Branding Innovation Centre

Branding Lessons Delivered to SMEs’ Doorsteps

15 April 2010

Kuala Lumpur, April 14 — Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and SME Corp Malaysian have collaborated again in promoting branding and packaging to local SME, and this time was through the SME Branding and Packaging Mobile Gallery.

The pre-launch ceremony of the mobile gallery was held at the MATRADE, here in Jalan Duta and Limkokwing University was represented by Dato’ Nazaruddin Abdul Jalil, Vice President of Network Development & Student Services. Also present were the Chairman of SME Corp, Datuk Ir Dr Mohamed Al-Amin Abdul Majid and CEO of SME Corp Dato Hafsah Hashim.

The SME Branding and Packaging Mobile Gallery is aimed at creating awareness among local SMEs, especially from rural areas, on the importance of packaging and branding in innovative way, in order to enter the global market.

The idea of this strategic partnership was a result of an initiative, the “SME Brand Development Programme”, which was discussed during the 7th National SME Development Council meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Realising that the importance of branding has become a National Agenda, a policy decision was made to introduce an integrated approach to branding among the local SMEs. 

The mobile gallery, a pilot project to promote and educate about innovative and creative packaging and rebranding, will use four buses specially designed by Limkokwing University to visit 20 rural areas throughout the country to sensitise local SMEs on rebranding and repackaging.

The bus has been refurbished and fitted out with displays of re-designed and re-packaged local products and gives SMEs an idea to transform the products to meet the global market needs.

It will also demonstrate the benefits of using appropriate and attractive packaging, technology and materials to enhance creative packaging of SME products. The mobile gallery is a result of the government’s effort to develop innovative and creative local brands in assisting SMEs to penetrate a wider market, both local and international.

Limkokwing-trained staff are also stationed on the bus to conduct discussions and consultations to SME entrepreneurs on ways to upgrade their products and services.

The mobile gallery made its first appearance at the Juara Rakyat Satu Malaysia Programme in Umbai, Melaka on April 11th and was officiated by the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato’ Mukhriz Tun Mahathir. It attracted more than 300 people including micro-enteprises and they gained valuable knowledge and exposure on creative and innovative ways of remake the products.

The mobile gallery is an extension to a training programme provided to SMEs by Limkokwing University at the Branding Innovation Centre (BIC). The one-day free training programme offered Limkokwing’s expertise to assist SMEs in revitalising their products and brands.

SMEs are able to engage with Limkokwing University in reviewing their entire branding initiative or identify the areas which need to be improved. 

Meanwhile, Dato’ Nazaruddin said: “Limkokwing has been collaborating with SME Corp Malaysia to assist the local SMEs to generate their capability and enter the global market. Our local products are well received by the international community, but the main obstacle is packaging. I believe through this effort, the local SMEs will be benefited.

Through smart partnerships with SME Corp now and in future, we can see a huge transformation among SMEs, especially those from rural areas.”

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