The inaugural CTOS SME Biz DAY 2024 Penang attracted over 1,000 entrepreneurs and professionals from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) segment in the Northern region. The event, which took place in early October this year, was organised by CTOS in exclusive partnership with Unifi Business, SQL Account I ERP – HQ, and Microsoft.

Themed ‘Future-Forward SMEs: Grow, Transform, Innovate,’ the event aimed to provide participants with insights into digital tools and strategies such as AI adoption, leveraging cloud solutions, implementing CRM systems to enhance competitiveness, mastering e-invoicing, formulating social media strategies, and employing cybersecurity measures.

Erick Hamburger, Group Chief Executive Officer of CTOS Digital Berhad, stated that the SME Biz Day 2024 Penang is one of many initiatives organised by CTOS to equip MSMEs with the knowledge and tools to grow, transform, and innovate their businesses. He added that these initiatives respond to the RAM-CTOS Business Confidence Index (BCI) 2024 results, which indicate that training and skill development programmes are among the top three priority areas MSMEs wish to see reinstated in the 2025 budget.

“We at CTOS want to help MSMEs in Penang grow further. This is why we have lined up experts in emerging areas like digital transformation, e-invoicing, social media strategies, and ESG compliance for this conference. We believe every enterprise and individual should be empowered to harness the best of digital technologies for greater accuracy, efficiency, and transparency. Hence, CTOS SME Biz Day showcases vital digital technologies and creates opportunities for learning and networking with real-life entrepreneurs. Combining our two events in Kuala Lumpur with this Penang edition, we have impacted over 3,500 attendees,” explained Hamburger.

Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Deputy Minister of Digital, who was also present, said, “It is a privilege for the Ministry of Digital to support the industry leader, CTOS, in championing and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Northern region through networking and inspirational sharing sessions with successful home-grown entrepreneurs. Both CTOS and this ministry are strategically aligned, particularly in bridging the digital adoption gap to help businesses enhance operations and expand revenue streams through digital platforms."

The event also featured notable guest speakers from public and private sector agencies, including Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Small & Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA), Digital Penang, ESG Association of Malaysia, Capital A, Lawrence Walter Seminars, Unifi Business, Good Foodie Media, and SQL Account I ERP - HQ.

Unifi Business partners with various government agencies and organisations to support entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector in sustaining and expanding their businesses through digitalisation.

Visit the articles and events pages for details on other collaborations and programmes involving Unifi Business.