UOB Invites SME Companies to Scale and Grow via Jom Transform

Date: 13-Jun-2019
Location : Menara UOB, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur

UOB has launched the Jom Transform Programme on 13-Jun-2019, a first of its kind innovation accelerator program designed to help SME to grow.

UOB Malaysia has been servicing a vast number of SME companies, and they reckon SME as one key driver of the economy, yet often times lack the resources to grow

According to SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp. Malaysia), 98.5% of businesses in Malaysia are SME.

To strive in today's dynamic market, SME companies must always find opportunities to grow technology adoption. The programme provides business matching between SME businesses and technology providers, as well as mentonship.

For the first round, the programme will be selecting 15 businesses (only) as pioneers. Businesses are encouraged to register their interest at www.thefinlab.com/malaysia

To kick start the programme, UOB will be organizing a Kick-off Event on 21-Jun-2019, 2pm at the White Box, Publika Solaris Dutamas. Interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Business owners who require technology adoption yet lack the fund should seize this opportunity. For example, a manufacturing company who wishes to adopt industry 4.0 could leverage this to gain access to technology providers and consulting.

The entire programme is free but requires a security deposit of RM 5,000 and a UOB bank account. The money will be refunded upon successful completion of the programme.

Selected companies should commit 2-3 days per week in the first month of the programme where owners or representatives must attend workshops.

The entire programme will be a 3-month stint.

There will also be a pre-programme scheduled on 22-23 Jul 2019 whilst the actual programme is expected to commence in the late of Aug 2019.

The programme is also supported by 5 organizations as partners:

- Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (KLSCCCI)
- Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)
- Maxis Communications (Maxis)
- Malaysia Digital Economy Cooperation (MDEC)
- SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp. Malaysia)

The partners will provide mentoship and expertise during the workshops.

In summary, the programme has the intention of helping qualified SME companies by providing them with the tools, know-how and confidence to transform digitally.

For example, a travel agency could leverage this to revamp website, adopt CRM as well as A.I for automation such as chatbot.

Ms.Pauline Sim, Co-Head, the Finlab, said that the programme hopes to transform ASEAN SME companies to achieve scale and growth through digitalisation and innovation.

Ms Pauline Sim and Mr Yap Kok Tee, Country Head, Channels & Digitalisation, UOB (M) at UOB Malaysia’s launch of the “Jom Transform Programme”

In 2015, Ms.Sim was part of the team that setup the Finlab, a joint venture between UOB Ltd (SG) and SGInnovate. The Singapore's programme was started as incubation programme for tech start-ups seeking seed fundings and mentorship. As a result of that, graduated tech start-ups are now part of the programme serving as technology providers.

Ms. Sim started her banking career serving the SME segments of the bank for 15 years.

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