CASH – MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH CASH! DAIM SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE ON HOW TO SUCCEED WITH SME BUSINESSMEN – BUT SAD TO SAY, HOW MANY ENJOY HIS SPECIAL CONNECTION TO MAHATHIR THE 4TH & 7TH PM

 BUKIT MERTAJAM, 14 Dis -- Bekas Pengerusi Majlis Penasihat Kerajaan Tun Daim Zainuddin ketika sesi dialog bertajuk Cabaran Ekonomi di Malaysia Baru bersama usahawan-usahawan negeri Pulau Pinang hari ini. --fotoBERNAMA (2019) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

BUKIT MERTAJAM – Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs should conduct market research and ensure they had sufficient cash flow before embarking on a business venture, advised Tun Daim Zainuddin.

The former Council of Eminent Person chairman said Malay entrepreneurs’ attitude of depending on the government’s assistance had not changed even though the old government system had been done away with.

“Many SME entrepreneurs, particularly Malay entrepreneurs, are easily satisfied with their level of achievement. History shows this is a Malay problem which is rare among other races in the country.

“They (Malay entrepreneurs) actually are not yet at a level of comfort but they are very satisfied because to them business is just a hobby. Running a business is about making money and upon reaping the profits, we should grow,” he told reporters after a dialogue with Penang entrepreneurs here today.

Daim who is also former Finance Minister is currently on a nationwide roadshow to share his experiences and provide business insights to the target group. After meeting with entrepreneurs in Kedah, Perak and Penang, he will head to Selangor.

During his one-day working visit to Penang, he also took time to visit the Penang Farmer’s Field School (FFS) at the Bumbong Lima Agricultural Institute in Kepala Batas.

Daim further advised entrepreneurs to always be prepared to develop their business when the opportunity arises.

“Businesses are not always profitable, sometimes losses occur. This is why we come to meet them, to listen to their problems, to help them and give them guidance on how to succeed.

“SMEs are the main contributors to employment in the country and should be given the appropriate assistance. We need to guide them and show them the way. When they benefit, the country will benefit,” he said.

— Bernama