Azwan: SMEs can expand market in era of disruption

PETALING JAYA: The digital transformation taking place today has wide ramifications on businesses. It is not only about automating manufacturing facilities and retail outlets, but also about disruptions in other parts of the business including cost structures, work processes, human resource management and products and services.

As the world becomes more and more digitally connected, SMEs will also have to take a different approach in running their companies.

Azwan Baharuddin, Accenture country managing director, noted that there is potential for digital innovation in SMEs in this era of disruption. Done right, SMEs will be able to expand their market, offer new customer experiences and leverage a digital workforce to grow.

At the upcoming SMEBiz Think Tank, Azwan, who will be delivering the keynote address, will expound on the opportunities available to SMEs in the digital age.

He will take a look at the current digital landscape of business in Malaysia and elaborate on the strategies that business owners can take to reimagine their businesses by providing leadership, leveraging data and building a digital workforce.

For SMEs, this is an opportunity to examine in detail the steps they need to take to get the best effect and value from digital.

SMEBiz Think Tank is organised by Star Media Group in support of SME development under The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA).

The event is aimed at helping SMEs thrive in the era of change and hopes to provide small businesses with a platform to learn from and engage with industry experts.

Among the topics that will be covered at the event include “From traditional to digital” and “The power of data – monetising data”.

Some of the other speakers that will be featured include Golden Screen Cinemas chief executive officer Koh Mei Lee, Photobook Worldwide chief executive officer Leow Wee Jonn, Heng Hiap Industries managing direc- tor Seah Kian Hoe, Aemulus Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Ng Sang Beng and Easy Parcel chief executive officer Clarence Leong.

Business owners and executives will also have the opportunity to network at the event.

SMEBiz Think Tank will be held on October 2 at New World Petaling Jaya Hotel.

The fee for the full-day event is RM300 per person and is HRDF claimable.

SMEBiz Think Tank is organised by Star Media Group with Digi, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and RHB Bank Bhd as main sponsors, Credit Guarantee Corporation as co-sponsor, Matrade as official trade promotion partner and New World Petaling Jaya Hotel as official venue.

For more information, call Star Media Group Events Business Unit at 03-7967 1388 ext 1233/1857 or email events@thestar.com. my.

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