Malaysian SMEs Get Exposure On Japanese Market Via Groom Big Programme

By Muhammad Ammar Shafiq Hamzah TOKYO, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Twenty Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were given exposure to Japanese business know-how and market via participation in the Halal Fiesta (Halfest) Tokyo here. The three-day expo which ended Thursday saw SME entrepreneurs from the Groom Big programme organised by the Entrepreneur Development Ministry given the opportunity the exhibit and market their products directly to companies there. Malaysian SMEs from various sectors including food and drink, biotechnology, medical and cosmetics joining the halal trade fair. Frozen pastry entrepreneur, Nur Hazwani Aznan, 35, said apart from opening the opportunities to penetrate a new market, the programme is also giving other exposure including understanding Japanese sales and purchase culture. According to him, any sales and purchase process with Japanese companies should go through stringent procedures such as a visit to the factory to see the manufacturing process and to inspect certifications. “When we meet the local companies and buyers, we learn the taste of the local community and the flavours which we need to use in a certain product. "The demand for halal products is also increasing especially with the rising number of Muslim tourists to Japan recently,” he said when met by Bernama on Friday. The Groom Big programme which began in 2006 was an initiative of the Entrepreneur Development Ministry and SIRIM Bhd to produce SME entrepreneurs capable of competing in the domestic and global market. Through the programme, entrepreneurs involved were given financial assistance in terms of transportation, accommodation and exhibition stalls. Meanwhile, instant coffee entrepreneur, Mohd Fadrol Hishaini Mohd Salleh, 50, the exposure is of great help to open up a network with Japanese companies. He said knowing the business here would enable entrepreneurs to identify their industries and linked up with potential customers. "These are benefits from the international expo, as even before we arrived here, Groom Big had already conducted seminars and briefings to assist SMEs like us,” he added. -- BERNAMA