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Foundation ponders study to help SMEs

[ 07-11-2007 ]

By RACHAEL KAM

THE Asia Pacific Brands Foundation will consider initiating a study on the most valuable brands among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) if the opportunity arises.

The BrandLaureate chief executive officer Dr K.K. Johan said that in years to come, when the foundation receives sufficient funds from the public, it would be able to engage independent brand auditors or consultants to conduct the study.

“Initially, we may do it by way of our own assessment and criteria as it is costly to commission a brand audit,” he told StarBiz.

Speaking after the BrandLaureate – SMEs Chapter Award 2007 appreciation dinner and cheque presentation last week, he said doing such a study was good to aid the SMEs strengthen their brands in the market.

To date, the foundation has received over 300 submissions for the award. Due to the overwhelming response, it expects to receive 500 submissions eventually.

Asia Pacific Brands Foundation deputy chairman W.T. Seah (right) presenting an appreciation token to The Star advertising and business promotion general manager Calvin Kan at The BrandLaureate appreciation dinner on Thursday. The Star is the official media for The BrandLaureate – SMEs Chapter Award 2007.

Johan said that among the submissions, 30% were very comprehensive applications. “From the way they present the paper, one can tell that these companies are well positioned in the market.”

He said funding was the greatest challenge for SMEs. “We urge financial institutions to give more support to them,” he said, adding that banks should sponsor the BrandLaureate – SME Chapter Award.

source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/5/business/19373183&sec=business