1. Technopreneurs Association of Malaysia
3 Proposals presented to Datuk Paduka Rafidah Aziz, the Minister of International
Trade & Industry (MITI) - August 2002
A) Introduction
This brief is a summary of the following:
Three proposals where MITI can assist Technopreneurs to export ICT products and services
globally.
 Creation of MyTechTrade (Malaysian Technology Trade Development Corporation) under
MITI or as part of Matrade – a specialized body to undertake activities to promote, advertise
and sell Malaysian technology products & services worldwide (i.e. duplicating the success of
Matrade but for the ICT & technology industry).
 Creation of Hi-tech Marketing Resource Centers in key markets worldwide to provide
research info and support services to Malaysian companies venturing abroad.
 Creating a bigger presence for Malaysian ICT Cos. at Global Technology & ICT exhibitions
like Comdex, CeBit etc.
Our objective is to seek the endorsement, cooperation & assistance of the Minister of
International Trade & Industry for the above projects.
1) “MyTechTrade” (Malaysian Technology Trade Development Corporation)
To be set up in a similar fashion as MATRADE or as a Division under Matrade.
Purpose is to undertake specialized and targeted activities to promote, advertise and sell
Malaysian technology products and services worldwide especially ICT.
Leverage on the existing network and offices of Matrade worldwide.
It will also offer training to Matrade, MIDA and MITI’s officers on the extent of technology
development in Malaysia to assist them to promote Malaysian companies.
It will organize trade missions; participate in exhibitions, conferences and networking sessions
in foreign countries to promote Malaysian companies.
It can publish a newsletter on the technologies & expertise available in Malaysia to be
distributed to all Malaysian Trade Offices and Embassies globally. TeAM and other related
organizations can provide coordination and collaboration on Malaysia’s technology expertise.

2. 2) Hi-tech Marketing Resource Centers
Marketing Resource Centers to be set up in major business centers in the world like New York,
Silicon Valley, Shanghai, London, Dubai, etc.
They will identify contacts, channels and customs of a particular market and will be extremely
useful to Malaysian companies exploring abroad. They can also match-make Malaysian
companies with local partners to facilitate joint ventures and collaborative efforts.
They should also have a database of companies or be able to point to sources of these
databases to assist Malaysian companies as they venture into new markets.
They could also provide pooled services like small office space and tele-support facilities &
should also be able to share resources like research materials, databases and sales leads and
tenders globally with all the respective Malaysian technology companies.
3) Global Technology & ICT Exhibitions
Currently there is no specific organization targeted at organizing Malaysian participation at such
exhibitions – it is done via MIDA or Matrade and very often it is not adequately attended by
Malaysian technology companies.
With a specific body like MyTechTrade there will be greater impact at such shows.
It can be the master coordinator for companies interested in participating. They will serve as a
consultant to advise on the booth location, booking process, showcase, booth design and
promotions package to assist these companies do a better job at these shows.
There should also be a bigger presence at these shows like a “Malaysian Technology Centre”
booth for all Malaysian Cos. It should be fairly big & well placed to draw attention to Malaysia.
Many countries do this but Malaysian has not made an impact yet. This will show the world that
Malaysia is a center of excellence for technology & ICT.
4) Conclusion
The initiatives mentioned above represents a more aggressive approach in marketing Malaysian
ICT companies abroad in the global markets. MyTechTrade can also open up new
opportunities in emerging markets for Malaysia.
We must replicate the success of the initiatives undertaken in the manufacturing sector and
position Malaysia to export to the world. The key benefit for Malaysian companies with these
initiatives is to allow them to market themselves better.
A major role by the Government in this respect will be a tremendous assistance to Malaysian
ICT companies.
For further information contact:
Sivapalan Vivekarajah - President, TeAM (2001-2002)