MSSA OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2012
The intention for liberalising the local services sector as announced by prime Minister Dato Sri Mohammad Najib Tun Abdul Razak in April 2009 was to attract more investments, bring in more professionals and technology as well as strengthen competitiveness of the sector, but what comes along with such a measure for economic growth is also an intense need for capacity building, especially among small and medium industries.
To help cushion some of the impact brought about by this liberalisation, financial aid is offered through the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)’s Services Sector Capacity Development Fund (SSCDF) from which registered services industry associations/professional bodies; or entities registered under the Companies Act 1965 or the Registration of Business Act 1956 with at least 60 per cent Malaysian equity could obtain a grant of up to RM500,000 for Training or Outreach Programmes, accreditation, mergers and acquisitions as well as upgrading and modernisation. In line with this, the Malaysian Structural Steel Association, MSSA, undertakes a key role in providing training through their own Outreach Programme, delivered by award-winning, internationally acclaimed speakers such as Dr Azlan Adnan, Associate Professor at the Structural and Material Department of UTM’s (University Technology Malaysia) Faculty of Civil Engineering.
In 2010 Associate Professor Dr Azlan gave fifteen presentations on the design of buildings for MSSA members outside of Kuala Lumpur: engineers and architects all over the country, from Johor Bahru and Penang to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Three years have passed, and MSSA is once again geared up for another round of Outreach activity, set for the end of this year. Being a platform on which the construction industry players could translate knowledge into business opportunities, MSSA hopes to be a stepping stone towards sustainable development in the construction industry in all three of its core dimensions: environmental, social and economic. The Outreach Programme is offered to provide an opportunity for MSSA members who are located away from the MSSA office to participate in and to benefit directly from the association and its activities.
MSSA forms collaborations with the Construction Industry Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM) and other research centres such as universities to identify suitable areas for Research and Development (R&D) and, to transform research into potential business opportunities. This should accelerate capacity building for the local talents in the construction industry by training and exposing them to new and improved ways of designing (especially using steel, the material of choice) and to new networks, and market segments. The information sharing sessions would also enhance their awareness for the kind of government support they can get from agencies such as the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC), universities, the EXIM Bank of Malaysia and of course, MIDA. Ultimately, having gained from such a rich pool of information and resource, local industry players could participate confidently and competitively in the global arena.
MIDA Director-general Datuk Jalilah Baba was quoted to have said they were keen on disbursing the funds and signing up for MSSA’s Outreach Programme entitles associations / professional bodies a disbursement for 50 per cent of approved amount upon approval (up to RM500,000, as aforementioned); and the remaining 50 per cent of grant upon the completion of the programme(s).
Eligible applicants may submit a filled out SSCDF (09) form to the address below for consideration:
Director-General
Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)
5th Floor, Block 4, Plaza Sentral
Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
50470 Kuala Lumpur
P.O. Box 10618
50720 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
(Attn.: Senior Director Services)
Applications for soft loan should be made using Loan Application Form and to be submitted to:
Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad
Level 14, Menara MIDF
82, Jalan Raja Chulan
50200 Kuala Lumpur
P.O. Box 12110
50939 Kuala Lumpur
Further enquiry may be referred to:-
Grant Applications
Business and Other Services Division
Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)
No. Tel : 03-2267 6723
No. Fax : 03-2267 6655
Website : http://www.mida.gov.my
Email : services@mida.gov.my
Or
Soft Loan Applications
Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad
No. Tel : 03-2173 8888
No. Fax : 03-2772 1911
Website : http://www.midf.com.my
Email : inquiry-feedback@midf.com.my
