smartphones.

"The government has provided incentives and assistance to encourage e-commerce adoption among SME entrepreneurs," he said in a statement today.

According to the statistics published by MITI, in 2018, the e-commerce sector contributed RM115.5 billion -- equivalent to around eight per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.

“Malaysian companies should view these changes positively and take advantage of the situation to accelerate digital transformation that can help to boost sales volume," he said.

One of the government’s incentives to boost digital adoption is the eTRADE Programme by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, one of the agencies under MITI.

The programme offers financial assistance to eligible applicants in the form of e-vouchers or reimbursement, or both.

Companies participating in the eTRADE programme have the chance to enter various international e-commerce platforms, including those by ASEAN countries, China, India and the United States. - BERNAMA