Malaysia’s Small Entrepreneur Digitisation Empowerment Programme Targets Microenterprises
Pupuk Malaysia or the Small Entrepreneur Digitisation Empowerment Programme seeks to onboard 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs by December 2021.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will be leading Malaysia’s newest micro-entrepreneurs empowerment programme. The Small Entrepreneur Digitisation Empowerment Programme (Pupuk) will select 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs to participate in the initiative. Pupuk aims to enable these microenterprises in transitioning their business towards embracing e-commerce platforms and cashless transactions.
The primary aim is to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs and SMEs) towards a faster digital adoption rate. This endeavour is in line with Malaysia’s digitalisation blueprint under the National People’s Well-being and Economic Recovery Package (PEMULIH). The Government will be allocating RM200 million and RM100 million for MSMEs and SMEs, respectively, under the SME Digitalisation Grant.
Around 40 nationwide Community Internet Centres (PIKs) will play host to the innovative Pupuk project. To ensure the sustainability of the programme, the selection of 600 Pupuk partners will soon commence. These partners will then be assigned to select PIKs to provide more comprehensive assistance. All PIKs will deliver training, support, and help to traditional businesses to facilitate a smooth transition to e-commerce platforms.
Accelerating the Digital Growth of Microenterprises
Pupuk will encompass a multi-tier rollout, with MCMC taking the lead in collaborations. Working with telecommunication companies and digital platform providers, MCMC will include rural internet centres in their bid to digitalise micro-entrepreneurs.
The ongoing Go-eCommerce Onboarding and Shop Malaysia Online campaigns align seamlessly with the Pupuk initiative. These campaigns, targeting 300,000 MSMEs, are working to drive participation in digital trading platforms. The SME Digitalisation Grant will also see an increase to enable SMEs to receive a matching grant of RM5,000. As such, the Pupuk initiative has the potential to increase micro-entrepreneurs income by up to 30%.
Pupuk will also enable agricultural micro-entrepreneurs to inculcate the latest technology into their business models. With collaborative efforts from Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan and Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), agro-preneurs can leverage digitalisation as well.
E-commerce and the Future of MSMEs
As digital empowerment hubs, PIKs have the ability to drive e-commerce job creation opportunities for the nation. They play a crucial role for the Small Entrepreneur Digitisation Empowerment Programme to achieve its target metrics. By 2025, Pupuk aims to benefit 880,000 micro-entrepreneurs via 873 PIKs, with collaborations from agencies such as MYNIC and SME Corp.
Programme implementation at PIKs will include rollouts such as Pupuk@Shopee, which currently has participation from 549 micro-entrepreneurs. Pupuk@AEON will also be launching soon and may see the participation of approximately 100 micro-entrepreneurs. It will provide micro-entrepreneurs with a gateway into AEON supermarkets to conduct sales both physically and online.
E-commerce opportunities are opening for MSMEs in Malaysia, and now is a great time to start your microenterprise. For the most comprehensive, customisable, and budget-friendly Malaysia company incorporation services, get in touch with 3E Accounting. Our team of global experts will work with you and ensure the best start to your micro-entrepreneurial journey. Contact 3E Accounting today for an informative chat on making your business dreams a reality.