KOTA KINABALU: Smart collaboration between the state and federal governments will create a potential and prospective development in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) industry in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.
He said with continued efforts by both the state and federal governments to assist SME in Sabah, the industry players must be more creative and innovative in producing quality products that meet international standards.
“The government will be supporting the SME industry, as we are aware that it would contribute to the state economic development, at the same time to create job opportunities and produce a larger number of entrepreneurs,” said Musa in his speech at the opening of Sabah SME Carnival 2013 at Sabah Trade Centre here yesterday. The speech was by Rural Development Minister Datuk Radin Maleh.
The Sabah SME Carnival 2013 which started yesterday, will end on June 30.
It is organised by the Industrial Development Ministry, Department of Industrial Development and Research, SME Corp Malaysia Sabah, Sabah SME Cooperative (KOPIKS) as part of the activities in conjunction with the National SME Week 2013 to honour and appreciate the vital role that the SMEs play in the nation’s growth and progress.
The carnival aims to assist the SME sector in the state to further improve and strengthen its capacity, capability and sustainability so that it could help achieve the state’s development and economic objectives.
It also hopes to enhance and enlarge the market of SME products, goods and services and upgrade their knowledge, skills, expertise and business networks.
With a total of 250 booths being divided between One District One Industry entrepreneurs, machinery and packaging based companies, motor industry, food industry and handicraft booths, the carnival is considered as one of the biggest organized by the ministry.
With the range of products, companies and activities lined up by the organisers, it is expected that the carnival will be very attractive draw card to the visitors of the carnival.
While lucky visitors will be presented with hampers for the first four days on visitors’ numbers being drawn, visitors can also look forward to participate in the grand lucky draw featuring attractive prizes which include a brand new modern motorcycle, a smart phone and a sports bicycle besides attractive electrical items as consolation prizes.
For those who are more serious to become SME entrepreneurs, the organisers have also arranged a business and trade opportunities seminar and business clinic slots as well as the opportunity to sample the various goods and products displayed by the exhibitors and topped up by the services and assistance provided by the government agencies.
Also present at the event yesterday was Assistant Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Bolkiah Ismail, who represented minister Datuk Raymond Tan.
During the event, Maleh also handed over cash assistance to needy SME entrepreneurs from all over Sabah.
There will be a lucky draw at 9am followed by a traditional cooking competition today, while karaoke competition and traditional dance will be held from 2pm to 6pm.
Tomorrow, lucky draw and traditional competition will be held in the morning from 9am, followed by an entrepreneurship seminar at the auditorium from 10am to 4pm and a drawing competition.
In the afternoon, the organisers have arranged a Battle of the Band competition starting at 2pm while the karaoke contest final will be held at the car park at 5pm.
Bolkiah is expected to close the event on Sunday (30 June) at 2.30pm. The grand luck draw will be held at the main stage at 4pm. The final of the Battle of the Band competition will also to be held on the same day at 10am.