Challenge

Since 2021, ASEAN Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are at a crossroads, confronting challenges that could shape their future. Representing between 97% to 99% of firms and accounting for 60% to 80% of total employment in ASEAN countries, MSMEs are crucial economic actors. However, their journey is fraught with hurdles, including limited access to financing, regulatory complexities, and a persistent skills gap in the labor market. These challenges are compounded by the digital transformation imperative, requiring MSMEs to adopt new technologies to streamline operations and improve customer experiences. The pandemic has accelerated this shift, yet the road to recovery is steep, marred by financial constraints and the need for more robust digital capabilities​​.

Looking ahead to 2024, the scenario for MSMEs is one of cautious optimism, underscored by a concerted push towards sustainability and digital innovation. Yet, as they navigate this transformative landscape, MSMEs face a myriad of obstacles: from securing the necessary financing and complying with a maze of regulations to protecting their intellectual property amidst a digital overhaul. The emergence of e-commerce and remote work as permanent fixtures offers opportunities and challenges, necessitating a delicate balance between embracing innovation and managing risks associated with cybersecurity and supply chain disruptions. The support of governments and financial institutions in fostering an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and resilience is pivotal, as MSMEs strive to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market​​​​.

Approach

In addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by ASEAN MSMEs, the initiative led by Mereka, in partnership with a USAID-funded regional project, adopts a comprehensive and forward-looking approach. This endeavor is designed to empower MSMEs through a digital transformation journey, underscoring the pivotal role of sustainable practices in fostering economic and environmental benefits. By harnessing the power of an integrated online platform, the program offers access to a wealth of resources including e-learning modules, webinars, and communities of practice. These resources are meticulously tailored to bolster business continuity and resilience among MSMEs, supporting their recovery in the post-COVID-19 era and facilitating their transition into the digital economy.

Program Highlights:

• Digital and Entrepreneurial Skill Development: The initiative focuses on the creation and dissemination of four comprehensive e-learning courses. These courses are designed to equip MSMEs with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills, covering a broad spectrum from business fundamentals in the digital age to managing digital teams effectively. Each course is crafted to provide an interactive and engaging learning experience, ensuring the acquisition of practical, real-world applications.
• Localization and Accessibility: Recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of ASEAN, Mereka has localized these courses into English, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, and Vietnamese. This strategic localization significantly enhances accessibility, enabling a broader audience of MSMEs across the region to benefit from the program.
• Sustainable Practices and Global Competency: The courses also emphasize the importance of adopting sustainable practices and developing global competency. By integrating these elements into the curriculum, the program aims to prepare MSMEs not only for local success but also for participation in the global market.
• Community and Networking: Beyond the educational offerings, the initiative fosters a vibrant community of practice. This community provides a platform for MSMEs to share experiences, exchange insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions, thereby strengthening the collective resilience and adaptability of the sector.

Goals & Results

Strategic Goals Achieved

• Comprehensive Course Development: Successfully developed 2 courses each for Business Continuity and Resilience, totaling 4 courses, to empower ASEAN MSMEs with critical knowledge for navigating the digital and post-pandemic landscape.
• Module Completion: Crafted 16 total modules across all courses, ensuring a wide range of topics are covered to enhance MSME capabilities.
• Webinar Engagement: Hosted 8 total webinars, providing interactive learning and networking opportunities for course participants.
• Digital Resource Expansion: Created 5 landing pages and 22 micro-videos to facilitate easy access to course materials and key information.
• Interactive Learning Enhancement: Introduced 19 interactive lessons, promoting active learning and engagement among MSMEs.
• Promotional Outreach: Launched promo and demo video to effectively communicate the program's value and attract participation from across the ASEAN region.

Success Metrics: Insights from Program Implementation

• Course Participation: Achieved significant enrollment in the e-learning courses, demonstrating high interest and demand among ASEAN MSMEs for digital skill development.
• Knowledge Increment: Recorded an average increase in participants' knowledge of digital transformation strategies related to future-proofing and building resilience for their businesses, pointing to the effectiveness of the course content and delivery.
• Community Building: Fostered a robust community of practice among MSMEs through webinars and interactive platforms, enhancing peer learning and network support.
• Content Engagement: High engagement rates with the digital resources, including landing pages and micro-videos, indicating the relevance and usefulness of the content provided.