SME Corp. Malaysia - JICA "Catalyzing Women Entrepreneurship" by mayumimatsui

MESSAGE FROM SME CORP. MALAYSIA

Rizal bin Nainy Rizal bin Nainy

MESSAGE FROM

MESSAGE FROM JICA

Director, MIZOE Keiko Senior Director,

TRAINING

SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp. Malaysia) is the central coordinating agency (CCA) under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) that coordinates the implementation of development programmes for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all related ministries and agencies. It acts as the central point of reference for research and data dissemination on SMEs and entrepreneurs, as well as provides business advisory services for SMEs and entrepreneurs throughout the country.

JICA TRAINING PROGRAMME “CATALYZING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP”

The programme has been designed to elevate women entrepreneurs to the next level by providing them with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and experiences. Women entrepreneurs from both Japan and Malaysia will be able to exchange their ideas and insights on measures, activities, business culture, unique challenges, as well as best business practices. Through a series of visits and exchange events between Malaysian and Japanese entrepreneurs, they will be able to enhance their business networks. Hence, it is hoped that more business opportunities will be created from these meetings.

LOCATION

Online training

JUNE JULY

Application to training in Japan

Training in Japan

Online follow-up

5 SEP

IN JAPAN START SME

Experience sharing of training in Japan MALAYSIA TIMELINE

CORPORATION

TRAINING IN JAPAN

POLICIES PROGRAMMES

EXCHANGE

TECHNOLOGY

BRANDING

FUNDRAISING

TOURISM ACTION PLAN

DATE SESSION

Opening Ceremony

Support for Women Entrepreneurs in Japan

Incubation for Women Entrepreneurs in Japan

JICA

ORGANISATION

Tourism and Cultural Promotion Industry in Japan

Exchange Event

Presentation of the Action Plan

Closing Ceremony

fermata inc.

Shinnichiya CO.

Kanagawa Startup Acceleration Programme

Airfunding, Kiheitai Inc.

JICA

DELEGATES TO JAPAN

12 DELEGATES TO JAPAN

One stop solution centre for contract electronic manufacturing in terms of printed circuit board assembly and box build assembly for various industries such as electronics, telecommunication, automotive, and more.

AVERNOBLE is a global leader in providing comprehensive professional development and soft skills training, delivering personalised, cutting-edge learning experiences through innovative approaches.

Emerald Auto Parts is “The Braking System Expert”. Our extensive networks are spread all over Malaysia, and other ASEAN countries. We are serving all level of distribution nationwide.

Emerald Auto Parts Braking System extensive networks over Malaysia, and countries. We are of distribution nationwide.

Chanteek Borneo designs and print digital textile inspired by the Borneo’s ethnic motifs.

As a paediatric rehabilitation centre, Kiddie Care Centre aspired to empower special needs children to enhance their development and self help skills especially in daily life activities and becomes a functional community members.

DOCTORKAYU aims to revolutionize the woodcraft industry by providing innovative wood product. With a strong focus on specialize in this market share and take leadership in the industry.

DOCTORKAYU aims revolutionize the industry by providing wood product. With focus on specialize market share and in the industry.

SITI PADILLAH BINTI ABDUL WAHAB Managing Director CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. ANNE ANTAH ANUSIA RAMASAMY Director Emerald Auto Parts Sdn. Bhd. SHARON WEE EE LIN WAN NADIA FARHANA NUR LIYANA BINTI CHE MD AZIM

SITI PADILLAH BINTI ABDUL WAHAB Managing Director CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. Director Chanteek Borneo Sdn. Bhd. ANNE ANTAH AverNoble Sdn. Bhd.

SHARON EE

ANUSIA RAMASAMY Director Emerald Auto Parts General Manager Kiddie Care Centre WAN NADIA FARHANA CEO & Founder doctorkayu NUR LIYANA CHE MD Chanteek Borneo designs and print digital textile inspired by the Borneo’s ethnic motifs.

Managing Director Innovative Chocolate

hearing care, and nutrition

to enhance the individuals by effective physical optimal nutrition.

By providing hearing care, physical therapy, and nutrition services, we strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals by promoting effective communication, physical well-being, and optimal nutrition.

Provider of chocolate and cocoa based products for industrial use and consumer consumption.

We enable brands to stand out and connect with their customers through unique campaigns, impactful creatives, effective digital marketing and strategic brand advantage.

customers through unique campaigns, impactful creatives, effective digital marketing and strategic brand advantage.

