THE Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDEC), along with 80 local tech firms, has launched a campaign called #DigitalvsCovid to offer services on a pro-bono basis or with discounted rates to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during this period of economic uncertainty.
In putting out the call, MDEC has received favourable responses, particularly from its network of GAIN companies, which are made up of prolific tech startups and scaleups that are recognised for their unique tech innovations and sizable business footprint both locally and abroad.
“While large corporations have contingency plans to minimise the impact of Covid-19, many SMEs and micro-enterprises may not be able to tide through this global pandemic. One way forward is through automation and digitalisation. We are proud to announce that 80 tech companies are waiting to render their services and MDEC urges entrepreneurs from all industries to leverage on these offerings,” said Surina Shukri, CEO of MDEC.
She added that it only took one attempt to rally Malaysian tech companies to “Pay It Forward” during these trying times, with numerous tech companies both within and beyond the GAIN network expressing their interest to offer their services on a pro-bono basis, either through discounts or strategic collaborations.
The comprehensive list of tech solutions and services for SMEs is accessible on MDEC’s website and it will continue to be updated as more tech companies come forward to render their assistance.
“Many SMEs are experiencing interrupted supply-chain movement, delays in business processes that require paperwork, limited tools to engage their stakeholders, constraints in conducting non-cash transactions, as well as challenges in managing a high-volume workforce. Nonetheless, we are confident that our GAIN companies can offer relief to SMEs by resolving some of these difficulties.” explained Surina.
Another concern by SMEs, according to Surina, is the well-being of their employees to ensure minimal business disruption. Companies are trying to adequately equip employees with awareness of the Covid-19 pandemic and advocating preventive health and safety measures. Additionally, employers are actively seeking the provision of workforce compensation protection and other benefits for their employees.
“MDEC’s Global Growth Acceleration division will continue to explore more industry-relevant business continuity solutions via digital technologies and drive participation and growth in the digital economy,” added Surina. – March 25, 2020
