KUALA LUMPUR, 10 October 2014 – Commenting on Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak’s unveiling of Budget 2015, themed “The People’s Economy”, Microsoft Malaysia welcomed the Government’s announcement of the new Malaysian National Development Strategy (MyNDS) as the basis to plan and implement programs and projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan, which will begin in May 2015. The strategic focus particularly on the people’s well-being and strengthening economic growth is a positive step forward, building on the local impact Microsoft Malaysia has already achieved in partnership with the Government in our shared vision of a better, brighter Malaysia.
“The 2015 National Budget is a major step forward in the drive towards developing Malaysia into a knowledge- and innovation-based economy by 2020. We continue to be committed to support the Government and improve people’s lives through technology in key areas such as education and business, and as a trusted innovation and technology partner to the Malaysian Government,” commented Carlos Lacerda, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.
Enhancing SMEs with Technology
99.2% of businesses in Malaysia are SMEs, which presently employs 56% of the Malaysian workforce and generates 33% of the national GDP. Many SMEs are not aware of the necessity of building a solid IT platform which enables them to improve effectiveness and increase productivity. The announcement of RM375 million to assist SMEs in enhancing their business potential and increasing their contribution to 41% of GDP by 2020 is a welcome move. The allocation is an opportunity to support SMEs in setting up a modern IT platform based on advanced, innovative solutions and services to build their business and improve their competitiveness. The SME Investment Partner initiative, where SMEs will be given financing assistance in the form of loans, equity, or both, is a step forward to support SMEs to become strong GDP contributors.
Microsoft especially lauds the announcement of the Accelerated Capital Allowance on purchase of ICT equipment and software, and additional tax deduction on expenses incurred for training in accounting and ICT relating to GST. “This is a welcome incentive that will help SMEs lower the cost of doing business, remain competitive, and grow their business. Given our longstanding commitment to helping Malaysian SMEs leverage technology for transformation, we look forward to continuing our work with the Government and our partners to help Malaysian businesses in this area. We are especially encouraged to see that more SMEs rely on cloud computing technology to help them grow their businesses,” added Lacerda.
Developing Talented Youth
With the launch of the National Youth Transformation Programme with an allocation of RM320 million, Microsoft Malaysia welcomes this initiative which seeks to enhance entrepreneurial talent among the youth through the programs under Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), SME Bank and Agro Bank as well as introduce Online Resource Centre and organize an international social entrepreneurship conference, among other initiatives covered under this allocation. “Every nation knows that the future well-being of a country lies with the younger generation – this is the same as Malaysia. We’ve seen the government collaborate with various parties over the years to empower entrepreneurialism and leadership amongst the young. A prime example of such collaboration is the launch of the National Youth Transformation Programme, and as a technology company, we too share that responsibility,” said Lacerda.
Education Vital to Creating a 21st Century Workforce
“Microsoft has been supporting the Government of Malaysia’s efforts to help students and educators to achieve their full potential. We laud the Government’s continued commitment to Education with the allocation of RM56 billion for 2015, following on last year’s allocation of RM54.6 billion,” said Lacerda.
He continued, “Education is critical to the social and economic development of every nation, and to the ability of individuals everywhere to reach their full potential as part of the 21st-century workforce. Technology has the power to economically expand the impact of education, and accelerate the growth potential of every student, educator, and school. Microsoft continues with its commitment to be a trusted advisor to the government and a partner to the education sector, to support the nation’s efforts to develop human capital with practical and relevant 21st-century skills that meet the demands of a global economy and industry. For more than 20 years here in Malaysia – we have been equipping our leaders of tomorrow with the necessary skillsets towards building a high-income, knowledge-based economy.”
Geared Towards Accelerating Growth
In summary, Microsoft Malaysia supports the initiatives under Budget 2015, which is geared towards improving people’s lives, developing human capital, and accelerating socio-economic growth.
“We will continue to work closely with the Government and key stakeholders as a trusted advisor and partner towards accelerating transformation for Malaysia, and fulfilling the promise of a developed, high-income, innovation-based economy by the year 2020,” concluded Lacerda.