SDEC and Kintone Southeast Asia advance digital adoption in Malaysia

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Kintone Southeast Asia have announced updates to their partnership with the goal of advancing digital adoption among Malaysia's small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

With SMEs comprising more than 97% of Malaysian businesses, SDEC and Kintone aim to bridge the digital literacy gap between urban and rural businesses in Malaysia as part of Sarawak's vision for a sustainable, tech-driven circular economy. Previously, both parties signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to leverage advanced technologies to bolster Sarawak's digital economy.

On 18 February, SDEC and Kintone co-hosted the inaugural SME Digital Transformation Seminar in Kuching, which marked a significant milestone in advancing Sarawak's digital transformation agenda. The event provided tools, resources, and expert support intended to help local SMEs remain competitive in an increasingly digital market.

Sarawak has been increasingly recognised for its digitalisation efforts, supported by the state government's active initiatives in building digital infrastructure. The collaboration between SDEC and Kintone aligns with Sarawak's Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, addressing the demand for accessible and adaptable solutions for local businesses.

Tsubasa Nakazawa, Managing Director of Kintone Southeast Asia, commented, "Kintone's no-code platform is designed to simplify complicated workflow processes, allowing small and mid-sized level businesses of various industries, including traditional sectors such as tourism, construction, and retail, to build user-friendly custom applications that meet their business needs at a fraction of the cost. This removes the burden of expensive IT expenditures that most businesses struggle to keep up with."

Nakazawa further added, "Our ultimate goal is to help businesses of all sizes integrate this solution, ultimately transforming their operations and supporting scalable growth. Kintone currently serves over 37,000 customers globally, empowering businesses, government agencies, and communities to enhance productivity, collaboration, and efficiency. This initiative reflects our broader commitment to empowering SMEs across Sarawak, Borneo, and Malaysia as a whole."

The seminar attracted high-level government officials, industry leaders, and business owners, offering enterprises access to learn about digital tools that can enhance operations and drive improvements without the necessity of IT qualifications. Participants had the opportunity to gain hands-on insights into how Kintone's platform facilitates workflow management and enhances collaboration. Networking opportunities were also a key feature of the event, allowing attendees to connect and exchange insights.

As Sarawak's economy evolves, digital transformation remains a pivotal component. This seminar highlighted a collective belief in technology's potential to act as a catalyst for business efficiency and adaptation to the digital age. Through practical demonstrations and expert discussions, participants witnessed how Kintone's platform can streamline workflows, minimise operational hurdles, and empower businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing digital environment.