SME Webinar in Indonesia: Promoting Secure Digital Payments for Indonesian SMEs

The US-ASEAN Business Council is pleased to introduce a new initiative, COVID-19 SME Webinar Series: Promoting Secure Digital Payments for Indonesian SMEs as a part of the ASEAN SME Academy.
Indonesian SMEs have a prominent role in driving the Indonesia economy. SMEs have absorbed 11.68 million or around 60% of the total Indonesian workforce, which is also accounted for 60.34% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018. However, they are also among the most affected important players during the COVID-19 crisis. Given the importance of SME and the most recent projection of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ? which lowered the GDP growth projection for 2020 to 0.5% from 5.0% in the prior year ? it is vital for SMEs to be more resilient amid the disruption and to protect Indonesia?s economic stability.
Although the economic slowdown seems unavoidable, this is an opportunity to leverage the power of the internet and accelerate the pace of digitalization. Choosing the right digital tools and maximizing digital payments will increase access to goods and services while in quarantine or social distancing is of paramount importance. The benefits of using digital payments are limiting in-person transactions and ensuring consumers can buy essentials from the comfort of their homes.
However, as the world becomes more digital, it also carries risks and disadvantages. The inadequate internet protection system and cybersecurity attacks have been big issues in Indonesia. Therefore, as Indonesia?s digital economy is the largest in Asia and valued at US$ 40 billion, it is important to manage and protect digital activity, including businesses to ensure safe operation.

Objectives

• Helping SMEs to adapting with the COVID-19 crisis and to continuously strive in the New Normal.
• Promoting the benefits of digital payments and to upscale SMEs? digital skills to be more competitive.
• Introducing the importance of cybersecurity for small business.

• 120 minutes of virtual sessions.
• Live recording using Zoom webinar.