IPOH: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry will collaborate with Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) to build an innovative ecosystem and help SMEs and startups enhance their competitiveness, says Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
The minister said that, faced with global uncertainties and continuous technological advancements, businesses must adapt to keep pace.
“Before Chinese New Year, the ministry launched the Strategic Technology Driver Fund (Pemacu 2.0) with a total of RM100mil to assist established companies in research and development, increase production, improve efficiency and translate efforts into tangible commercial results.
“We recognise that the cost of technological upgrades is high. The ministry provides funding through agencies such as Cradle, MRANTI, and Bioeconomy Corp,” he said in his speech during the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations at a hotel on Saturday (Feb 21).
He also said that the government would bear most of the costs, while companies were required to contribute at least 15% in cash.
He added that this was significant for SMEs who wish to upgrade their technology but worry about financial costs.
“We have also introduced a RM20mil Commercialisation Fund to assist companies in bringing their R&D results to the market.
“I look forward to close cooperation between businesses and the government.
“Whether you are in traditional manufacturing or services, utilising new technology to transform traditional industries is essential.
Outlooks for the 2026 Year of the Horse,” he said.
He also said that the government's role was to plan the direction and cultivate the pasture.
“We aim to create the most fertile commercial soil so that you, the steeds of the business world, can accelerate and drive the Malaysian economy to new heights.
He also contributed an allocation of RM100,000 to PCCCI.
Meanwhile, Perak Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) president Datuk Liew Chee Ming said the past year had been challenging for businesses amid global economic turbulence, inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions and market uncertainties affecting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Despite this, he said the business community was encouraged by the government’s efforts under the Madani Economy framework, which has seen more structured and inclusive policies introduced to support business development.
He cited the RM100mil micro-financing fund launched by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry at the end of January, dedicated exclusively to Chinese entrepreneurs and jointly funded by Bank Rakyat and SME Bank.
In February, the ministry also introduced the Special Financing Programme for Chinese-Owned Micro Enterprises (Berkat).
“PCCCI strongly welcomes this development and looks forward to continuous improvements to these mechanisms, so that more MSMEs with genuine needs and
strong potential can benefit,” he said.
Looking ahead, Liew said that the global economy was rapidly entering the era of artificial intelligence (AI), adding that stronger government support was needed to help MSMEs adopt AI-driven solutions.
“It will significantly enhance overall competitiveness and ensure that Malaysian enterprises are not left behind in the next wave of technological advancement,” he said.
