SMI entrepreneurs need to be aware of importance of digital readiness - Wan Junaidi

They can no longer see digital readiness as an option as it is now a necessity to continue survival and business.

This was emphasised by the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MEDAC) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the launch of the Maxis Digital Readiness Index (DRI) which took place virtually today.

"As the community faces the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector plays an important role in accommodating the country's economy.

"Therefore, we remain committed to helping them through our digitalisation initiative.

"For SMEs and entrepreneurs to continue to grow in the domestic and international markets, digital readiness is essential. So, they need to realise the importance of digital readiness is not an option, but a necessity," he said in his keynote address.

Dr Wan Junaidi also welcomed the DRI initiative in line with MEDAC's vision in fostering a holistic and conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.

"I look forward to the views of the DRI, including in terms of policies and best practices to drive digitisation in the country.

"It is understood that Maxis will share annual updates on digital readiness in the country with government agencies to help them measure digital usage in the country," he said.

In other developments, MEDAC and Maxis will also collaborate in several initiatives through MEDAC agencies such as the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), TEKUN Nasional and the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKKM).