It is also essential for halal SMEs to have greater access to the right digital solutions to help them adapt to the shift in consumer behaviours and to navigate the operational challenges brought about by the pandemic .

DRIVING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION - THE JOM TRANSFORM PROGRAMME

One of UOB Malaysia ’ s contributions toward leading entrepreneurs and SMEs into the digital space is the Jom Transform Programme . The programme is specially curated to provide advisory and assistance in digitalisation for Malaysia ’ s SMEs . The programme , which is run on a yearly basis , aims to support entrepreneurs through digital solutions and e-commerce that drive productivity , save costs and grow revenue .

Since the launch of the Jom Transform Programme in 2019 , the programme has enabled more than 400 Malaysian SMEs to embark on their digitalisation journey .

The programme creates an ecosystem to connect entrepreneurs and open doors to opportunities by providing SMEs with the right tools to future-proof their businesses in this digitalised world .

Apart from receiving the relevant knowledge , tools and skills to digitalise their businesses , participants will also be guided by subject matter experts and mentors from UOB and its regional ecosystem partners in the area of digital transformation . They will have access to online workshops , video tutorials and webinars in digital marketing , business operations and e-commerce .

JOM TRANSFORM PROGRAMME REACHES MORE SMES WITH THE FINLAB ONLINE

Since its launch in 2020 , The FinLab Online has enabled businesses across Malaysia , Singapore , and Thailand to access and receive guidance on their digitalisation journey wherever they are located . In Malaysia , with The FinLab Online , the Jom Transform Programme reached more SMEs outside the Klang Valley area .

In 2020 , UOB Malaysia took the initiative to conduct the Jom Transform Programme virtually to widen its reach and engage with more SMEs and UOB Malaysia ’ s ecosystem partners . Generally , one out of four SMEs

participating in the programme was a business located outside the Klang Valley area . Offering the programme online provides access and assistance to more SMEs in their digitalisation efforts and helps them embrace the new normal of doing business .

JOMX – READY-MADE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR SMES

UOB Malaysia , under The FinLab , had launched JomX , an initiative to assist local businesses in accelerating the adoption of digital technologies , helping them to manage through the pandemic and build resilience for the years ahead .

JomX has been built based on the top digital pain-points and priorities

highlighted by SMEs in 2021 . Under JomX , UOB Malaysia and The FinLab partner with seven Jom Transform Programme digital solution providers

that specialise in digital solutions ranging from business-to-business ( B2B ) and business-to-customer e-commerce platforms , cloud accounting systems , artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions to robotic process automation , creative technology and marketing technology solutions . The partnership is to help address SMEs ’ top three pain-points when embarking on digitalisation initiatives , mainly in the areas of e-commerce ( 19 per cent ), social media marketing ( 15 per cent ) and branding ( 14 per cent ).

UOB Malaysia offers qualified SME customers and Jom Transform Programme participants 200 free monthly subscription packages of up to 13 months with the selected partners . The qualified SMEs will also enjoy preferential pricing with the partners after the free subscription period expires . The packages are aimed at helping SMEs allay the costs of their digital transformation journey and help prepare SMEs to adjust to the new normal of doing business .

Local businesses interested to participate in the above programme are encouraged to register their interest now at https :// www . uob . com . my / digitalisation / jomx . page

SOLVING THE SME LOGISTICS CHALLENGES

UOB Malaysia acknowledges the critical role of the logistics sector in providing goods and services from suppliers to consumers , especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown . UOB Malaysia recognises the importance of enhancing digital capabilities in the logistics ecosystem to improve customer experience and remain sustainable in the long run .

The logistics ecosystem by UOB Malaysia aims to address the pain-points for various types of halalindustry SMEs in the logistics supply chain , such as Freight Forwarders , Warehouse Operators , Traders , Wholesalers and Road Transporters .

The common complaints include working capital gaps , cash management & reconciliation of receivables and payment , and digital capabilities to remain sustainable in the long term . UOB Malaysia has partnered with various solution providers – AutoCount , OrangeFIN Asia , SealNet , DagangNet , Asolute and MyWave , to address these concerns .

These partners also offer exclusive subscriptions with complimentary subscriptions to their services , ranging from three months to 13 months free subscriptions for all SMEs registered under the JomX campaign .

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