TRANSFORMING THE EAST COAST ECER - Driving Development ...

August 4, 2009
SME Development Programme
The SME Development Programme upgrades the
capacity, capability and infrastructure of local ECER
businesses to meet regulatory criteria and international
accreditation standards, to gain credibility in widening
their reach into global markets.
Emphasis on product development through
certification and accreditations (Halal, Good
Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Points (HACCP), etc) as well as product
enhancements through packaging, branding and
marketing activities are also underlined. In addition,
Small Office Home Office for Women (SOHO)
The SOHO Programme gives priority to women
who are unable to work away from home, with
little capacity or skills, to be able to generate
income for their household. The programme
provides a variety of opportunities to participants
through three categories – SOHO Home
Producer, SOHO ICT and SOHO Service Provider.
A detailed implementation programme study
was done in 2008, following which 4 pilot
projects were initiated. Among the identified
The East Coast Economic Region
the programme stresses production improvements
and applications of technology, ICT and R&D into the
overall product development process.
Improvements for access into local and international
markets are also carried out, which includes
marketing and advertising and promotion initiatives.
In addition, capacity and capability improvements
have been initiated regularly, including skills training
and human resource management as well as
upgrades in machinery and infrastructure.
SOHO projects are the production of
vermicompost in Bachok, Kelantan, mushroom
farming in Kg. Peringat, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
and Tenun weaving in Kg. Soi, Kuantan and Pulau
Keladi in Pekan, Pahang.
The Programme seeks to supplement the target
group’s income by appromixately RM700 -
RM1,000 a month, by setting up cottage industries
and traditional craft making initiatives.
Human Capital Development
In line with the economic development, ECERDC is also focusing on development
of human capital. Among programmes to be implemented are projects under
the Centres of Excellence. Under the Economic Stimulus Package, the following
programmes for employee training and placement will be implemented:
•
•
•
Pre-employment, Skill Upgrading &
Entrepreneurship Development Programme
Graduate Placement Programme
Contract and Temporary Employment Programme
PAGE 19
One of the ECER’s Centres of Excellence, the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Dungun campus has established a training centre to provide basic training
in ecotourism and hospitality management, particularly for operators of the
Homestay / Kampung Stay Programme.
Meanwhile, the ECERDC has kick started the development of the Region’s Halal
industry with an agreement with the Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia (UDM)
through the establishment of the Regional Centre for Halal Products, the Centre
for Biotechnology and Herbal Products and the Centre of Industry-Academia
Collaboration.The agreement will assist the ECER in carving out a competitive
edge in the Halal food industry.