Investment in Technology Based Small and Medium Sized Firms in Malaysia: Roles for Commercial Banks

Financing is an important input in every business which allows for the smooth running of day-to-day operations, asset acquisitions, expert recruitment, and development of marketing and distribution channels. This is especially the case for high-tech startups that must undergo four development stages to turn ideas into commercial products and become full-blown enterprises; concept formation, amassing of resources, product development and business development. The purpose of this research is to understand the fundamental role of banks in Malaysia in bridging the startups financing gap, thereby, helping to grow technology based small and medium sized enterprises in the country. A qualitative research approach which aims first to identify all the commercial and investment banks in the country, then with a select sample size of ten biggest banks shall administer a semi-structured/open ended questionnaire. This methodology will allow respondents to open up on critical issues to be discussed and not limiting them to certain choices as in the case with a structured form of interview. Banks in Malaysia are not willing to finance high technology small and medium enterprises since it is a high risk industry. A the findings are compared to what is obtainable in other countries and Europe and America

Problems on Commercialization of Genetically Modified Crops in Malaysia

Modern biotechnology is a potential technology to be developed in Malaysia. Advancement in molecular genetics methods such as the recombinant DNA techniques in genetic engineering improves ways to make use of living organisms to benefit human. From the perspectives of agro biotechnology, the methods which enable the introduction of genetic material to be integrated into plant genome called Plant Genetic Modified Technology (PGMT). Since 1980s Malaysia enthusiastically worked on the development of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops. However, with certain barriers and hindrances, the successful development seems unattainable. This study was conducted to explore the six critical factors and issues which affect the successful commercialization of GM Crops in Malaysia using face to face and telephone interview which involved ten respondents from eight universities and research institutions in Malaysia. The data was analyzed using NVIVO computer software. The results from findings, recommendations and implications to practitioners presente