SHARIFAH NOORLAILA BINTI MOHAMAD

SHARIFAH NOORLAILA BINTI

HILYATI BINTI MUHAMMAD NASIR

exquisite taste of our sambal, expertly

Director

Division, SME Corp. Malaysia

Policy Monitoring and Inclusive Development Division, SME Corp. Malaysia

agency that drives the growth and transformation of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It promotes the development of MSMEs to higher levels through business transformation to generate dynamic, global, sustainable and future-proof MSMEs.

SME Corp. Malaysia is a development

SME Corp. Malaysia is a development agency that drives the growth and transformation of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It promotes the development of MSMEs to higher levels through business transformation to generate dynamic, global, sustainable and future-proof MSMEs.

AIN BINTI ABDUL AZIZ Bhd. Founder/Owner Samahah Sdn. Bhd. SRI SALAWA SALAWATI BINTI HARUN RONALD Brand 360 Degree Sdn. Bhd.

more.

JULIA KOH NOR AZIAN BINTI MD YUSOF NUR SHASA AIN BINTI ABDUL AZIZ Audiologist Eartistic Sdn. Bhd. WAN MOHAMAD Sdn. Bhd. SRI SALAWA SALAWATI BINTI HARUN RONALD JULIA KOH HILYATI BINTI MUHAMMAD NASIR

NOR AZIAN BINTI MD YUSOF

JICA FOR GENDER EQUALITY GENDER PARITY

JICA's gender parity initiatives are integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 - Gender Equality, as the organisation strives to create a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can realise their full potential. At the core of JICA's global agenda lies the commitment to establishing a gender-equal and just society by empowering women and girls and by fostering social transformation.

JICA'S PRIORITY COOPERATION AREAS FOR GENDER EQUALITY Women's Peace and Security Women's Education and Lifetime Health Gender-Equal Governance Gender-Responsive Infrastructure 1 4 5 2 3 Women's Economic Empowerment

GENDER SMART CLUSTER

Promoting GSB means fostering an organisational culture that values gender equality and diversity, and encouraging the market to provide "women-friendly" products affordable, & conveniently acquired. JICA contributes to the promotion of GSB by supporting a market system that nurtures gender smart companies through private-public partnership, cocreation with other partners and mobilization of private sector resources.

Provide Women-friendly Product & Services Ownership

JICA'S GENDER AGENDA

Some noteworthy projects under JICA's gender initiatives include the Catalyzing Women Entrepreneur programme with selected women entrepreneurs from Malaysia held in July 2023. Another noble project includes livelihood improvement through women’s empowerment with digital technology in Pakistan. Additionally, JICA supports the protection, self-reliance, and social reintegration of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in South Sudan.

JICA's gender parity initiatives are a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding us towards a future where all individuals stand tall, united in their pursuit of dreams and aspirations. Let us march forward with JICA, championing the cause of gender equality and heralding a new era of limitless possibilities for everyone, everywhere.

Leadership Employment of Women 9

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MALAYSIA

THE RISING OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MALAYSIA

97.4% of business establishments in Malaysia, are MSMEs

97.4% of business establishments in Malaysia, are

MSME by Sectors

Construction, 7.9% Manufacturing, 5.6% Agriculture, 1.4% Mining and Quarrying, 0.4%

84.7%

MSMEs in Services Sector

Manufacturing sector: Sales turnover not exceeding RM50 million OR number of full-time employees not exceeding 200

Services & other sectors: Sales turnover not exceeding RM20 million OR number of full-time employees not exceeding 75

1,173,601 Microenterprises 78.7% Small-sized enterprises 19.7% Medium-sized enterprises 1.6%

Source:

20.6%

Services & other sectors: Sales turnover not exceeding RM20 million OR number of full-time employees not exceeding 75

are women-owned businesses

20.6%

78.7% Small-sized enterprises 19.7% Medium-sized enterprises

Source:

1.6%

> 51% of shares owned by women; OR CEO/MD is a women (management control) & holding at least 10% of shares

> 51% of shares owned by women; OR CEO/MD is a (management & holding at least 10% of shares

1. Interactive Malaysia Statistical Business Register (i-MSBR), Department of Statistics Malaysia

3. SME Integrated Plan of Action (SMEIPA) & SCenIc Integrated System (SSiS), Status as at April 2023

MSME in

Malaysia

Services 84.7%

MSME

contribution to GDP contribution to exports 38.4% 10.5% contribution to employment 48.2% 10

