Elevating export strategies through technology
Companies can learn how to leverage digitalisation trends to pave the way for export opportunities at the upcoming Export Excellence Awards (EEA) 2021 webinar.
The event, the third under the EEA 2021 Webinar Series, is titled “Digitalisation Opportunities: The Future for Export Markets” and will be held on April 20 from 3pm, through the Zoom conferencing platform.
Those keen to attend can register at bit.ly/eeawebinar3.
With the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating digital adoption within the business community, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMES), companies can turn their gaze outward towards export as a key area for growth and revenue.
When it comes to export, however, there are several important aspects for consideration when it comes to business viability and execution, namely the state of the local and global markets,
First up is economic developments both within the country and at the international level, which will be addressed by Standard Chartered Bank Singapore Asia economist Jonathan Koh, whose focus is on providing macroeconomic coverage of Asia, specialising in Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand.
“I will be sharing the economic developments to date and the outlook for the rest of the year, for the global economy and Malaysia. This includes the divergence in economic recovery, the risk of inflation and Malaysia’s growth drivers in 2021,” he said.
Another vital detail that businesses must take into account when it comes to exporting is safeguarding against foreign exchange (FX) risk, as currency conversion rates could heavily impact profit margins, or more critically, make or break the bank for smaller exporters.
At the webinar, Standard Chartered Bank Singapore ASA FX research head Divya Devesh – consistently ranked by Bloomberg as the most accurate forecaster for EM Asia FX in recent years – will share his expertise with webinar participants.
Among the areas he will touch on include the latest developments in FX markets, he noted, adding, “I will discuss the FX market outlook for 2021 and the view on the ringgit.
“(Among the key points) will be the US dollar’s weakness over the long term, how the ringgit should benefit in an environment of strong exports and the implications of higher commodity prices on the ringgit.”
His session will be followed by a panel discussion on technology as a fundamental business strategy, with relation to how it impacts exports, moderated by Star Media Group Bhd digital and print chief operating officer Kang Yew Jin.
The discussion will feature a panel of leading industry experts in technology, finance and export, including Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia managing director and business banking head Raj Tatavarty, Fusionex group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Ivan Teh and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp transformation and digital trade division digital trade section deputy director Idzham Abdul Hamid.
Inextricably tied to the business of export is financing, the premise of financial institutions such as Standard Chartered.
With digitalisation high on the bank’s agenda within the organisation and in terms of encouraging digital adoption among its clients, Raj notes financial institutions can support businesses in their digital transformation journeys by equipping them with the relevant knowledge, providing them with the right financing and connecting them to the right parties.
“Digitalisation comes in by providing solutions to the challenges that are unique to each exporter, be it faster turnaround times on payments, availing of financing electronically or acting as a single touchpoint for exporters’ needs,” he added.
EEA 2021 is organised by Star Media Group in partnership with Standard Chartered, with Matrade as patron. It is audited by BDO.
Those keen to apply can visit exportawards.com.my, contact Victor at victorcheong@thestar.com.my or call 03-7967 1388 (ext. 1657, events department).