KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the global economic uncertainty, the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector in Malaysia remain buoyant, with participants of the SME100 survey registering a 73.1 percent growth in revenue and a 97.67 percent growth in profit.
The SME100 survey is conducted by SME Magazine (one of brands under Business Media International), with the top 100 companies by business performance recognised with the SME100 awards. The survey and awards are conducted every year since 2009. This year, the SME100 awards are officiated by Dr Ong Kian Ming, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry.
"We saw a lot of uncertainties last year leading to the general election. However, from June onwards, we can see visible signs of reinvestments and growth among our SMEs," says Dato' William Ng, group publisher of Business Media International, the publishers of SME Magazine.
"We trust that with the first Pakatan budget having been announced, there will be greater certainty, which will lead to more robust growth and stronger consumer sentiments. This in turn, hopefully, will translate into stronger growth across all sectors," Ng added.
In officiating the awards, Dr Ong reiterated the importance of the SME sector, and pledged his Ministry's support for SMEs to benefit from Industry 4.0.
SERVICES, IT SECTORS LEAD
Among the winners that make up the SME100 Awards, the Professional and Business Services sector make up the highest number at 17 percent, followed closely by the Telecommunications and ICT sector at 15 percent. Tied at third place is the Food and Beverages sector and the Construction, Property Development and Building Materials sector at 8 percent.
Rapid growth of the technology sector has kept the sector among the top 3 sectors. Professional and Business Services sector took a great leap to the first spot propelled by its relative resilience and variable costs structure.
"The challenge for SMEs over the next 5 years is how to overcome disruption, find their niche and benefit from the rapid transition into Industry 4.0. Many of our SMEs are poorly prepared. We have a tight learning curve, which will determine if we remain an ASEAN powerhouse, or a footnote in history," Ng said.
TOP 10 ANNOUNCED
While the top 100 companies in the survey were selected to receive the SME100 awards, the most outstanding 10 were also named. They are (in alphabetical order):
NEW CATEGORIES AND PROGRAMMES INTRODUCED BY THE SME100®
SME100, together with CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd, also announced its new category, the SME100-CTOS Credit Excellence Award. The title is awarded for consistent credit excellence including history of business, viability and sustainability based on financial reports, credibility and reputation of the business owner and overall growth of the company.
The new category named its first ever winners, they are:
In an interview about the new category, Dennis Martin, CEO of CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd says, "we hope that this award will encourage SMEs to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to manging their credit risk exposure and ensuring healthy business cash flow."
Also present at the SME100 awards ceremony were SME Corporation Malaysia's Acting CEO, Rizal Nainy, who attended to receive the SME100-SAMENTA Contribution to SMEs Award 2018.
The SME100 awards are sponsored by Affin Bank Berhad, CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd
COMMENTS FROM WINNERS
"One of the best parts in life is helping people to achieve superior living." - Dato' Sri Dr How Kok Choong, Group CEO, Agape Superior Living Sdn Bhd.
"Our hardworking affirmation with SME100 Award brings us to another milestone in timepiece industry." -- Ronnie Ng Kee Soon, CEO, Brilliant Watch Sdn Bhd.
"We are a Malaysian home grown brand with a vision to bring Captain Oats to the world. Let's Go Oats!" -- Michael Chew, Executive Director, Federal Oats Mills Sdn Bhd.
"We are honored with this award and hope our vision will be beneficial for the nation." - Abdul Majid Akram Bin Mohamed Mackeen, CEO, Inneonusa Sdn Bhd.
"I am deeply honoured by this outstanding recognition, which inspires us to strive towards greater heights." -- Dato' Dr Emmanuel Benson, Group Chairman & CEO, Smart Trends International Sdn Bhd.
"In order to succeed, you need to first believe that what you wish is attainable." -- Dato' Sri Gey Ka Hong, CEO, Wiseyes Solutions Sdn Bhd.
About Business Media International
Business Media International is a leading business-to-business media owner with products ranging from printed publications and online portals to exhibitions and business awards. These include brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Mega Career Fair, SME Solutions Expo, Post Graduate Education Fair, ITX Asia, SME 100 and more.
Table 1: SME100 in Brief
Number of Industries |
20 |
Average revenue |
RM16,199,030.39 |
Average revenue growth |
73.1% |
Average net profit growth |
97.67% |
Table 2: SME100 Winners by Industry
Agriculture, Livestock, Plantation and Commodities |
1 |
Automotive |
1 |
Chemical and Plastics |
1 |
Construction, Property Dev and Building Materials |
8 |
Consumer Goods |
2 |
Education and Training |
7 |
Electrical and Electronics |
1 |
Financial Service |
2 |
Food and Beverages |
8 |
Furniture and Woodbased Manufacturing |
1 |
Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology |
7 |
Hospitality, Food Service and Tourism |
4 |
Industrial and Commercial Products |
5 |
Oil&Gas, Mining and Energy |
1 |
Personal Services |
6 |
Professional and Business Services |
17 |
Retail |
3 |
Telecommunications and ICT |
15 |
Trading and Wholesaling |
3 |
Transportation and Logistics |
7 |
