The biennial MSC Malaysia SCORE+ Programme critically and holistically analyses and grades the performance of MSC Malaysia status companies with a view toward increasing their effectiveness and competitiveness in global markets. By accurately identifying the strengths and gaps among MSC Malaysia companies the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) is able to follow-up with targeted support.

Following the initial survey, the 74 top scoring companies were selected for further analysis and grading by IDC in order to generate even deeper understanding of these companies’ competitive indicators. This exercise was geared towards identifying companies with the potential to go global and to provide appropriate support to accelerate their business growth and global expansion.

IDC executed a multiphase approach to identify the MSC Malaysia status companies with the highest global potentials. Each phase subjected the companies to increasing levels of scrutiny and evaluation with the top performers being selected to advance to the next stage.

In the first phase, IDC verified the information gathered in the SCORE+ survey and conducted further evaluation based on the ISIS Innovation Limited' s ISIS 7Ps. This model uses 7 indexes and 26 indicators to provide a deeper analysis of the selected MSC Malaysia status companies.

This information allowed IDC to filter and segment the 74 companies into four quadrants Laggards, Potentials, Solution Driven and Global Potentials in the second phase and to identify the top 16% companies to advance to the third phase.

In this phase, IDC performed Structural Analysis on the selected companies using Porter’s 5-Forces, SWOT analysis, Revenue Change, Strategic Analysis and the ISIS 7Ps. The companies were re-scored based on five criteria - Research & Development, Change of Target Market, Adaptation to Change, Go-to-Market Strategy and Strategic Alliances and 13 sub-criteria therein.

IDC completed the third phase by identifying MSC Malaysia status companies that had the greatest potential to go global. These companies were the ones who were ready to or were already playing in the global space, with the necessary strengths and processes readily deployed, and who also showcased strength in human resource, technical competency, and industry specific expertise.

In their report at the conclusion of the Benchmarking Exercise, IDC states that they witnessed an apparent conflict between the pursuit of the short-term goal and the realisation of long-term vision among the 74 companies they evaluated. Project-based companies were more inclined to sacrifice and even ignore their long-term vision in pursuit of short-term return on investment.

While the immediate economic imperative is understood and appreciated, these MSC Malaysia status companies must commit themselves to a convergence of business strategies and operational maturity across their organizations. IDC advocated that it is by achieving business excellence internally that MSC Malaysia status companies will successfully articulate and realize these benefits for their customers. To achieve long-term success in global markets, MSC Malaysia status companies must have Vision, a Mission, clear Direction and sound Strategy.

MSC Malaysia status companies must cultivate a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic qualities that are essential to their success. Intrinsic factors are:

• Passion: a dedicate focus to drive the companies Vision to completion, the sheer will to succeed;

• People: a workforce of like-minded people who share the same goals and motivation and who possess key skill sets; and

• Perseverance: the dogged determination that overcomes setbacks and keeps the business going in the face of adversity.

And extrinsic factors are:

• Market Trends: a comprehensive understanding of the forces that are shaping the way business is done and affecting the company’s business;

• Innovation: a commitment to market thought and product leadership and to continuously finding better ways to serve customers

• Global Standards: increasing confidence in the company through sound corporate governance and adopting industry best practices

The findings of the IDC Benchmarking Exercise will be used to further accelerate the development of MSC Malaysia status companies into global players.

MDeC will also develop and conduct workshops that address the identified needs of groups of companies that face similar challenges. This will allow focused support to overcome the pain-points within these groups and promote greater success in helping MSC Malaysia status companies compete in global markets.