Performance 2022:

MSMEs MSME in Malaysia Construction, 7.9% Manufacturing, Agriculture,

and Quarrying, MSME

Mining

by Sectors 1,173,601 Microenterprises

Services 84.7% are women-owned businesses MSMEs

84.7%

in Services

MSME

contribution to GDP contribution to exports 38.4% 10.5% 10

Performance 2022:

entrepreneurs in Japan have been making great strides business in the country. Despite the challenges they

Women entrepreneurs in Japan have been making great strides landscape of business in the country. Despite the challenges they

EMPOWERING

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN JAPAN EMPOWERING

trend is the collaboration entrepreneurs in Japan and partnership has proven to be to share knowledge and expand their networks. This aligns with Sustainable and women's empowerment.

One notable trend is the collaboration between women entrepreneurs in Japan and Malaysia. This partnership has proven to be

in both countries to share knowledge and resources and expand their networks. This collaboration also aligns with Sustainable gender equality and women's empowerment.

noteworthy aspect of women in Japan is the emphasis on supporting women. Many female in Japan have formed

Another noteworthy aspect of women entrepreneurship in Japan is the emphasis on women supporting women. Many female business owners in Japan have formed

community-building is crucial in a business world. society as a whole. As they down barriers and make innovation and success in the

This kind of community-building is crucial in a barriers in the business world.

economy and society as a whole. As they continue to break down barriers and make

to see even more innovation and success in the years to come.

WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS JAPAN

MALAYSIA’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAMMES

In 2023, a total of 225 entrepreneurship and MSME development programmes are being implemented by various

Five focus areas have been set up as follows:

Human Capital Development Access to Financing

94 programmes with USD 0.44 billion

96 programmes with USD 2.24 billion

Innovation & Technologies Adoption

46 programmes with USD 67.83 million

Infrastructure

Market Access

60 programmes with USD 25.3 million

19 Programmes with USD 14.08 million

Source:

1. SME Integrated Plan of Action (SMEIPA) & SCenIc Integrated System (SSiS), Status as at April 2023

SME CORP. MALAYSIA: DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

SME Corp. Malaysia is implementing MSME Development Programmes according to the business Cycle of Growth as follows:

GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE

provide information, technical support and assist entrepreneurs including youth entrepreneurs to start their business

GROWTH STAGE provide rating, capacity building and guidance to MSMEs to upscale their business

EXPANSION STAGE

provide assistance and platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and services and expand their market access locally and internationally

MATURITY STAGE provide capacity and capability building for strategic industry and high growth companies as well as provide

to recognise the achievements of SMEs

In support of the development of women entrepreneurs, SME Corp. Malaysia observes a target of at least 30% participation from women entrepreneurs in all programmes implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia.

MSME OUTREACH PLATFORMS OF SME CORP. MALAYSIA

MyAssist MSME SME Hub SMEInfo Portal

Business Advisory (MeetME) Workshop / Seminar / Webinar

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

MATURITY EXPANSION GROWTH HIGH LOW TIME

JAPAN’S INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Yokohama City is leading the way in championing women's empowerment, providing a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs in Japan. Together with the Japanese government, Yokohama City is taking the lead in lifting, supporting, and acknowledging the contributions of women in the business world.

Numerous initiatives have been implemented by the city to challenge stereotypes about women's abilities, productivity, and

WAYS TO SUPPORT

encourages women who are caring for their children at home to continue their entrepreneurship from home.

Role models inspire and support one another, fostering a strong women entrepreneur community that provides a platform to meet, learn, and connect with each other.

Another initiative involves bringing together ecosystem support, including agreements with shopping centres to provide strategic places for women entrepreneurs to sell and promote their products.

Efforts are also being made to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses to other cities in Japan and internationally, as well as to raise business awareness among female high school students.

supported and will continue to shine with their utmost abilities.

JAPAN’S CASES

FERMATA INC.

fermata inc is a Tokyo and Singapore-based startup providing market entry services and an e-commerce marketplace focusing on women’s health through femtech (female + technology).

fermata inc is a Tokyo and Singapore-based startup providing services and an e-commerce marketplace focusing through femtech (female + technology).

During our visit, fermata provided an immersive educational experience centred on women’s health and femtech solutions. Dr. Amina Sugimoto and her team showcased cutting-edge innovations in the industry and their practical applications.

