IN TODAY’S competitive global market, branding is essential for a company to create memorable impressions on consumers and allow them to know more about the company’s products or services.

Spearheaded by the efforts of two key organisations – SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) and SIRIM QAS International as a certification partner – the National Mark of Malaysian Brand Certification Scheme (NMMB) was born in 2009.

The aim was to provide a unique next-generation branding strategy for local products and services with the vision to promote and reinforce the values of individual brands from Malaysia.

The government hopes to change the perception that local products and brands are of lower quality and reliability than big brand names.

The NMMB will help brand owners from the manufacturing and service sectors, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, meet global requirements while providing them with tangible commercial benefits worldwide.

The NMMB, which depicts the quality, excellence and distinction of local products and services, is designed for global recognition and to promote and enhance domestic acceptance. The criteria can serve as part of business management tools to improve a company’s performance and meet the growing demands of its customers.

SIRIM QAS will conduct audits and monitor all applications to ensure high standards are maintained. Successful applicants will be permitted to carry the NMMB brand for two years.

The NMMB certification also allows SMEs to gain access to financial incentives, prioritised for trade promotional activities domestically and abroad, as well as participation in various courses and workshops by SME Corp.

SME Corp and SIRIM QAS also collaborated to organise a Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) series to help SMEs develop and enhance their quality standard and branding which just concluded recently.

The closing ceremony to mark the successful completion of the Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), 'Malaysian Brand to the Global Market' was attended by 50 participants.

Further empowering SMEs

The closing ceremony for the KTP for Malaysian brands took place on Nov 22 in Kuala Lumpur, marking the culmination of a successful two-day event.

The KTP series first began in Johor, Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Over 150 SMEs gained invaluable insights and best practices – particularly in essential areas such as brand development, quality management and the NMMB certification scheme.

The closing ceremony was attended by SME Corp chief executive officer (CEO) Rizal Nainy and SIRIM QAS International CEO Nur Fadhilah Muhamad.

A total of 50 participants showed up for the two-day programme, where they delved into insightful sessions focused on brand development, quality management and the NMMB certification.

The event provided a platform for participants to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills to enhance their brands.

During the closing ceremony, Rizal presented certificates of participation to the successful attendees who actively engaged in the programme. The certificates symbolise the attendees’ commitment to advancing their understanding of brand development and quality management through the KTP.

(Right) SIRIM QAS International Management System Certification Department Chemical & Material head Md Zaini Md Jai taking a closer look at kombucha tea samples.

This event shows the commitment of both SME Corp and SIRIM QAS International in empowering businesses and SMEs to achieve recognition through the NMMB certification. Both Rizal and Nur Fadhilah expressed their satisfaction with the programme's outcomes and congratulated the participants on their dedication and active participation.

The KTP for Malaysian brands has proven to be a valuable initiative in supporting businesses, fostering growth and enhancing competitiveness in the global market.

For more information on the NMMB Programme, visit www.nationalmark.gov.my