KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is establishing a RM1 billion High Tech Facility-National Investment Aspirations (HTF-HIA), as announced under Budget 2021, to provide additional assistance for high-tech and innovation-driven SMEs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Eligible SMEs include those in advanced manufacturing and services sectors that are aligned to deliver national strategic long-term development goals as outlined in the NIAs including those in the electric and electronic (E&E), aerospace, pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors, as well as research and development (R&D)-driven firms supporting the development of emerging technologies. Also eligible for the facility are SME project participants in key government programmes involved in research, development and innovation for critical technologies identified under national blueprints.