PHASE 1

• The SME Assist has achieved its first phase from August 2009-July 2010, which is the development of SME Assist framework and pilot of framework.

PHASE 2

• The cluster is now at the second phase (August 2010-July 2011) of its development that involves cloning and sustaining the success of the piloted approach by strengthening the SME Assist framework and deployment process. To achieve this, the team is now working closely with four SMEs in a transformation programme in collaboration between USM academics and students with retirees from MNCs. The cluster also engages with the LEAN Transformation Programme with Motorola Penang. The team is scheduled to organise a SME Symposium in November 2011 to showcase its success stories and to disseminate the idea of the SME Assist model. 

PHASE 3

• Phase 3 (August 2011- July 2012) will continue the Phase 1 and Phase 2 efforts with the extension towards ICT and marketing, which is a process to develop the participating SMEs to achieve world class capability and growth. This would conclude building the foundation of the four major challenges (ICT, Marketing, Finance, Skill and Knowledge) faced by the local SMEs as identified from a thorough literature review before the conception of the SME Assist model.