Developing the National Standardisation Strategy in Malaysia
63 participants, including 44 women officials from the Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) recently came together in the first among a series of online consultations, training and work sessions supporting the development of a national standardisation strategy (NSS) in Malaysia.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) held a training session in partnership with DSM and in collaboration with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to elaborate upon the ISO methodology for developing the strategy. ISO’s Director of Capacity Building, Erich Kieck, said that the collaboration to support DSM, the ISO member representing Malaysia, is part of ISO’s shared commitment to achieving sustainable development in developing countries. He added, “This workshop will contribute to ensure that national strategic priorities are supported by relevant national and international standards, which is especially critical during the current challenging times.”
This methodology adopts the most suitable approach for the development of a NSS to meet specific needs in Malaysia. It will be implemented step by step and focuses on the standards that are most needed for Malaysian exports. The methodology also provides the basis for contributing to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Due to the obsolescence of the NSS and Action Plan in 2020, the development of a new NSS for Malaysia has become more crucial to support the nation,” explained Siti Mariam Mohd Din, a Senior Principal Assistant Director of Strategic Planning at DSM.
The adoption and use of international standards will help Malaysian public and private sectors achieve SDG targets. Participants found elements of the training beneficial in charting the plan towards developing a NSS.
Siti Mariam also highlighted the importance of the training for DSM officers. “The training provides a comprehensive, systematic and practical approach in the development of a NSS document.” She continued, “It introduces the ISO methodology which provides factual and empirical baselines as the main tools in the development of a credible NSS.” The workshop was organized through the ARISE Plus Malaysia project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
About the project
The ARISE Plus Malaysia project supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country through enhancing sustainable business and investment environments, improving product quality and competitiveness, as well as enhancing sustainable and internationally quality-compliant practices in the agri-food sector.
The three-year project is funded by the European Union (EU) and is a part of its national and regional ARISE Plus projects to support greater connectivity and economic integration in ASEAN.
The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).