KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Global defence and security company, BAE Systems, is exploring new industrial partnership opportunities with Malaysian small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to bring leading-edge technology and innovation into Malaysia.

The company and SME Corporation Malaysia today hosted a one-day business opportunities and networking event for SMEs which saw the attendance of 50 firms in Malaysia.

SME Corporation chairman Datuk Ir Dr Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid said these companies were ready to match BAE Systems.

"In view of BAE System's plan to expand its business activities in Malaysia, this event is the platform for the company to share their intention of establishing network with potential supplier companies in Malaysia.

"BAE Systems will be able to have a look at the companies out there that have the capabilities, that's the idea of today's forum.

"We are bringing forward the SMEs to find new markets. The MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) is a big business and I think the SMEs will benefit from this event," he told a press conference here today.

BAE Systems, present in Malaysia for more than 20 years, delivers a full array of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as, advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and support services.

The event, which showcased the technology expertise and capabilities of SMEs, enabled BAE Systems to explore and develop mutually-beneficial partnerships across a wide range of areas including aerospace and high-end technology.

In addition, BAE Systems would act as a facilitator between Malaysian SMEs and their British counterpart.

Adrian Furner, BAE Systems commercial director of strategic capability solutions, said the company believed innovation greatly enhanced corporate competitiveness in the global market and propelled change within society.

"We see this in Britain... and similarly we are seeing increasing interest from the Malaysian government to roll out broad ranging initiatives to cultivate an innovative society and this vision will ensure that Malaysia continues to grow as a leading economy in Asean.

"BAE Systems sees great opportunity in participating in this continued growth," he added.

Mohamed Al Amin also said the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Report 2009/2010 revealed that the local aerospace industry contributed more than RM25 billion in revenue and employed a workforce of more than 54,000 people.

He also said under the 2012 Budget, the government had announced its initiative to promote the development of the business services industry due to the increasing demand for repair and maintenance of aircraft and helicopters.

Mohamed Al Amin said the government would also allocate a sum of RM91 million for capacity building in the MRO services industry, aerospace and aeronautical engineering training programmes as well as promotion of business outsourcing services.

-- BERNAMA