LEAD THE TRANSFORMATION, OWN THE DISRUPTION

In today’s world, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have become a central focus in driving the economic landscape. The SME sector is frequently acknowledged by many bodies and governments around the world as an important engine room for the creation of jobs and enhancement of economic growth. Using disruption strategies, SME companies are contributing significantly to GDP growth worldwide.

With that in mind, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Malaysia recently organized its very first ACCA SME Workminar with the theme ‘Lead the Transformation, Own the Disruption’. The one-day conference deliberated on a range of topics including smart financing, growing beyond borders and capturing talents and growth. The keynote address was delivered by Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, former Minister of International Trade and Industry. Minister of Entrepreneur Development, YB Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan, also participated in an open dialogue session that discussed the entrepreneur’s role within the economy, implications of Budget 2019 as well as transformative initiatives that will give the Malaysian economy a competitive edge globally and within Asia. Other prominent speakers included Datuk Seri Garry Chua, President of Malaysia Retail Chain Association, Jeffrey Chew, CEO of Paramount and Prashant Chadha, Managing Director of AON.

Welcoming participants to the event, Dato’ Merina Abu Tahir, Chair of ACCA Malaysia Advisory Committee said, “ACCA’s research has revealed that too many SMEs fail to plan more than a year ahead. Also, 45% of SMEs either do not have a strategy, or have one which covers only the next 12 months or less. With the challenges put forth by the research findings, ACCA Malaysia decided to bring together experienced guest speakers and panellists who are experts in the areas, to spur the growth of Malaysia SMEs via the ACCA SME Workminar 2018.”

“It is our hope that the ACCA SME Workminar 2018 will be most beneficial not only to SMEs but to all businesses as a whole and the sharings will help them to be more informed and confident in leading the transformation and owning the disruption,” she concluded.

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz with the ACCA Malaysia team.

Prashant Chadha, Managing Director of AON, speaking on the topic 'Capturing Talent & Growth'.

Datuk Seri Garry Chua, President of MRCA, YB Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan, Minister of Entrepreneur Development, Dato’ Merina Abu Tahir, Chair of ACCA Malaysia