BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SME Corporation Malaysia yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to jointly identify and develop programmes for cooperation in the fields of training, expertise, information, research and development, and other knowledge-based activities related to the development of SMEs in both countries.

The objective of the MoU is to set out general principles of collaboration in fields of mutual interest between the two agencies.

Bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia has been long established in various areas and with the signing of this MoU, more collaboration works could be pursued and strengthened between the two agencies.

SMEs have been identified as a potential contributor to the economic development of every country. The key to their growth requires a comprehensive and integrated programme for overall economic well-being. Collaboration works through this kind of MoU are considered important in the drive to develop SMEs as engines of future socio-economic prosperity as well as for the sustainable development of economic growth in the face of globalisation and in the current rapidly evolving global business environment.

Present for the signing of the MoU on behalf of the Government of His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di- Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, was Hjh Suriyah Hj Umar, Permanent Secretary at MIPR and signing on behalf of the SME Corporation Malaysia was Dato Hafsah Hashim, chief executive officer of SME Corporation Malaysia.

Signing as witnesses were Datuk IR Dr Mohamed Al Amin Abd Majid, chairman of SME Corporation Malaysia and Effandi Hj Salleh, Head of the Entrepreneurial Development Centre (EDC), MIPR.

Also in attendance to witness the signing of the MoU were Datuk Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia and Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, MIPR.

The related SME programmes initiated by SME Corporation Malaysia is in line with the ministry’s EDC, which acts as a “Nerve Centre” in supporting the growth and development of SMEs in Brunei by providing coordinated capacity building programmes, facilities and expertise in facilitating the growth and development of SMEs.

SME Corporation Malaysia is a corporate body established in 2009. It was formerly known as the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (Smidec), a single dedicated agency with the function of formulating overall policies and strategies for SMEs and to coordinate SME programmes across all related ministries and agencies involved in SME development.

It also acts as the central point of reference for information and advisory services for all SMEs in Malaysia.

The signing of the MoU concluded with the identification of various areas of cooperation and activities to be implemented for a period of five years. Both agencies agreed to form a Steering Committee with specific terms of references as well as a “Working Committee” to implement, monitor and report progress.

The Brunei Times

• RBAirF Sports Complex to be ready in July 2011
• 'Harness the power of wind to meet future energy demand'
• Fire victim to get new home from YSHHB
• 2 RBAF officers to study at US military academies
• Vital role of QCC in improving service quality