TM COLLABORATES WITH MENTOR NIAGA TO EMPOWER MUSLIM SMEs

Muslim SMEs to benefit from seminar and convention sessions following inaugural partnership

·         Mentor Niaga to act as a medium for business knowledge enhancement initiatives for entrepreneurs
·         TM will continue to provide products and solutions to SMEs through strategic partnership

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) continues to support Malaysian SMEs through its strategic initiatives in partnership with local SME organisations; and the most recent was its collaboration with Mentor Niaga Resources Sdn Bhd, an organisation which provides multiple platforms for SMEs to build their networks among the business fraternity.

This collaboration aims to motivate and inspire the SMEs, specifically Muslim entrepreneurs, to move up the value chain and expand their business reach in the efforts of achieving greater success; broadening their horizon and not limited to merely gaining business profit.

Azizi A. Hadi, Executive Vice President, SME, TM (left) with Norni Osman, Chief Executive Officer, Mentor Niaga, discussing on the upcoming Muslim Entrepreneur Convention taking place on 7 September 2013.

Commenting on the strategic initiatives in tapping the Muslim SMEs, Azizi A Hadi, Executive Vice President, SME, TM shared, “We are glad to be able to work hand-in-hand with Mentor Niaga towards empowering Muslim SMEs by enhancing their businesses with our ICT expertise and offerings through this strategic initiative. TM always keeps our doors open for collaboration with local SME organisations and associations to provide other SMEs with the right business exposure catering to different needs – in this case, Islamic content and perspectives on managing business.”

“TM will continue to increase its outreach to SME communities and the Company believes that this collaboration adds further value to TM’s partnership with Malaysian SMEs in line with the Company’s aspiration to become the preferred communications partner for SMEs,” added Azizi.

Norni Osman, Chief Executive Officer, Mentor Niaga Resources said; “We at Mentor Niaga always believe that knowledge is power. Most business people - especially the Bumiputeras failed not because of financial problems alone, but mostly due to lack of business knowledge and the absence of a business mentor or aspiration to help and guide them through.”

“As we are aware, most Malays were not born in business families. Therefore, when we wish to enter into the business world, we tend to do it using “trial and error” method, as we do not have prominent successful mentors or business gurus to look up to or to turn to when we have problems. By organising these entrepreneurial events, we hope to inspire and motivate SMEs through the knowledge and experience sharing sessions with reputable and successful entrepreneurs as their mentors.”

As part of the collaboration between TM and Mentor Niaga Resources, two (2) major seminar and convention sessions will be held to benefit Muslim SMEs – “Bisnes Sebagai Fardhu Kifayah” and “7 Mentor, 7 Industry” seminar – from September to October 2013.

“Konvensyen Usahawan Muslim: Bisnes Sebagai Fardhu Kifayah” 
A Muslim Entrepreneur Convention entitled “Bisnes Sebagai Fardhu Kifayah” which will be held on 7 September 2013 at Dewan Muktamar, Kompleks Pusat Islam (JAWI) aims to create awareness among Malaysian Muslims on the importance of trading as a responsibility towards developing the nation, and not just to gain individual profit.

The convention will feature many prominent speakers and business icons including Datuk Wira Dr. Haji Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin Holdings Sdn Bhd; Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Chairman of Minsyam Sdn Bhd; Tuan Haji Ali Hassan Mohammad Hassan, Managing Director of Al-Ikhsan Sports Sdn Bhd; Dato’ Dr. Rusly Abdullah @ Chef Li, an entrepreneurial motivator who is also the writer of best-seller book entitled “Menjejaki Jutawan Senyap”; Datuk Nadzim Johan, President of Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia; and Ustaz Pahrol Mohammad Juoi, an entrepreneur who is also an Islamic freelance speaker.

“SIFU: 7 Mentors, 7 Industries” Seminar
Taking place from 5 to 6 October 2013 at the Kristal Hall, TM Convention Centre, “SIFU: 7 Mentors, 7 Industries” seminar aims to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are still looking to find the right business formula and mentors who can guide them towards success in the business world.

The seminar will feature renowned business speakers – Dato’ Dr Rusly Abdullah @ Chef Li (Food & Beverage Industry); Dato’ Syed Mohd Razif Syed Razif Syed Yasin (Tourism Industry); Dato’ Azlina Haji Che Abdullah (Beauty and Cosmetic Industry); Dr Hj Tengku Asmadi Tengku Mohamad (Training and Human Development Industry); Dr Niki Shuhada Shukor (Financial and Investment Industry); Che Mona Din (Fashion and Clothing Industry); Dato’ Rozali Che Pin (Entrepreneur Development Researcher, International Islamic University); Mohd Suhaimy Abu Bakar, Founder of WangCyber; as well as Marry Annie, Professional Image Consultant and Managing Director of Training Cube Professional Image for bonus motivational sessions.

Mentor Niaga Resources and TM hope to see attendance of more than 2,000 local SMEs for both events.

For more information on TM and its product offerings for the SME segment, log on to www.tm.com.my. To find out more about the events and Mentor Niaga Resources, go to www.mentorniaga.com