Kuala lumpur: Local companies are encouraged to make value over price, innovation over imitation, as well as safety, health, and quality the key pillars of the Malaysian brand. Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim highlighted the importance of this initiative to ensure locally produced products can set high standards and remain competitive in the increasingly challenging global market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sim emphasized that this approach aligns with the government's vision of transitioning from the 'Made in Malaysia' label to a 'Made by Malaysia' identity. Sim elaborated, "Previous model was about producing other people's products in our country under the 'Made in Malaysia' label. We should gradually shift to the 'Made by Malaysia' model, where products are designed, created, and made by Malaysians."
Sim made these remarks while speaking to reporters after officiating the BrandQuest 2026 programme and National Mark of Malaysian Brand Appreciation Ceremony. He also mentioned that an RM230,000 allocation from SME Corp had benefited approximately 40 micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS) in obtaining the National Mark of Malaysian Brand certification in 2025 and 2026. Sim noted that the ministry would periodically assess the need to increase the allocation to enhance the standards and competitiveness of local products in both domestic and international markets.
Additionally, Sim highlighted the ministry's efforts through the Power Up 10K programme, which has channeled RM9 billion in financing to 250,000 entrepreneurs nationwide as of July, from the RM15 billion targeted for this year. He stated, "This is my mission, to ensure that there are enough resources for Malaysian companies to continue competing and progressing. The mission is to make Malaysian businesses great."
In recognition of their commitment to building, strengthening, and maintaining quality and competitive Malaysian brands, Sim presented the Malaysian Brand Heritage Award to local companies. Among the award recipients were Seasonings Specialties Sdn Bhd, Passive Fire Protection Sdn Bhd, Goodnite Sdn Bhd, Halagel (M) Sdn Bhd, and Sydney Cake House Sdn Bhd.