Call To Franchisors To Capitalise On Afes To Broaden Network In ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Local homegrown franchisors have been urged to share and broaden their networks with delegates from ASEAN countries in the upcoming ASEAN Franchise Expo & Symposium (AFES) 2015 in September. Deputy Education Minister Senator Chong Sin Woon said with quality input from the delegates, AFES 2015 could help forge business networks and stimulate exchange of experiences that would be insightful and enlightening in enhancing the industry’s objectives. "There will be participation from ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam as well as China. "With this, Malaysia will have the opportunity not only to share our experience but also to learn from others in our quest to meet our goals and accelerate the industry in years to come," he said at the soft launch of AFES 2015 here Friday. Organised by the ASEAN Retail-Chains and Franchise Federation (ARFF), AFES 2015 will be held at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Exhibition and Convention Centre here from Sept 4 to 6. Chong said in order for Malaysia to increase its global market share, it was important for the local franchise and retail industry to keep abreast not only with the latest technology, but also to conform to international requirements and standards. He urged the ARFF to continue to educate small and medium enterprises through training programmes to groom world champions among local franchisors. "Without education and training, our SMEs cannot go far and will not be able to move out of the middle-income trap," he said, adding that the Education Ministry would continue to support ARFF initiatives for the betterment of the business community through education and training. -- BERNAMA