Media Centre

Terengganu has become the first state in the country to launch its own brand and franchise, a bold move designed to turn it into the most progressive and innovative state outside the Klang Valley.

The Terengganu brand and its first two franchise, T-Lekor and T-Dagang, are the initial steps by the state to upgrade the image and quality of its local products to compete in the global market.

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi unveiled the Terengganu logo in the presence of Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh and its State Executive Councillors recently.

The unveiling was held in conjunction with the National Branding and Packaging Innovation Exhibition and Conference 2005 at Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology-Malaysia Design Innovation Centre (Limkokwing-MDI) in Cyberjaya. MDI is the professional arm of Limkokwing.

The Prime Minister also launched the new Malaysia Branding and Packaging Design Centre that is set to enhance national efforts in branding, design and innovation.

The Terengganu brand and franchise were developed by Limkokwing-MDI in collaboration with the Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU).

Terengganu’s franchise of its traditional products will eventually include other food products, woven fabric like batik and songket, and handicraft.

Earlier, YPU and Limkokwing-MDI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a collaborative programme to transform Terengganu via creativity and innovation.

Under the MoU, Limkokwing-MDI is appointed the consultant for brand development and design innovation in packaging, R&D for product and brand innovation, and training in marketing strategies and development of global opportunities.

The university is to run programmes at YPU in such areas as architecture, packaging & product development, and wood carving technology.

Part of Terengganu’s economic development agenda, the collaboration involves capacity building for rural industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). YPU’s long-term plans include Satu Daerah Satu Industri (one district, one industry) that is aimed at enhancing rural industry and help local businesses penetrate the global market.

An important goal is to develop capable and innovative entrepreneurs and SMEs in Terengganu who can compete on a national and subsequently international level.

The programme also seeks to inject modernisation into all forms of traditional industries, with innovation in branding and packaging as a key component in quality perception to penetrate global markets.