Over 1,500 entrepreneurs from the small and medium enterprises (SME) segment attended CTOS SME Biz Day 2024, a business conference and networking event that brings together industry leaders to discuss various topics including insights on the market economic prospects in the second half of 2024, digital transformation, business resilience, and fostering winning mindsets.

Themed ‘Future-Forward SMEs: Grow, Transform, Innovate’, the one-day event was organised by CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd (CTOS) in partnership with several key technology players to prepare SMEs for the future through digitalisation and forward-thinking strategies. The exclusive partners include Unifi Business, Microsoft Corporation, Amazon Web Services, Inc., Cisco, Inc, LawBank Asia, and SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd.

Among the featured speakers and moderators include SME Corporation Malaysia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rizal Nainy; Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Deputy CEO (Exporters Development), Mansor Shah Wahid; Unifi Business Head, Mohamad Yusman Ammeran; and CTOS Chief Operating Officer, Lee Shin Mei.

CTOS Digital Berhad Group CEO, Erick Hamburger, pointed out that SMEs face multiple challenges such as rapid technological advancements, inflationary pressures, and exchange rate fluctuations, which could impact financing conditions including the ease of credit.

This, he said, despite the strong growth in gross domestic product (GDP) where Malaysia recorded 4.2% and a rise in the RAM-CTOS Business Confidence Index (BCI) to 53.4 in the first quarter of this year. The positive BCI result indicates that SMEs in Malaysia are optimistic about the future outlook in aspects including turnover, profitability, hiring, capital investment, and capacity utilisation.

“This is why CTOS continues to champion the cause of the SME community. CTOS aims to empower businesses to gain access to credit, and provide a clearer pathway to a better, sustainable future,” he said.

Commenting on Unifi Business's involvement in the event, Mohamad Yusman said the partnership provides a platform for the company to meet SME entrepreneurs who can benefit from various solutions they offer to help accelerate their digital transformation.

“We have seen a lot of crowds today and Alhamdulillah (praise to Allah), we have received good responses from them to start their digital transformation journey with us. Hopefully, we can have more events like this to engage with SMEs in Malaysia,” he said.

In conjunction with the event, which took place at Nexus Bangsar South on 26 June, CTOS announced the soft launch of its new cyber security rating services, designed to help SMEs stay ahead of cyber threats and ensure compliance with emerging regulations. Leveraging CTOS’ expertise in credit ratings and risk management, the new cyber security rating aims to provide a holistic view of a company’s risk profile across financial and cyber security aspects, thus helping clients navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape.

Unifi Business collaborates with various government agencies and organisations to help entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) segment sustain and further grow their businesses through digitalisation.

Explore the Articles and Events on UBC portal for more details on the collaborations and programmes that Unifi Business took part in or organised.