JOHOR BARU: The SMI Association of Malaysia is introducing a new award for this year’s SME Recognition Award in line with the world’s climate change, global warming and other environmental issues.

Its president Chua Tiam Wee said the association has come up with a new award category called the SME Green Excellence Award this year.

“The new award aims to emphasise our commitment to the environment and to recognise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that excel in protecting the environment in pursuit of their business.

“The award will also be given to SMEs, who produce environmental-friendly products as well as incorporate the use of green technology,” he said during the launch of the road show and seminar to promote the award here recently.

Chua added that Johor Baru was the third stop for the road show as Johor was the third state with the highest number of SMEs.

“Johor has approximately 56,500 SMEs and has produced numerous successful SMEs which have grown into listed companies.

“During last year’s recognition award, seven out of the total 88 winners were from the state,” he said, adding that the award presentation and gala dinner would be at the Putrajaya on Dec 10 this year.

Chua also said that 150 SMEs from South Johor took part in the seminar and road show, which was held to promote the recognition award.

“I hope that talks on topics such as assisting SME financing, business loans for SMEs, insurance for SMEs, SME development programmes and schemes and financing for SMEs will help them in one way or another,” he said.

He added that the closing date for nominations for the awards was Aug 31.