by ANIS HAZIM / pic BERNAMA

SIRIM Bhd, a research and technology agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three agencies namely Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) and National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (Nawem) yesterday.

In a statement, Sirim said it will collaborate with Petronas in developing a research programme and development of certification technology and standards that include research in biodegradable based on petroleum, plastic and packaging. 

“The MoU will focus on renewable energy such as solar, wind, energy storage, nanomaterial, coral and more,” it said.

Meanwhile, the MoU with MDEC will bring the transformation of digital programmes in industry standards and training.

“Collaboration is also focused on research and development of the digital economy and the development of entrepreneurs,” it said.

Sirim also sees Nawem’s potential as a leader of entrepreneurs in training, entrepreneurship, commercial development, printing and packaging.

“This is to attract more women entrepreneurs in an effort to develop better quality businesses and productivity,” it noted.

On the same day, Sirim organised the third Sirim-Industry Engagement (SIE) programme which offers various technology applications and services in an effort to enhance the productivity of Selangor industries and entrepreneurs.

“Through Sirim’s entrepreneur development programme, a total of 2,704 entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises were mentored from 2007 until today, while more than 3,800 products have been successfully improved through the product packaging quality improvement programme from 2016 until now,” chairman Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin said.

The half-day programme was attended by more than 300 representatives from government agencies, industry associations as well as local entrepreneurs from various sectors including food and beverages, oil and gas, agriculture, packaging, aerospace, aviation, automotive and cosmetic industry in Selangor.

With the theme “Bringing Sirim Closer to Community and Industry”, the third SIE emphasised the importance of research and development, energy management, quality, training, testing and certification.