The first-ever national event on branding and packaging innovation on Aug 11 has set the stage for the development of Malaysian brands capable of penetrating global markets with world-class products.

The event is a first step to boost the competitiveness of the local consumer goods industry, particularly rural industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the National Branding and Packaging Innovation Exhibition and Conference 2005 at the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology-Malaysia Design Innovation Centre. MDI is the professional arm of Limkokwing.

The launch was followed by several groundbreaking activities related to branding and packaging.

First, the Prime Minister opened a new Malaysia Branding and Packaging Design Centre, to be based at Limkokwing.

Abdullah then launched the Terengganu brand and franchise, the first such endeavour by a State Government to position its products for the global market.

The Premier also witnessed the signing and exchange of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Limkokwing and industry partners for collaboration on capacity building in branding and packaging innovation.

The event was in line with the national agenda to sharpen the country’s competitiveness as envisioned by the Prime Minister, who has said he would lead the charge in branding Malaysia.