THE pandemic that has resulted in several movement restrictions being implemented since last year has forced a reshaping of business models and operations in a way that would minimise disruptions.If there was a benefit that came out of Covid-19, it would have to be the acceleration of digital transformation – especially among small medium enterprises (SMEs) which are starting to adopt the digital culture.
Across the globe, surveys have pointed to up to 70% of SMEs having intensified their use of digital technologies due to Covid-19, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development earlier this year.
The report said that many of these changes were poised to last, given the investments made and business benefits of the new models.
So, as Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan starts to gather pace, it is clear that many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are ready to take advantage of the reopening of economic sectors.
As they transition into the digital marketplace, there has been a demand for service providers that could help them operate efficiently as they embrace the new normal.
In view of this, unifi Business is taking proactive steps to ensure that MSMEs can achieve business sustainability with its innovative offerings. This was made possible by partnering with proven technology partners and government agencies that understand the needs of Malaysian businesses.
Through the unifi Business Club (uBC), unifi Business aims to assist MSMEs in growing their businesses online and significantly boost sales and productivity at minimal costs through an array of tried-and-tested business solutions, including productivity and marketing tools.
Combining the best of business solutions, expert advice and marketing tools, uBC is a one-stop business centre that houses everything that businesses need to grow, exclusively for its business customers.
Staying relevant
In the ever-changing business environment in a post-Covid world, having a sustainable business and staying relevant is a key part of the game.
MSMEs will require structural guidance and assistance in addressing all key aspects that are required to realise their targets.
From generating new ideas and products for customers to finding customer-focused solutions, MSMEs require business-focused solutions so that their visions are in line with the markets’ needs.
unifi Business provides tools and solutions for MSMEs to enhance their businesses in different ways while upgrading their brands, products or services, as well as the lives of their customers, to achieve better standards and customer experiences.
It also provides exclusive customisable business offerings and enables merchants to achieve better levels of development and performance with seamless connections and networks.
Driving the growth of MSMEs
Serving some 400,000 businesses from a variety of industries and sizes, unifi Business also offers value-added solutions from leading industry experts to uBC members through various skills upgrading and retraining opportunities, to help them adopt digital tools and applications with easier onboarding processes. uBC’s strong network of connections also makes it the largest SME community in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, unifi Business broadband and mobile customers can also gain instant access to expert marketing and financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, human resource management tools and community engagement programmes which are tailored to a variety of business needs – accessible via the uBC portal at www.ubc.unifi.com.my.
Within the portal, members can also find the SME Sama-Sama page – a content aggregator that hosts relevant educational business contents such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, SME’s success stories, business tips and articles.
From data protection to digital marketing, the curated contents are meant to equip MSME business owners with the knowledge and insights for their operations.
Through uBC, unifi Business is also constantly engaged in raising awareness and providing adequate training through various virtual platforms such as Sembang Bisnes, Jom Bisnes, SME Empowerment Webinar Series, Masterclass, e-workshops and mini webinars with relevant speakers that can help MSMEs grow their business digitally.
The community development of MSMEs is also of great importance to uBC, hence its commitment to help them accelerate their digital transformations.
uBC members can access resources or digitisation business generators such as marketing and omnichannels, EasyStore, BizApp, cari@unifi, productivity generators such as human resources solutions by Swingvy, logistics provider by EasyParcel and Lalamove, and business retail transaction tools such as POS and ePOS by KryptoPOS.
In October 2021, uBC introduced two new partners – AirAsia Academy and Financio – to ensure the business community continues to grow with uBC.
AirAsia Academy specialises in instructor-led training (ILT) and on-demand learning (ODL) courses focusing on digital marketing while Financio is an accounting tool designed for micro and small businesses to have smart accounting automation.
With uBC, all members get a special discount rate to enjoy the accounting tool and digital marketing courses. uBC members will also have access to financing solutions under ScoreXcess which offers within 72-hour loan approvals, all via online.
Also available for members are digital marketing solutions (DMS) provided by unifi’s strategic partners Yellow Pages and Enginemailer, to help the businesses financially and provide opportunities to further enhance their digital presence and engage with their customers more effectively to ensure business continuity.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/15/how-msmes-can-grow-online-and-boost-sales