This consultancy project created a strategic roadmap for MATRADE to digitize export promotion. The objectives encompassed a comprehensive study to identify the needs for creating and developing a digital platform, evaluate current initiatives, and propose suitable strategies for development and implementation.

The plan modernizes existing processes and prepares for future innovation, covering needs assessments, program evaluations, gap analysis, and the blueprint for an Integrated Trade Event Platform (ITEP). Financial sustainability, security, ROI, monetization, and risk assessment were also addressed, aligning the project with Malaysia’s 12th Plan.

ITEP aims to position MATRADE as a pioneer in owning a comprehensive government-backed digital trade platform. Organizational and operational feasibility, including performance metrics and security benchmarks, was exhaustively analyzed against existing platforms. Unlike other global solutions, ITEP will be government-owned, serving as a one-stop hub for traders and offering a wide range of tools and information.

Revenue generation through ITEP will ensure its long-term sustainability and allow for continuous enhancements. The platform will act as a robust facilitator for trade commissioners globally, expediting business matching and helping Malaysian exporters penetrate international markets. Consequently, the monetization strategy will cover operational costs, maintenance, and future upgrades, contributing to an enriched user experience.

Technical compatibility is vital for ITEP’s success as an integrated platform supporting Malaysia’s export trade ecosystem. Through meticulous planning and execution, ITEP is poised to eliminate redundancies, enhance data exchange, and optimize trade processes, creating a unified, streamlined solution for all stakeholders.

The consultancy work has been executed by UPUM Sdn. Bhd., offering MATRADE a strategic roadmap to transform their export promotion activities digitally. This endeavour not only aims to modernize the export landscape but also adds value by optimizing costs, risks, and stakeholder engagement.