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Media statement by Lim Guan Eng in Penang on Tuesday, 3rd April 2012: Penang SME Centre - Building innovative and competitive SMEs The State of Penang has been cited by Malaysia SME as the only State in Malaysia to emphasise SME development. While FDIs are important to Penang and have been instrumental in promoting industrial development in the State, SMEs are equally important as they provide the much sought after ancillary and support services to the FDIs or MNCs. Today, the availability of supply chain or ancillary and support services is an important determining factor for FDIs in selecting the location for their investments. investPenang arranged for a site visit to the Penang SME Centre at Bayan Lepas Industrial Park Phase 4, which is currently being developed by Penang Development Corporation at the cost of RM40 million. Construction of the building is 83% completed and is expected to be ready by mid May 2012. The certificate of completion and compliance (CCC) is expected to be issued by end of May 2012. The SME Centre is subdivided into lots ranging from 6,000 sq.f t. to 13,000 sq.ft. Further sub-division is available upon request. Rental rates ranging from RM1.50 to RM1.80 p.s.f for the first year are below market rates and tenancy period is 5 years, subject to renewal although SMEs are encouraged to move on to the SMI Villages which are currently being developed by PDC at Bukit Minyak Industrial Park and Batu Kawan Industrial Park. Tenants of the SME Centre will enjoy 24-hour security service, cleaning and landscaping. Additionally, tenants of the Centre will also enjoy the following benefits:
The State has a 3-prong approach to SME development, i.e. (i) SME Market Advisory, Resource and Training (SMART) Centre, which many Penang SMEs today are aware and have access to its services and facilities; (ii) Penang SME Centre; and (iii) SMI Villages. The setting up of the SME Market Advisory, Resource and Training (SMART) Centre, which was launched in June 2010 and the development of SME Villages in Bukit Minyak and Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai are to allow SMEs to grow by building their factories in their land. Thus far, the SMART Centre has provided business and market intelligence, conduct business matching between the multinational corporations (MNCs) and the SMEs with the aim to develop supply chain; conduct capacity building workshops as well as provide a directory listing. SMEs is considered the backbone of the Penang's manufacturing industry and a recent survey of the industry sector in the State shows that manufacturing and manufacturing related SMES account for 88% of the total establishments, 26% of total employment and only 15% of the gross value of output. The State Government recognizes the significance of SMEs in supporting further growth of MNCs in Penang, whether directly or indirectly. Also, the multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Penang are known to have spawned and nurtured local SMEs. Today, after 40 years of experience in the export-oriented electronics industry, Penang has produced a small number of successful local technopreneurs and innovators with presence overseas as well as who have gained international recognition. The State Government has realized that Penang should not be over-dependent on foreign direct investments (FDIs) which are very susceptible to the vicissitudes of the global economy. Bearing this in mind, the State Government is aggressively promoting and developing the growth of SMEs in Penang as a means to stabilize the economy through import substitution of the once imported parts and components. Therefore the SME Centre will be vital in nurturing innovative and competitive SMEs. SMEs who are interested to lease space at the Centre or required additional information can contact investPenang at at 04-6468833 or S.M.A.R.T. Centre 04-6409988/89 (Mr Alex/Ms Lih Lih). *Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister
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