Committee of Supply 2021 debate, Day 3: Mariam Jaafar on effectiveness of SME digitisation programmes

In Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 2), MP Mariam Jaafar asked for details on the take-up rates and effectiveness of SME digitisation programmes. She said these programmes must deliver value quickly, otherwise SMEs will drop out or not sign up. She also said the programmes often do not meet specific needs and suggested focusing on scalable use cases instead of broad topics. Ms Mariam also urged the Government to work with partners in the digital ecosystem to pool support for SMEs. She cited a scheme in China that provides supply chain, business support and credit to bring stalls and shops online.