The Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) has announced the launch of PRIME (Program Realisasi Impian Ekonomi Digital), an initiative by the national level domain name provider MYNIC, to drive digital adoption among the small medium and enterprise (SME) sector and increase the competitiveness of small businesses in Malaysia.
Under this initiative MYNIC introduced a new .BIZ.MY domain category, which has been developed specifically to empower Malaysian Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and drive digital adoption.
In conjunction with the PRIME launch, MYNIC will be offering 20,000 free .BIZ.MY subscriptions worth RM1.6mil to eligible micro-SMEs (MSMEs).
MYNIC’s strategic partners include Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) with their agencies, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), SME Corp, Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB), Pahang Go Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and University of Technology Malaysia’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTMSPACE).
YB Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Communications and Multimedia Malaysia Minister said, “SMEs and micro-SMEs (MSMEs) are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, and we are pleased to support the PRIME initiative by MYNIC to help drive the digital economy.”
“As part of PRIME, we hope that by offering MSMEs a free .BIZ.MY domain, it will encourage them to create an online presence and set up their own e-commerce platform to grow their business. In line with the Government’s various efforts to drive the digital economy – which includes the National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), Economic Stimulus Package (PRIHATIN) and setup of the National Digital Council – this initiative will not only stimulate economic growth, but also help to boost employment opportunities in the country,” added YB Dato’ Saifuddin.
YBhg. Datuk Ts. Hasnul Fadhly Hasan, Chief Executive Officer MYNIC said: “With the introduction of the .BIZ.MY domain category, we hope to spur more businesses to embrace digitisation to help them stay competitive in Malaysia’s digital economy.
“By offering MSMEs free .BIZ.MY domains and an opportunity to create their own unique Malaysian business identity online, we are confident it will help grow their business in both the local and international market. We would also like to thank our strategic partners for their support and being part of this initiative to propel MSMEs.”
With a .BIZ.MY domain, businesses will gain a more competitive advantage through improved Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) enabling users with a local domain to be prioritised by search engines. It also increases credibility and provides enhanced security at an annual cost of RM80.
“Following introduction of this initiative at federal level, PRIME will be launched at state level starting with Indera Mahkota, Pahang. MYNIC will carry out a Digital Entrepreneurship Training program to train 5000 registered MSMEs under PRIME in 2021. Lastly, a development of a digital directory will be introduced in mid-2021 to provide exposure and empower digital platforms,” said YBhg. Datuk Ts. Hasnul.
Registration can be made through the website or MYNIC’s accredited resellers.
