KUALA LUMPUR: CTOS, Malaysia’s leading credit reporting agency, is collaborating with airasia academy for an exclusive SME networking and edutech session.
The collaboration, which encompasses strategic business education in the realms of digital marketing and branding, as well as networking opportunities, marks a pivotal step in their joint mission to empower SMEs in the region with the skills and proficiencies to succeed in today’s digital era.
Today, CTOS reintroduced its enhanced CTOS Verified service, which offers companies a mark of online credibility through the CTOS Verified Seal.
COO Lee Shin Mei said it aims to onboard up to 3,000 SMEs in the programme.
“Our target is around 2,000 to 3,000 SMEs to embark in this CTOS Verified programme. At the same time, this will be the batch of customers that we want to get them trained on social media and digital marketing by end of the year,” she added.
CTOS Digital Bhd Group CEO Erick Hamburger said, “SMEs are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering resilience. Similarly, at CTOS, SMEs have always been at the core of our business, contributing 46% of CTOS group revenue in FY2023.”
He added that training services are essential for SMEs to remain agile, competitive and sustainable in today’s dynamic business landscape and CTOS takes pride in joining hands with airasia academy to offer businesses a unique avenue to enable themselves through exceptional learning opportunities.
He remarked that CTOS is committed to providing a wealth of networking and learning opportunities through the CTOS Verified service which not only creates more opportunities for businesses but also underscores their credibility and trustworthiness to prospective clients, suppliers, and business partners.
Capital A CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said: “Based on over 20 years of building the low cost ethos behind AirAsia, making flying accessible and the world a smaller place for the people in Asean, I firmly believe that there is a low cost model for education.
“Education stands as the gateway to unlocking boundless opportunities. Since its birth, airasia academy has tirelessly worked to democratise education, offering accessible online and in-person courses that bridges the gap of digital economic needs. Through our partnership with CTOS, we anticipate equipping both CTOS Verified SMEs and the broader business community with the tools necessary to enhance their marketability and proficiency in tech skills crucial for the current digitally-led business landscape.”
Capital A president (investment & ventures) Aireen Omar said that education and knowledge have always been at the forefront of any company culture that demands innovation and enhanced growth, more so now with today’s rapid technological advancements, learning has become even more crucial for SMEs to keep up with the latest knowledge and trends in their respective industries.
“We hope that this partnership with our fellow SME friends at CTOS Verified will foster sustainable economic development and prepare these individuals and enterprises for the challenges and opportunities of today’s digital economy,” said Aireen.
Separately, responding to media reports on the recent High Court ruling, Lee said CTOS is not affected by it and will operate its business as usual.
Based on reports, the company was ordered to pay RM200,000 in general damages to the owner of a resort for an inaccurate credit rating.
“We are a credit scoring company ... under the CRA Act, we are doing credit scoring; we are not doing credit rating,” she told reporters after the CTOS Verified launch.
Lee declined to comment further on the matter.
