SSM ORGANISES PPP25 IN PENANG TO ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS OF BUSINESS SECTOR

BUKIT MERTAJAM,  Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is organising a state-level Business Digitalisation Programme 2025 (PPP25) to enhance the competitiveness of the business sector by empowering B40 entrepreneurs and students through digital technology.

The Penang edition of PPP25 is the third series of the programme and was held today at the Permatang Pauh campus of the Penang branch of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

SSM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Nor Azimah Abdul Aziz said the programme provided numerous benefits to over 500 participants, comprising students from public and private institutions of higher learning, as well as entrepreneurs from the B40 group, particularly those involved in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“This initiative aligns with the government’s digitalisation agenda under the Inclusive Economic Development and People's Wellbeing Policy introduced within the Malaysia MADANI framework.

“It aims to broaden understanding and exposure to the role of digital transformation in enhancing productivity, product quality, sales revenue, and market expansion,” she said.

SSM, she said, remains committed to supporting and facilitating entrepreneurs, especially MSMEs, to adopt digital technology effectively and efficiently in their business operations.

"Through programmes like this, SSM hopes that the approach implemented will not only contribute to the modernisation of the local business sector, but also enhance the country's competitiveness in navigating the increasingly challenging global digital economy," she said at the opening of the state-level PPP25 here today.

Nor Azimah said that one of the main focuses of PPP25 is to provide participants with a strong understanding of key aspects of entrepreneurship, particularly the use of marketing technology via social media and e-commerce, which are essential to the success of modern enterprises.

She said that the programme was a continuation and rebranding of SSM's entrepreneurship programmes, namely the Young Entrepreneur Programme and the Entrepreneur Mentoring Programme, aimed at encouraging participation from the entrepreneurial community and students at the grassroots level, regardless of geographic location or socio-economic background.

 "I am confident that digitalisation plays a crucial role as a catalyst for business transformation today. It is because it not only improves the operational efficiency and quality, but also provides wider market access, crossing both geographical and time boundaries,” she said.

She said SSM is deeply committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and the new generation of students who need early exposure to the latest technology.

“This is to enable them to compete effectively, develop a dynamic digital economic ecosystem, and be prepared to face future challenges,” she said, adding that as of Sept 30, 179,748 businesses have registered under the Free Business Registration Scheme initiative.

Meanwhile, a B40 entrepreneur,  Diaz Miza Ahmad, 37, said he gained valuable insights during today’s PPP25, which he found particularly beneficial as an online trader.

"I run a printing business, producing books, banners, streamers, and other products advertised and sold through platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and others.

“Alhamdulillah, today’s programme taught me a lot of new knowledge that isn’t readily available online. Many of the things we learned here cannot be found elsewhere,” he said.

Another participant, UiTM student Nur Damishahirah Zahimi, 18, said the programme provided extensive exposure to entrepreneurship and business marketing strategies, which she found very engaging.

She noted that she gained new knowledge about global online markets,  especially e-commerce, which she had not encountered before.

Key highlights of PPP25 included briefings on the importance of legally registering companies, raising awareness of financial fraud through the Scam Alert, learning digital marketing strategies and hearing success stories from established entrepreneurs.

According to SSM statistics, as of Sept 30, a total of 106,252 companies had been incorporated, while 693,129 businesses and 2,691 Limited Liability Partnerships (PLT) were registered in Penang, with 48,806 companies, 125,482 businesses and 2,335 PLTs currently active.

During the programme, SSM also presented the “Wakalah Zakat Korporat” and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions totalling RM137,500 to entrepreneurs and “asnaf” students, religious institutions, welfare homes, and schools in Penang.

-- BERNAMA