ASEAN SME Academy 2.0 Launched, Offers Key Learning Opportunities for MSMEs

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can now hone their digital skills further as they continue to recover from the prolonged global pandemic. This is enabled by the  US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), the US Agency for International Development, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) launch of the ASEAN SME Academy 2.0 earlier this month — an upgrade from the existing platform that has been in operation since 2016.

The platform serves as a one-stop-shop online training and information resource geared to offer training and mentorship to MSMEs within the region, according to Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba. The ASEAN SME Academy 2.0 will also accelerate the digital transformation of MSMEs, which is necessary for a more inclusive and sustainable post-pandemic future.

“The post-pandemic future demands MSMEs to adapt to the new normal of doing business, highlighting the need to adopt new technologies and capture opportunities in the digital economy,” Aldaba explained. “The ASEAN SME Academy 2.0 ensures that we continue to embrace a people-centered digital transformation and accelerate recovery through customized entrepreneurial training courses and platforms for business linkages and networking.”

The upgraded platform features an array of localized courses covering a variety of topics of interest. Multi-language support, new visuals, and a mobile-friendly interface have likewise been integrated along with top online resources for MSMEs as well as self-certification. MSMEs may begin registering through https://www.asean-sme-academy.org.

Dato’ Suriani binti Dato’ Ahmad, who serves as the chairman of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSME, further affirmed that a new set of customized learning content covering cash flow and revenue management business continuity plan as well as digital literacy and transformation will encourage MSMEs to adapt to new ways of doing business amidst — and well after — the global pandemic.

A specific module tab for Covid-19 recovery will also be offered on the platform in the third quarter of 2022, according to US-ABC president and chief executive officer Ambassador Ted Osius. Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion added that the launch of the upgraded learning platform can make MSMEs in the region more competitive.

“The learning experience and access to resources and wider accessibility will truly help us rise through the pandemic and together push forward in the development of the region. I believe SMEs will be key in the economic recovery of our countries,” said Concepcion. The ASEAN SME Academy has grown to provide over 90 courses and 375 additional online resources for SMEs since it was established. The platform has also reported 460,000 unique visitors and more than 9,600 active users.

Source: Manila Times