Group picture with YB Dato' Tan Lian Hoe, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives & Consumerism on Mr Steve Miller's left

27 July 2010, Kuala Lumpur - The Alliance Bank SME seminar themed as "Rich Biz Poor Biz, Success & Sustainability" held today at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur was a huge success with the presence of several SME entrepreneurs, solution providers and corporate leaders from Banking, IT and Telco sectors.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Dato' Tan Lian Hoe, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives & Consumerism. In her speech, she said, "The Government will focus on efforts to ensure that the SMEs have better access to financing facilities. An additional RM3 billion ringgit has been allocated under the 10MP, making it a total sum of RM10 billion being set aside for SMEs. This is expected to give an extra impetus or push towards our economic recovery.

The economic future of Malaysia will depend on the continued emergence of successful SMEs. Taking cognisance of the strategic importance of SMEs, the Government is fully committed to promoting and developing resilient, competitive and innovation-led SMEs that are able to face the challenges brought about by globalisation. Thus, the Government is continuously working to formulate new strategies to improve the performance of this sector and provide a conducive environment for innovation".

In the welcome address, Mr Steve Miller, Head of SME Banking at Alliance Bank said, "It is our fervent hope that the existing business bonds and new networks established today will be further developed and nurtured in the future. Alliance Bank is committed to continue bringing about various opportunities and platforms, like the one today, for the SME community and their respective partners to engage with one another".

At the seminar, Mr Steve Miller shared with the audience the various roles of an effective financial solutions provider and the differences between running a business and running it well in terms of efficiency, productivity and maximising existing resources, especially with respect to taking advantage of new technologies. Other topics include succession planning, talent retention, the adoption of new technology as well as the impact of green technology.

Ms Amy Seok, Organising Chairman and Principal Consultant of Money Compass magazine said, "The objective of having the business sessions today is to provide a platform for the local small and medium enterprises, to help them understand the latest trends and threats, risk and opportunities in the context of Total Quality Management and to present them with solutions for better business performance. In order for the nation to become a high income and high productivity nation, a concept that has been strongly propelled by the Prime Minister within the context of our 10th Malaysian Plan (10MP), it has been recognised that SMEs play an important role. Hence, to assist the Government in meeting this larger national agenda, SME businesses should strive hard for success and sustainability".

Amongst the other speakers at the event was Dr Ching Tow Fah, PhD, an experienced speaker in Total Quality Management (TQM) and a consultant for a wide range of industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, public service, electronics and refinery.

Other speakers included Mr David Yong, SME Territory Head of SAP Malaysia who spoke on ICT in relation to SMEs - his topic was entitled: "The relevance of SAP Corporate Strategy for Small and Mid Sized Enterprises". Mr Alvin Kang, Head of Enterprise Channel Management of Celcom Axiata Berhad touched on the topic: "Reduce Costs, Enjoy More Savings and Get More Choices with Celcom SME solutions".

SAP Malaysia was the seminar's ICT Gold Sponsor and Celcom Axiata, the Telco Gold Sponsor. Supporting associations for the event included the SMI Association of Malaysia and Persatuan Usahawan Muda Malaysia (PUMM).

For further enquiries and additional information, please contact Ms Sarah Kok (03-4252 1666). Alternatively, you can send a fax to 03-4252 5225 or an e-mail to sarah.kok@moneycompass.com.my

Alliance Financial Group is a dynamic, integrated financial services group offering end-to-end financing solutions through its consumer banking, SME banking, commercial banking, Islamic banking, investment banking and stockbroking businesses as well as unit trust and asset management by providing products and services that are suited for every customer at every stage of their life.

The Group has five decades of proud history in contributing to the financial community in Malaysia with its innovative and entrepreneurial business spirit. Today, the Group is involved in the provision of financial services through its principal subsidiaries, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Alliance Investment Bank Berhad, Alliance Investment Management Berhad and Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad. It provides easy access throughout the country by serving its broad base of customers via multi-pronged delivery channels which include retail branches, Alliance Personal branches, Alliance Rakan branches, Privilege Banking Centres, Islamic Banking Centres, Business Centres, Investment Bank branches, direct marketing offices and unit trust agent offices located nationwide in a mix of rural and urban areas.

MONEY COMPASS is the ultimate personal Financial Planning and Management magazine in Mandarin published by Universal Media Publishers (M) Sdn Bhd. The magazine provides the information on effective personal financial strategies and also features the importance of professional approach in financial planning and attitude towards interpreting latest business and market trends.

Money Compass is not simply a financial publication but serves as an effective platform for industry practitioners to share their professional services as well as introducing relevant products to benefit the public through various events.