Simplifying the SME Digitalisation Grant journey

At the same time, it was not an easy period for businesses, who had to adapt quickly to the new reality and ensure that they could still reach their customers, suppliers and employees despite the restrictions on activities.

A key lesson that many businesses walked away with from this pandemic is that they need to digitalise their services. Now that the country is recovering from the pandemic, it is a critical time for them to leverage on technology to increase their productivity and ensure business continuity.

''It is clear that we are heading towards an increasingly digital world, and businesses have the opportunity to be more agile, adaptable and embrace change for the better,'' says Kevin Lee Guan Keong, head of SME for Maxis Bhd.

SMEs, in particular, need to digitalise as they are an important contributor to the Malaysian economy. Maxis has been working with SMEs for years to assist them on this journey. In light of the pandemic, it has also been taking steps to assist these companies.

Most recently, the telecommunications company was identified as a Technology Solutions Provider (TSP) by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for the SME Digitalisation Grant under Budget 2020.

''Our priorities for this segment are to help them kick start their business with bundled and cost-effective solutions for the short term. We also want to help them future-proof their business with the right technology,'' says Lee.

Among the telecommunications TSPs identified for the Grant, Maxis offers the widest range of connectivity and digital solutions, Lee adds, as it has more than 17 types of solutions to serve various business needs.

These include digital marketing, electronic Point-of-Sale (ePOS), remote working and e-commerce solutions, all of which leverage on Maxis' unique fixed and mobile network.

''Our digital and connectivity solutions under the SME Digitalisation Grant will benefit any business that manages a retail shop, office, restaurant, small factory and warehouse or more,'' says Lee.

There are two categories of solutions eligible for subsidies under the grant. The first is for Solutions-Only, which qualifies for a 50% subsidy of up to RM5,000. The other is the Connectivity and solutions bundle with a 30% subsidy up to RM3,000. 

''As SMEs can only apply once for the grant, they would be able to take up multiple types of digital and connectivity solutions for their business needs if they apply through Maxis, as we have the widest offerings,'' says Lee.

These grants are limited to the first 100,000 SMEs who apply to upgrade their systems: ''So those who are keen should quickly apply today,'' he adds.

To simplify the application process, Maxis partnered with Bank Simpanan Nasional to create an efficient and convenient application process. Maxis will help SMEs manage the entire application process with a completely digital on-boarding experience.

SMEs can also go to any of the 400 Maxis Branded stores nationwide to enquire about or apply for the grant. In addition, SMEs have access to a dedicated Maxis Help Squad to assist them to find the right digital and connectivity solutions.

''Essentially, we are making it easy for SMEs to get the grant because we will help them apply for it, follow up and once approved, we will notify them, saving them the hassle of managing their own submissions,'' says Lee.