Emerging economy: digital transformation and business performance: investigating the relationship among SMES in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Digital Transformation (DT) has become a necessity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs represent 98.5% of all enterprises in Malaysia, with a contribution of around 38.2% of total GDP recorded in 2020 DT is changing the way business is conducted from an economic and business point of view, primarily driven by the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, social media, cloud computing, and mobile technology. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between DT and SMEs' business performance. Using quantitative research approach, an online questionnaire was developed and distributed. Targeted respondents were from SMEs operating in the Central Region of Malaysia. The finding signifies a moderate and significant correlation between DT and business performance among SMEs in Malaysia. This study will help SME management justify allocating resources required for technological infrastructure and expertise. Policymakers will find it helpful to devise suitable strategies for developing human capital and technical requirements for business development.

Keywords

• digital transformation
• business performance
• social media
• cloud computing
• big data analytics