adminKUALA LUMPUR: The government welcomes the business community’s proposal for more structured support to be given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are in the growth stage, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said the proposal should be further considered through constructive engagement sessions with relevant ministries, agencies and industry stakeholders.
“In this regard, I welcome the proposal to explore a more structured approach to support SMEs that are in the growth stage.
“Of course, any proposed approach needs to be carefully assessed based on its appropriateness, taking into account existing initiatives and the practical needs of our businesses,” he said during his speech at the opening ceremony of the World Marketing Summit 2026 here today.
Fadillah said equal attention should also be given to efforts to help businesses maintain growth after achieving initial success.
According to him, to secure major contracts or opportunities to penetrate international markets, a company may need to hire more employees, strengthen management capabilities, invest in equipment and obtain additional financing.
“Opportunities that promise to leapfrog a business to greater heights can also test its ability to sustain that growth.
“We need to listen to the views of entrepreneurs in formulating policies as their experience in developing businesses and overcoming challenges can help identify aspects that require the most effective support,” he said.
Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), Fadillah said the use of technology should be guided by its ability to solve problems and provide better services to society.
“Do we use technology simply because it is available or because it actually helps us solve problems and provide better services?
“Meaningful innovation for small businesses does not necessarily require the most advanced technology, but can instead involve reducing time spent on repetitive administrative tasks so that employees can focus more on customers,” he said.
He said that while AI can help businesses analyze information and provide recommendations, the technology does not remove the responsibility to make sound judgments, maintain integrity and consider the impact of decisions that affect the lives of people.
“Technology may expand our capabilities, but the values we hold need to guide how we use those capabilities.
“We need to ensure that small businesses, workers and communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in technological advancements and benefit from them,” he said.
— BERNAMA
