SME Academy Resources
In partnership with Google, Get Malaysia Business Online targets 50,000 SMEs with significant focus on women entrepreneur Beginning in2013, a grant program totaling RM50 million (USD $ 14 million) was initiated to supply businesses with resources to build their incorporation of internet technology (http://www.axcess.com.my/gmbo/ ).
The KDC is charged with integrating ICT skills into Malaysia’s workforce. The Centre has training facility with labs, equipment, and courses in partnership with ICT industry partners. Specific programs include a Motorola-sponsored “train-the-trainer” course, tech talks, and a Microsoft development camp.
MITI promotes Malaysia’s global competitiveness in trade, including through support for industrial activities. MITI runs the National Institute of Entrepreneurship (INSKEN), which to implements programs in entrepreneurship, training, and mentoring. Services focus on entrepreneurial culture, basic skills, and global business networks.
Housed in Malaysia’s Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, DUID supports rural-based industries in a variety of ways. One of DUID’s focal areas is supporting women entrepreneurs through its Bureau of Women’s Affairs, which runs programs such as sewing skills training.
Supported by the private sector and an array of donor organizations, Women in Business Mentoring helps build women’s business skills, increase business-related knowledge, and integrated ICT. Mentees are largely drawn from the states of Selangor, Kedah, Perlis, and Sarawak. They collaborate with their mentor for one year.
MWFCD is charged with mainstreaming women’s perspectives into national development policy and programming. MWFCD’s objectives are to (1) increase the participation and active roles of women, families, and communities in development; (2) preserve the rights of women, families, and communities without discrimination; (3) provide equal opportunities to women in social, economic, and political realms; (4) strengthen family institutions; and (5) support a fair and effective services delivery system.
Housed in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, INSKIN’s Graduate Entrepreneur Fund provides finance opportunities for graduates of its basic entrepreneurship training for a maximum loan size of RM 500,000 (USD $138,259). Since 2005, INSKIN has trained over 5,700 women entrepreneurs.
Established in 2011, the Malaysian Chinese Women’s Entrepreneurship Foundation offers micro loans to Malaysian Chinese women in order to support them to start or expand their businesses. Microloans available are between RM5,000 – RM 10,000 (USD $1,395 – $2,800) and also include business counseling services.
With the goal of empowering women using technology, Gorgeous Geeks supports learning, sharing, and mentoring among business women. The group’s activities include quarterly meet-ups, hosting conferences, workshops, programs, and networking sessions, all focused on women and technology.
Vision Women supports over 2,000 Bumiputera women entrepreneurs through training, advocacy, and networking events.