Digital Penang launches SME Go Digital programme to develop 100 digital champions

• To empower businesses to develop customised digital roadmaps
• Partnership with Northern Corridor Economic Region, Wawasan Open University

Digital Penang is calling for small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in its second cohort of the SME Go Digital programme.

In a statement, the Penang state government agency said this programme aims to develop 100 digital champions which will empower business owners and key leaders to develop a customised Digital Roadmap for their companies. 

It said applications are open to Penang-based SMEs with at least 30 employees and has a budget allocation for their digital transformation journey. 

Shortlisted SMEs will undergo a three-month programme for three hours a week with Digital Penang and its partners, it added. 

Chief executive officer of Digital Penang Tony Yeoh (pic) said that the programme aims to equip SMEs in Penang with a customised digital roadmap.

“It will cover areas such as digital transformation primer, agile and collaborative workforce, connected workplace, omni commerce, data-driven business and emerging technologies,” he said. 

The SME Go Digital Programme 2022 is in partnership with the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Malaysia and Wawasan Open University (WOU). 

Digital Penang said participating SMEs will benefit from an upskilling training program and certification by WOU, in which an expert mentor will be assigned to provide technical consultation, and for companies to develop a customised digital roadmap. 

On top of that, participating SMEs can also apply for incentives up to US$1,300 (RM6,000) per participant from NCER under the Advanced Technology Meister Programme.

Yeoh said with Digital Penang’s SME Go Digital, the agency hopes to see an emergence of 100 businesses in the small and medium enterprises from Penang gain ownership and commitment in their digital journey. 

“We see many businesses especially SMEs thriving, however, with the lack of know how’s and how to’s to leverage digitalisation in their operations, we believe that this will be an added value and they can propel and tap into markets beyond Malaysia”, he said.

The SME Go Digital Penang is now open for application till 31st December 2022 for second cohort intake. 

Penang SMEs with at least 30 employees and preferably export-oriented are invited to participate. Click here to register your company in the programme.