THE Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has launched the e-Berkat Marketplace platform in an effort to help the B40 and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to secure a better financial future.
The platform, designed by a joint collaboration between MDEC, Fintech industry and spearheaded by Silverlake Digital INX Sdn Bhd , is also part of a broader agenda to fulfill the objective of the National Digital Financial Programme.
“We plan to ensure everyone receives protection from financial or health coverages, financial security through investments and micro-financing opportunities for innovation.
“eBerkat Marketplace will also provide businesses high-growth potential for further expansion,” MDEC pointed out in a media statement.
It said that currently, the B40 and MSMEs have little future financial planning nor proper retirement savings, leaving them vulnerable especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They lack understanding on financial products, which makes them less inclined to save for rainy days.
“Therefore, e-Berkat Marketplace will provide a digital financial platform for the underserved, in line with the Government’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030,” noted MDEC.
MDEC added the platform would provide the B40 and MSMEs access to various digital financial technology services such as micro financing, micro investment and micro insurance.
This, it said, would provide them with financial capital support and open up opportunities for those who lack access to conventional financing such as banks.
“The platform will also allow users to save a small amount of money periodically and remove barriers to investments such as brokerage accounts,” it said.
Touching on the matter, MDEC’s Fintech and Islamic Digital Economy vice-president Norhizam Kadir said the Government was committed to continuously enable digital innovation and connect communities through eBerkat Marketplace.
“As the country goes through the COVID-19 pandemic, MDEC wants to continue to drive the growth of digital economy and foster better financial inclusion.
“This eBerkat Marketplace platform came in at a right time and it will certainly help the B40 communities and MSMEs to protect and grow their financial health,” he added. – Nov 30, 2020
