MDEC launches SME digital guidebook for F&B, retail industry

• Digital guidebook serves as reference for SMEs interested in digital adoption 
• Step by step guide for business to enhance their digital capabilities

Malaysia Digital Economy Malaysia (MDEC) has launched the SME digital guidebook and quick guide as a first point of reference for small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) interested to embark on digital adoption.

In a statement, MDEC said the goal of the guide is to help SMEs in the food & beverages (F&B) and retail industry to reassess their digital opportunities and readiness via a step-by-step guide on how to enhance their current digital capabilities and begin their digital transformation journey.

“Digital technologies are transforming every sector and while this poses a challenge for SMEs, particularly traditional businesses, it also creates new opportunities,” said Surina Shukri (pic, above), chief executive officer (CEO) of MDEC. 

“Malaysia may have scored high on digital readiness rankings, but digital adoption by SMEs and traditional businesses is often hindered by lack of awareness, readiness, know-how, and appreciation of the benefits of digitalisation; as well as the misperceived high cost of implementing new technologies,” she added.

MDEC has developed these essential guidebooks to assist businesses and SMEs to accelerate their digital adoption in a structured, easy-to-follow method, she said.

Beyond providing a guide for SMEs to kickstart their journey, the guidebook also lists the latest trends that will impact them, lay down the importance of digitalisation, and also direct them to available initiatives within Malaysia that they can leverage on.

The SME Digital Guidebook is a full document that will take a more structured approach in mapping digital needs, technologies, business goals and best practices to guide SMEs in elevating their digital capabilities, MDEC said.

The SME digital guidebook is co-developed with International Data Corporation (IDC), who provided analysis of the market and technology insights.

“Being a ‘digital first’ entity is no longer a choice but has risen to be a focal point for many SMEs to operate in current market conditions, and to thrive beyond 2021.

“The pandemic has permanently changed the manner consumers and businesses operate and the impact of this change has resonated across all sectors of the economy; with retail and food and beverage (F&B) segments being severely disrupted,” said Sudev Bangah, managing director, IDC Asean.

Bangah said to accelerate in a digital economy, it is crucial for SMEs to leverage upon available platforms and to transition its traditional base to one that is digitally-led.

He added that the launch of MDEC’s SME digital guidebooks helps provide the first steps for SMEs, as well as the know-how, to navigate these challenges, and to set them on the right path towards digitalisation.

The SME Digital Guidebook and Quick Guide which is part of MDEC’s 100 Go Digital initiative can be downloaded here.