The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) through its Domestic Investment Coordination Platform (DICP) with Bursa Malaysia and Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM), an affiliate of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) kickstarted their seminar series on ‘Business Growth through the Malaysian Capital Market’.
This inaugural seminar, held in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, was jointly organised with Invest Negeri Sembilan and attracted 35 companies from Negeri Sembilan as well as Melaka. MIDA anticipates to organise more seminars throughout the country in 2022.
Recognising the financial challenges faced by the domestic industry players, particularly the SMEs and Mid-tier companies (MTCs) to execute their business expansion plans, MIDA looks to provide opportunities for businesses to learn, evaluate and consider raising capital through the public and private markets, as well as market-based financing options such as equity crowdfunding (ECF) registered with the SC.
During the event, Mr. Sukri Abu Bakar, the Director of Domestic Investment Division, MIDA remarked “Through MIDA’s proprietary services, we have enabled various scales of local businesses, including SMEs and SMIs. MIDA’s Domestic Investment Coordination Platform or DICP aims to bridge businesses, technologies and research capability with capital funding sourced from the public and private markets. We continuously work with local regulators, technology providers and financial institutions to drive business growth by facilitating business support services to SMEs and SMIs, crucial to domestic direct investments, which bring significant economic growth.”
Mr. Azhar Mohd Zabidi, the Director of Securities Market of Bursa Malaysia added, “Bursa Malaysia is very pleased to support MIDA in the ‘Business Growth through the Malaysian Capital Market’ seminar with Invest Negeri Sembilan. This initiative is a great way to increase awareness and create better understanding among SMEs and MTCs throughout Malaysia to ultimately tap the Malaysian capital market through various channels including IPOs (initial public offerings). IPOs will not only facilitate the raising of capital to help fulfil growth strategies, but also open doors to new opportunities for the companies at different stages of growth.”
In supporting MIDA’s efforts in developing the growth of domestic businesses, CMM shared on its Elevate Programme, a bespoke executive leadership programme for Malaysian MTCs. The 12-month capacity development programme offers guidance on business redesign strategies, fundraising models and access to fund raising through the capital market. Companies that stand to benefit from this programme include business founders, privately-held family-run businesses in their second and third generations, entrepreneurs that are looking to leverage new investors for growth strategies as well as companies that are seek listing on the local bourse to expand their footprints.
The whole-day event featured panel presentations by MIDA, Capital Markets Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Berhad; followed by one-on-one session between participants and private equity firms such as COPE and Bintang Capital; as well as equity crowd funding (ECF) platforms, 1337 Ventures and PitchIN.