MDEC Launches 2021 #SMART Automation Grant

MDEC Launches 2021 #SMART Automation Grant

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched the 2021 edition of its #SMART Automation Grant (SAG), a matching grant that helps services companies automate their business processes and move towards digitalisation.

Calling for applicants, MDEC says successful applications will receive up to 50 per cent of the total project cost, subject to a ceiling limit of RM200,000. As this is a matching grant, successful applicants will need to invest the 50 per cent balance.

The grant works to help kickstart the development and implementation of projects that adopt technology to automate business operations. 

SAG functions as an outcome-based grant, whereby projects must achieve specific digitalisation benefits, such as increased revenue, savings in business costs, reduction in process lifecycle and man-hours.

SAG is targeted to services SMEs looking to embark on their digital journey or are planning to enhance and improve their business via digital tools. It covers the general and professional service sectors, including retail, wholesale, food and beverages, tourism, logistics, transportation, education, healthcare, real estate, and professional and financial services. 

Introduced in June 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SAG was part of the Malaysian government’s initiative to expand support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to make the digital leap and increase their digital capabilities. 

“We introduced the #SMART Automation Grant to help SMEs in the services sector thrive and survive in this disrupted business environment. Businesses today fully understand that they need to embrace digitalisation tools and solutions to remain relevant – the grant gives them the support they need to positively impact their operations and income generation. 

“With this, we are pleased to announce that we are opening new applications for SAG to provide support for more SMEs in the services sector. With SAG, we hope to empower more SMEs to embrace digitalisation in line with the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) to facilitate wider digital adoption,” says Aiza Azreen, Chief Digital Business Officer, MDEC. 

The new SAG application is now open with a four week call for submissions. Applicants will be able to check their eligibility criteria and register their interest here. 

SMEs in the services space are encouraged to participate in capability building programmes run by MDEC that drive digitally powered businesses, such as 100 Go Digital Coaching and the SME Digital Accelerator Programme. This will ensure that SMEs will be better equipped to develop a structured approach for their operations as well as identify possible pain points and opportunities in the digital space. 

For more information, visit mdec.my/sag.

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