1. As announced in the Budget 2021 speech by the Minister of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is establishing a RM1 billion High Tech Facility – National Investment Aspirations (HTF-NIA), as part of efforts to provide additional assistance for SMEs affected by COVID-19.
2. The facility is aimed at supporting high-tech and innovation-driven SMEs affected by COVID-19 to recover and revitalise the nation’s innovation capacity.
3. This is critical to strengthen Malaysia’s competitive positioning in global value chains, preserve the supply chain ecosystem and safeguard high-skilled jobs.
SME PROJECTS INCLUDE
1. Those in advanced manufacturing and services sectors that are best aligned to deliver the overarching national strategic long-term development goals, as embedded in the NIAs[1]. Examples include businesses in the E&E, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors, as well as R&D driven firms supporting the development of emerging technologies;
2. SME project participants in key Government programmes involved in research, development and innovation for critical technologies identified under national blueprints, from IR4.0-related technologies[2], green technology and biotechnology, to ensure their continuity and completion of those existing projects.
3. Technologies range from blockchain, AI, big data analytics, internet of things (IoT), additive manufacturing (3D/4D/5D/6D printing), cybersecurity, system integrators, augmented reality, advanced materials, drones and manufacturing systems, as well as bioscience technology and neurotechnology.
ELIGIBLE VIABLE SUBSECTORS
1. Viable Malaysian SMEs in the following subsectors:
Within manufacturing and services subsectors with high National Investment Aspirations (NIAs) scores:
- Electrical and Electronics (E&E);
- Chemicals (including pharmaceuticals and refined petroleum);
- Optical Scientific Equipment and Medical Equipment;
- Machinery & Equipment (including Robotics, Drones, and Industry 4.0 technologies);
- Transport equipment covering aerospace; vehicle and parts; manufacturers involved in global supply chains or transitioning towards future mobility and green technology;
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and
- Research and Development (R&D) services
2. SMEs involved in existing innovation programmes by the Government for a range of critical technologies, from undertaking R&D, technology co-creation to technology licensing for development purposes. This would also include late stage tech-start-ups under Government programmes that are developing critical technologies and ready to graduate to bank-based financing.
3. As a start, the following list of programmes have been identified:
- MDEC’s Global Acceleration and Innovation Network (GAIN);
- MOSTI’s National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) and Research and Development Fund; and
- MARii’s technology partners involved in the design and development of solutions related to IR4.0 technologies.
BENEFITS
1. Eligible SMEs can obtain financing of up to RM1 million for working capital purposes; up to RM5 million to finance capital expenditure; or a combination of working capital and capital expenditure up to RM5 million, for a tenure of up to 7 years.
2. This facility is offered at a financing rate of up to 3.5% per annum for financing without guarantee or up to 5% per annum inclusive of guarantee fee (with guarantee coverage by Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC).
3. No collateral shall be imposed for financing offered under this facility.
https://www.bnm.gov.my/-/establishment-of-rm1-billion-high-tech-facility-national-investment-aspirations-htf-nia-1
