Adib Noor
The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) announced the launch of its new initiative, the Productivity and Efficiency Joint Funding for Digital Adoption (PENJANA) Scheme, aimed to boost digital adoption among local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The announcement was delivered by AITI Chief Executive Ir Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar during a press conference at Seri Kerna Hall, AITI building, Jalan Anggerek Desa,
Berakas yesterday.
AITI Deputy Chief Executive (Development) Julianah binti Haji Ali Ahmad and AITI Assistant Chief Executive (Industry Development Group) Norshahrul Nizam bin Othman were also present.
The chief executive said in line with supporting the strategic objectives of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 and AITI Strategic 2020-2025, the scheme was introduced to assist local MSMEs in utilising digital solutions to improve productivity and banking their business operations with digital capabilities to achieve internal efficiencies, cost reductions and better service offerings to stay competitive in the digital economy.
“The PENJANA scheme is hoped to provide MSMEs with the motivation to adopt and integrate digital technology into their business operations for sustainability as the nation gears towards becoming a Smart Nation,” he said.
Digital adoption is recognised as one of the most important approaches for MSME’s to stay ahead in the evolving digital business environment. “The fast pace of digitalisation has posed various challenges to traditional businesses and their value chain processes, which brings forth many opportunities to MSMEs to integrate technology into their business operations,” said Ir Haji Jailani.
With that in mind, AITI has taken the initiative to drive local MSMEs to transform digitally by providing assistance in the form of a joint funding scheme, he added.
To be eligible for the PENJANA Scheme, business are required to be 100 per cent locally owned and categorised as MSMEs. The business must also be active and fully operational for at least two years.
With PENJANA, eligible MSMEs can apply for a joint funding to adopt digital solutions, where they only have to pay a maximum of 50 per cent of the costs while AITI covers the remaining cost.
AITI Assistant Chief Executive (Industry Development Group) Norshahrul Nizam said for the convenience of potential applicants, the statutory body has produced a list of pre-approved digital solutions assessed to be market proven, cost effective and supplied by local ICT vendors, adding that solutions currently offered are in the Digital Point of Sales (POS) and eCommerce category.
Application for the PENJANA Scheme is now open for all local MSMEs including those in the non-ICT sector. MSMEs wishing to apply for the scheme are welcome to submit their applications along with a quotation from pre-approved solution vendors.
The closing date for submission is on February 28 at 3pm. For details on the PENJANA Scheme, visit www.aiti.gov.bn/penjana.
Meanwhile, local ICT vendors wishing to propose digital solutions and participate in the scheme can email AITI at info@aiti.gov.bn.
