Business

Telco and Banking Leaders Partner to Boost SME Digital Transformation

In a landmark initiative to drive digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, GlobalLinker, and Databox Technologies. This collaboration, titled “Commercial Bank LEAP GlobalLinker,” is an innovative web solution designed to empower entrepreneurs through digital marketing and e-commerce.

Dialog Enterprise, a premier digital innovation catalyst, partners with Commercial Bank as the technology partner for their e-commerce platform, Commercial Bank LEAP GlobalLinker. This collaboration mobilizes the digital marketing capabilities of SMEs in Sri Lanka. GlobalLinker, a B2B business networking platform with commerce capabilities, enhances the digital discoverability of SME businesses. Databox Technologies, the managed service provider, ensures seamless integration and technical support. Together, they aim to set a new standard in the digital marketplace for SMEs in Sri Lanka.

This initiative provides digital marketing and e-commerce facilities, enabling entrepreneurs to create their own e-stores, connect with each other, and engage in buying and selling both locally and internationally. The network hub is designed to cater to the unique needs of SMEs, offering tools and support necessary to thrive in the digital economy. By leveraging the GlobalLinker platform, the endeavor aims to empower existing and new SMEs with advanced communication and digital technologies to enhance their business capabilities.

Navin Pieris, Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Enterprise Officer, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with such innovative, dedicated, and like-minded companies, working towards a common cause. This solution is a testament to our commitment to driving digital transformation and providing SMEs with the technology they need to compete and succeed in today’s digital landscape.”

Sivasubramaniam Ganeshan, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC Assistant General Manager of Personal Banking III/SME, added: “This partnership is a significant step forward in empowering small and medium entrepreneurs. By creating a comprehensive digital marketplace, we are not only providing business loans but also enabling a robust ecosystem where SMEs can flourish. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on the entrepreneurial community.”

Under the terms of the MoU, Dialog Enterprise will leverage its technological expertise to support the platform’s infrastructure, while Commercial Bank will spearhead market creation and onboarding of entrepreneurs. GlobalLinker will ensure the platform’s development and technical robustness, while Databox Technologies will provide managed services, including payment gateway integration and ongoing technical support.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation journey for SMEs, offering them a powerful, user-friendly platform to expand their reach and grow their businesses.