KUALA LUMPUR : 4 August 2017 – Malaysian SME entrepreneurs continue to receive the much needed support and guidance in using effective digital marketing techniques to drive their businesses from the exclusive MindLab Series seminar jointly organized by the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn.Bhd. (CEDAR), a subsidiary of SME Bank Group and Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC).

“In line with the government’s effort of establishing the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) and motivated by Malaysians having embraced the internet economy and eCommerce in a big way, it is timely for CEDAR and MaGIC to choose, “Harnessing Digital Marketing Strategies To Drive Businesses,” as the topic for this MindLab Series seminar,” said Mohammad Husain Mohd Dawoed, the Chief Operating Officer of CEDAR.

Malaysia is currently leading the eCommerce market in the region generating revenue of US$2.3 billion in 2015 and our local SMEs should take every opportunity to tap into the digital market aggressively in order to compete effectively at the international level. This is important as Malaysia aims to double the nation’s eCommerce growth and increase the GDP contribution to RM211 billion (approximately US$47.68 billion) by year 2020.

The MindLab Series is a dedicated quarterly seminar organized by CEDAR in various topics that relate to the growth and development of SME entrepreneurs. This 6th edition of MindLab series will be organized at MaGIC and will feature three business professionals and subject matter experts, Azuar Zainuddin, Digital Marketing Consultant from Satu Creative Services Sdn Bhd, Fizlee Hafiz, Co-Founder of The Pisang Cheese and Joachim Sebastian, Managing Director of Everpeaks Consulting Sdn Bhd. The three speakers will share the latest development in digital marketing and how entrepreneurs can use it to expand their existing businesses in the most economical way.

In addition to the MindLab series, CEDAR, being an organization that provides developmental programmes for SMEs offers various coaching and training programmes that are tailor made to the needs of the businesses. More information can be obtained at www.cedar.my or contact Cik Zakiah Ahmad at 03 26152115 for details pertaining to the MindLab series or further information on the services offered by CEDAR.

 About SME Bank:
Designed to function ultimately as a one-stop financing and business development centre, Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) is dedicated to the accelerated growth of Malaysian SMEs.  Through better segmentation of SME financial and non-financial needs by industry, stage of growth and product and market potential, the Bank will strive to hasten the financing processing of eligible SMEs to meet their financing needs as well as support their business growth requirements through the provision of timely advisory services.  The principal activities of the Bank are to provide financing as well as financial and business advisory services to Malaysian SMEs residing within predefined categories which have been framed within the SME classification guidelines of the National SME Development Council.  For more information, please visit: www.smebank.com.my

About CEDAR
The Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn.Bhd. (CEDAR), a wholly owned subsidiary of SME Bank, is a specialized business coaching, training, consultancy and research centre. Established in 2013, CEDAR supports the National Economic Agenda towards capacity building and capability development of the Malaysian entrepreneurs. As at to date, CEDAR has trained more than 25,000 entrepreneurs. More information on CEDAR at http://www.cedar.my/.

About MaGIC
MaGIC enables and supports the sustainable growth of entrepreneurship in Malaysia with a goal to drive sustainable ecosystem development through innovation, as well as create value and new economic drive for Malaysia. We help entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey by collaborating with other government agencies, industries, and community stakeholders. To build our nation’s creativity and innovation skills as well as grow talent, we offer dynamic programs and capacity-building initiatives. MaGIC is also working to position Malaysia as a gateway to Asia for entrepreneurs to expand their business and reach. Social entrepreneurship is a key focus for us; we aim to drive the movement forward through community engagement, capability development, and social impact measurement initiatives. More information on MaGIC at http://mymagic.my/en/.