Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has collaborated with Daikin Malaysia Sdn Bhd and the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) to organise the MIDA-Daikin Supply Chain Programme. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian suppliers and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to participate more actively in global manufacturing supply chains. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme assembled over 100 participants, including Daikin's ecosystem partners, local SMEs, financial institutions, and government agencies. The session provided essential guidance on supplier requirements, digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and financing support to facilitate the growth and operational upgrades of Malaysian companies, aligning them with the evolving demands of multinational corporations. MIDA's chief executive officer, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasized the importance of integrating Malaysian SMEs in to global value chains to sustain the nation's industrial competitiveness. He stated that targeted vendor development programmes are crucial for building the necessary capabilities for Malaysian SMEs to become trusted partners in global supply chains. Such integration not only fosters business growth but also generates better jobs, strengthens local industries, encourages technology adoption, and expands opportunities for Malaysians in higher-value economic activities. The sessions featured presentations by representatives from MIDA, Daikin Malaysia, Daikin Electronics Devices Malaysia, SHRDC, Alliance Bank, and industry players. These presentations covered topics such as supplier requirements, smart manufacturing transformation, sustainable supply chain development, and financing solutions to support digitalisation. Participants also toured SHRDC's facilities to gain firsthand exposure to automation, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 applications. MIDA's initiative underscores its proactive efforts to deepe n domestic supply chain capabilities and broaden the participation of local companies in high-value industries. By connecting Malaysian SMEs with multinational corporations, facilitating technology adoption, and supporting capability upgrading, MIDA aligns with the aspirations of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). These efforts aim to enable more Malaysian companies, particularly SMEs, to grow alongside multinational corporations and contribute more meaningfully to the country's industrial development.