SHAH ALAM — The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Daikin Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) have teamed up to strengthen the competitiveness of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a dedicated supply chain development programme.
The collaborative initiative, known as the MIDA – Daikin Supply Chain Programme (Awareness Session), is aimed at helping Malaysian suppliers upgrade their operations and integrate more actively into global manufacturing supply chains.
MIDA Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said integrating Malaysian SMEs into global value chains is critical to sustaining the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
“Through targeted vendor development programmes like this, MIDA is helping Malaysian SMEs build the capabilities needed to become trusted partners in global supply chains.
“When Malaysian companies become part of the global chain, the impact goes beyond business growth. It creates better jobs, strengthens local industries, encourages technology adoption, and opens more opportunities for Malaysians to participate in higher-value economic activities,” he said in a statement.
The programme, held at SHRDC here on May 21, attracted more than 100 participants from Daikin’s ecosystem partners, local SMEs, financial institutions, and government agencies.
It provided practical guidance on supplier requirements, digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and financing support to help local companies meet the evolving standards of multinational corporations.
SHRDC Executive Director Teh Sook Ling emphasised that talent development remains the foundation of industry readiness, noting that transformation begins with people.
“Through SINERGI, we are able to strengthen the support ecosystem by connecting talent, technology, policymakers, industry, and collaboration under one platform — enabling industries not only to transform, but to accelerate transformation collectively and sustainably,” she said.
Meanwhile, Daikin Malaysia Sdn Bhd Procurement Vice President Ho Much Jia said a strong manufacturing ecosystem relies on future-ready suppliers.
“Through this collaboration, we strive to support local companies in strengthening their capabilities, accelerating digital transformation, and adapting to evolving industry requirements,” Ho said, adding that closer supply chain collaboration builds a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem.
The event, which was conducted in two sessions due to overwhelming response, featured presentations on sustainable supply chain development and financing solutions from MIDA, Daikin, SHRDC, and Alliance Bank.
Participants also toured SHRDC’s facilities for first-hand exposure to automation, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 applications.
Also present were MIDA Investment Promotion Executive Director Faizal Jalaludin and MIDA Domestic Investment Division Director Sukri Abu Bakar, who highlighted MIDA’s role in facilitating manufacturing licences and regulatory compliance for scaling companies.
The initiative aligns with MIDA’s broader efforts—including the Grow Local Great initiative, Enterprise Growth Platform (EGP), and #InvestLokal campaign—to deepen domestic supply chain capabilities in line with the aspirations of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). —Bernama
