The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is a leading force in providing the support not only for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), but also to the Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) to propel their businesses and emerge as global champions.

Through the Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) introduced in 2014, MATRADE has been actively facilitating MTCs as well as promoting them through various platforms with the aim to boost their exports and hence, building greater success in the global arena.

In 2021, MTCDP groomed 275 companies which successfully registered total export revenues of RM17.8 billion - an increase of 15.3 percent from the year before. This proves that MTCs were resilient in driving their businesses through the recovery mode of post-pandemic and facing future challenges to remain globally competitive.

MATRADE also aligned MTCDP with the overarching exporters development framework, in line with its National Trade Blueprint (NTBp), sustainability and digitalisation. The evidence of MATRADE's efficacy in transforming Malaysian trade for the better is best represented by real-life local examples.

Medical device and consumer gadget manufacturer K-One Technology Berhad (K-One) has particularly benefited from the abundant support that MATRADE offers. Being a mid-tier company that participated in MTCDP, K-One has successfully penetrated several countries in the European region, namely United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, as well as Denmark. K-One also made inroads into the United States of America (USA), and the company widely accredits this achievement to MATRADE's various marketing efforts.

According to Goo Kok Khian, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of K-One Technology, MATRADE organised various trade promotion activities, that include organising Malaysia pavilion in the iconic trade exhibitions which serves as networking platform for Malaysian exporters in finding potential business opportunities.

Through this activity, K-One had successfully participated in major electronics exhibitions that were held in California, USA, and Germany, which were pivotal in garnering business leads. CEO of K-One, Dato' Martin Lim Soon Seng, stated that the last exhibition that K-One joined was in 2019, which they attended virtually - showcasing MATRADE's flexibility of online hosting.

K-One acknowledged the influence of MATRADE's 46 global offices where they have been proven reliable in providing the company with prominent leads for potential business deals. For example, through business enquiries received from the potential international importer or partner, MATRADE will work closely and explore possibilities through virtual business meeting. This is a good opportunity to promote K-One's products and expertise as well as widen the networking of business relationship, which has brought different perspectives in exploring new export opportunities.

The extent of MATRADE's assistance also include facilitating the continuation of business operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and receiving exemption from halting the shipment of their healthcare products during the major lockdowns. As one of the alumni, K-One acknowledged MATRADE's effort and support in K-One's business survival in enduring the global crisis back in 2020.

MDT Innovations Sdn. Bhd. (MDT) is an information & communication technology (ICT) service provider and is involved in various projects in Asian markets such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Besides Asia, MDT expanded their footprints to Europe and Africa, together with MATRADE. One notable example was Mauritius, where MDT was able to broaden their networks to other African countries. Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ts. Honwai Sim stated that the trade mission is a great initial checkpoint for the MTCs to seize business expansion opportunities, with minimal risks as MATRADE has reliable trade leads.

In addition, MDT has been able to connect with several potential Australian companies through the assistance rendered by MATRADE Melbourne. Ts. Honwai Sim shared his compliments to MATRADE due to its global presence in making sure that Malaysian exporters are globally competitive with other service providers offering ICT solutions. Under the "Ramp-Up" component in MTCDP, MDT will continue to strengthen their existence, not only in the Eastern region, but to other parts of the world.

Mark Law, the Executive Assistant to Linaco Resources's Group Managing Director acknowledged the importance of MATRADE's involvement in boosting the businesses of MSMEs and MTCs. Any Malaysian companies can just write an e-mail to MATRADE, introduce their services and sharing their intention to go global, and getting necessary data, market intelligence and business leads from the Trade Commissioners (TCs).

Mark made it a point to rely on these MATRADE TCs because they are privy to all the local and market trends of the countries in their area of coverage. Linaco is able to leverage the plethora of information shared by these TCs have when making plans to execute Linaco's own research. One prime example of how MATRADE's TCs helped the manufacturing company was when after attending an overseas exhibition, the company was able to conduct market visits at the right places thanks to the locations that were provided.

Linaco also utilised the Market Development Grant (MDG) when it started off as SME. This allowed Linaco to consistently participate in and benefit from several international exhibitions. After its steady growth from overseas exposure, Linaco grew to be MTC and subsequently took part in MTCDP. When Linaco's orders in China were cancelled due to the country being in lockdown at one point, the company sought assistance with MATRADE to try and connect with potential buyers in Africa instead. Relevant TCs also assisted in providing market information to facilitate Linaco in their internationalisation efforts.

MATRADE is clearly the game changer for Malaysian exports growth with evidently positive results. Spearheading the development of Malaysia's export industry is no easy task. Through MATRADE, companies will find it easier and more efficient to explore newer avenues and embark on grander ventures in the global scene.