PLDT Encourages Local SMEs to Eye Expansion Possibilities in the ASEAN Region

Telecommunications provider PLDT is encouraging local SMEs (small, medium enterprises) to look at the possibilities of expanding services in the ASEAN region.

To do this, one has to adopt with the technology, emphasized Jerameel Azurin, AVP and head of marketing, PLDT SME Nation, in an interview with the Philippines News Agency.

“Today, if he (businessman) will not embrace technology, the business market reach will be confined to where he is,” he said.

If someone plans to expand the market reach, he/she needs to use digital tools, Azurin added.

Azurin noted that less than one percent of SMEs in the Philippines have their own websites.

While some SMEs may be using social media, Azurin cited that it’s too difficult to manage sales through social media. Thus, he reiterated the need for a company’s own website.

“Also, when you search something on Google, the engine will direct you to the (company’s) website and not to it’s Facebook account,” he added.

Medium-sized and big companies need a stable website. “They need not to do this alone,” he said, adding that PLDT SME Nation will help SMEs as they venture into expanding their businesses.

PLDT has partnered with ACASIA Communications Sdn Bhd since mid-1990s. ACASIA is a collaboration among seven leading telecommunications providers in the region — TM from Malaysia, CAT from Thailand, Indosat from Indonesia, PLDT from the Philippines, Singtel from Singapore, Telbru from Brunei, and VNPT from Vietnam.

Since PLDT is a partner of ACASIA, Azurin said the company can provide stronger connectivity for SMEs who would expand presence in the ASEAN region.

Satya Riayatsyah Syafruddin, ACASIA’s chief marketing officer, also told PNA that the company also addresses specific connectivity concerns such as cyber attack and security.

“Let us help you trade on a bigger stage/market,” Mitch Locsin, VP and head of PLDT SME Nation, told businessmen at a dinner meeting it hosted this weekend. (PNA) SCS/MCCA