Making digital tools more accessible for SMEs
In line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, Sarawak’s government has partnered with various digital providers to ensure a seamless transition into the future. Most recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Kintone Southeast Asia Sdn Bhd to address the challenges faced by SMEs on the path to digitalisation.
Helping SMEs navigate their digital transformation journey
With Malaysia’s digital economy advancing rapidly, start-ups play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. As of 2023, over 89,000 registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operate across diverse sectors in Sarawak.
Despite these significant numbers, many SMEs face notable challenges in adopting digital solutions, including high initial costs, limited digital literacy, and resistance to change. To strengthen Sarawak’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and support the growth of a robust digital economy, organisations can leverage cost-effective strategies that bridge the digital skills gap and promote sustainable innovation.
Most recently, SDEC entered into a strategic partnership with Kintone Southeast Asia Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian subsidiary of the Japanese groupware solutions provider Cybozu Inc. This collaboration aims to make digital tools more accessible to SMEs across Sarawak by leveraging Kintone’s no-code platform, empowering businesses without specialised IT expertise.
The signing ceremony took place during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2024 (IDECS 2024) between SDEC CEO, Datuk Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, and Kintone Southeast Asia managing director, Tsubasa Nakazawa.
The partnership highlights the importance of accessible, adaptable solutions for local businesses. Commenting on the collaboration, Sudarnoto expressed optimism, saying, “This partnership between SDEC and Kintone will accelerate the digitalisation of SMEs in Sarawak by providing digital tools, resources and training to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and boost competitiveness in the digital economy landscape.”
Nakazawa, sharing further insights, sat down with Sarawak Tribune to discuss the significance of the partnership and what it means for the future of Sarawak’s SMEs.
What are the main objectives of the partnership between Kintone and SDEC?
With over 89,000 officially registered SMEs in Sarawak, this collaboration aligns with our broader vision of leveraging digital tools to support these businesses. Ultimately, it’s about accelerating the region’s digital transformation and spurring economic growth.
By helping local SMEs adopt digital solutions, we’re empowering them to become more competitive and resilient in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The potential impact is significant, and we’re eager to see how these businesses shape their futures with the right tools and guidance.
Above all, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the unique needs of Sarawak’s SMEs and the communities they serve.
SMEs in East Malaysia face challenges such as high initial costs and limited digital literacy. How does Kintone address these issues to make digital transformation more accessible?
We recognise the challenges SMEs face, particularly high costs and limited IT expertise. To address these, Kintone offers an affordable all-in-one platform that helps businesses digitise operations, automate repetitive tasks, and streamline workflows — without the need for specialised IT skills.
As a no-code platform, Kintone allows SMEs to transition from manual or partially digital systems to modern, efficient operations at their own pace. It fosters collaboration by providing a centralised space for information sharing, making resources accessible to all team members and promoting autonomy.
Beyond providing tools, we prioritise education and support, recognising that many SMEs lack access to these resources. Through workshops, training, and consulting, we guide businesses in effectively integrating digital solutions into their operations, ensuring they have both the tools and the knowledge to use them productively.
With high failure rates among start-ups in developing nations, what strategies or tools can Kintone provide to help Sarawak’s SMEs sustain growth?
Start-ups and SMEs in developing regions often struggle with limited resources and scaling challenges. Kintone addresses these issues by enabling businesses to move away from analogue systems.
Our no-code/low-code capabilities allow users to quickly build apps that replace manual workflows, centralise data and streamline information sharing. This approach leads to improved efficiency, resource optimisation, and faster decision-making.
For instance:
A construction firm digitised its operations with Kintone, reducing overtime by 20 per cent and increasing operating profit by 44 per cent.
A tourism business created over 2,700 custom apps — 800 of which are in daily use — to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.
A renovation company went paperless, saving over 420,000 sheets annually and improving workflow management.
These examples demonstrate how Kintone can support businesses of all sizes, regardless of their IT expertise or operational scope.
What initiatives are part of your partnership to ensure SMEs gain the necessary digital skills?
We offer tailored workshops, training sessions, and hands-on support to help businesses adopt and fully utilise digital tools. These programmes are designed to address practical challenges and empower SMEs to tackle their most pressing issues.
For businesses unsure where to start, Kintone provides manageable entry points to gradually improve operations. Our partnership with SDEC also includes consulting services to ensure every business receives the guidance it needs to navigate its digital transformation journey.
How does Kintone’s no-code platform enhance operations by eliminating manual tasks and bottlenecks, even for users without an IT background?
Our intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows businesses to build custom applications that optimise workflows and reduce manual processes. By centralising data and automating tasks, companies can improve efficiency and monitor operations in real-time, all without relying on technical specialists.
What are the key features of Kintone that make it valuable across various industries?
The Kintone platform integrates seamlessly with a wide range of solutions, making it suitable for numerous industries, including manufacturing, services, and education. One of its key strengths is adaptability: even without IT expertise, teams can easily create and customise applications tailored to their specific needs. This capability allows organisations to streamline workflows, simplify project management, and enhance overall efficiency.
By centralising information in a single location, Kintone facilitates smoother information sharing and enables quicker decision-making. Its real-time data environment improves transparency and fosters better communication both within and across teams. Additionally, as it is accessible from anywhere, Kintone is ideal for remote work arrangements, helping businesses remain agile and connected regardless of where their employees are located.
How do you see Kintone shaping Sarawak’s digital economy in the next five years?
Through our partnership with SDEC, we aim to drive SME digitisation, addressing key challenges such as geographical and infrastructure limitations. This initiative will support long-term growth and innovation, helping Sarawak progress towards a fully digital future.
What advice would you give to SMEs hesitant about digital transformation?
Start small and focus on specific operational challenges where technology can have an immediate impact. Transformation is a gradual process, and manageable steps can build confidence and minimise disruption.
Kintone provides resources such as workshops, training, and consultations to guide businesses in adopting digital tools, enabling them to streamline operations and position themselves for sustainable growth. Taking the first step is crucial—small changes can lay the foundation for broader transformation and success.