During our visit, fermata provided an immersive educational centred on women’s health and femtech solutions. Dr. her team showcased cutting-edge innovations in the practical applications.

fermata emphasised their journey and integrations of a successful business model and promising investment opportunities within the femtech industry - and how they fostered meaningful relationships not only with their community but with industry experts and government members to nurture collaboration and partnership to expand market reach.

fermata emphasised their journey and integrations of model and promising investment opportunities within - and how they fostered meaningful relationships community but with industry experts and government collaboration and partnership to expand market reach.

In summary, fermata has empowered us to drive positive change in women’s health, advance healthcare technology, and promote female empowerment through technology-driven solutions.

In summary, fermata has empowered us to drive women’s health, advance healthcare technology, empowerment through technology-driven solutions.

WATASI JAPAN LLC

WATASI JAPAN's Epic Journey of Hijabs, History, and Future

The chronicles of Ms. Junko NAWA's remarkable achievement in seven years. Motivated by motherhood and a desire to make a difference, she founded WATASI JAPAN, a company that not only produces modest wear but also uplifts women raising children. Inspired by her time in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, where hijabs were prevalent, she brilliantly fused Japan's Modest Fashion-Vintage kimono with contemporary designs-such as the cherished Kuro-tomesode (black ceremonial kimono), imbuing them with happiness and everlasting memories.

Empowering Elegance

WATASI JAPAN's profound impact has transcended borders, capturing the nation's heart, and has been featured on the social media of Japanese ambassadors and embassies. Meticulously curated, stitched, and hand-painted, their upcycling practices preserve history and promote fashion sustainability. This visionary approach empowers women with children, cultivating skills and opportunities, while cherishing

into the fabric of the nation's future. WATASI JAPAN stands as an extraordinary odyssey, empowering women, celebrating culture, and embracing fashion's soulful essence.

CEO, WATASI JAPAN

Amina SUGIMOTO DrPH Co-founder / CEO, fermata inc.

JAPAN’S CASES

CEO, WATASI JAPAN

Amina SUGIMOTO DrPH Co-founder / CEO, fermata inc.

INVESTMENT INNOVATION PROGRAMME

GENDER INVESTMENT INNOVATION PROGRAMME

Socioeconomic Impact for Women

Scaling Socioeconomic Impact for Women

Investing is an important approach to investment because it removes investment decisions and introduces structure and data to inform approaches undertaken by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Investment and Innovation Programme (GIIP) seek to address the issues

employment, as well as promote the growth of products and services that participation.

Gender Lens Investing is an important approach to investment because it removes gender bias from investment decisions and introduces structure and data to inform such decisions. The approaches undertaken by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in their Gender Investment and Innovation Programme (GIIP) seek to address the issues quality employment, as well as promote the growth of products and services that enhance economic participation.

Gender-Smart Ecosystem

Building a Gender-Smart Ecosystem

MATSUNO, Director of GIIP, highlighted that Sasakawa Peace Foundation is Gender Lens Investing in Asia through its establishment of the Asia Fund. The foundation actively collaborates with local ecosystem entrepreneurs support organisations, and investors to assist women-led growing and becoming investment-ready. Its work in research,

Ms. Ayaka MATSUNO, Director of GIIP, highlighted that Sasakawa Peace Foundation is a pioneer in Gender Lens Investing in Asia through its establishment of the Asia Women Impact Fund. The foundation actively collaborates with local ecosystem builders, entrepreneurs support organisations, and investors to assist women-led businesses in growing and becoming investment-ready. Its work in research,

Director, Gender Investment and Innovation Program, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

entrepreneurs in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

A half-day visit to Shin-nichi Ya is truly an amazing

about the kimono culture in Japan and the differences between kimono and yukata costumes. After listening to the explanation about the tourism industry in Yokohama, especially regarding the kimono experience they offer, the ladies were given a choice of beautiful yukata suitable for the summer.

Wearing the yukata is truly a memorable experience, as one cannot put it on by themselves; it requires assistance from an expert, especially for tying up the obi. The staff at the centre were truly amazing at transforming us into elegant Japanese

A short photo-tour visit to the Higateien (Japanese Garden) while wearing the yukata creates an unforgettable memory against the backdrop of the natural green summer scene. A perfect visit to Yokohama or any part of Japan must include a kimono or yukata experience.

Director, Gender Investment and Innovation Program, Sasakawa Peace Foundation