RHB Banking Group has expanded its Santuni MADANI initiative to Kedah, adopting Kampung Seberang Perak in Alor Setar to support local entrepreneurship, financial literacy and community development.
The initiative forms part of the bank’s three-year commitment, launched in 2025 under the Government’s “Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung” initiative. RHB has committed nearly RM1 million across Kedah and Johor over the three-year period, with RM500,000 invested to date.
“Meaningful community development begins with listening. By understanding each community’s priorities and aspirations, we can work with the right partners to strengthen livelihoods, build capabilities and create opportunities that support sustained progress,” said RHB Banking Group Chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir.
In Kampung Seberang Perak, the programme focuses on helping local entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and reach wider markets, equipping young people with practical financial knowledge, and improving facilities used by the wider community.
BANGKIT Programme Helps 30 Micro-Entrepreneurs Prepare for Export
A key component of the Kedah initiative is BANGKIT – Export Readiness with RHB, delivered in collaboration with the Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN).
The programme supports 30 local micro-entrepreneurs who sell their own products, helping them strengthen their business capabilities and prepare to enter wider markets.
Training covers export market readiness, market-entry strategies, packaging and labelling, certification and compliance requirements, logistics and documentation. Participants also receive three months of personalised coaching and performance monitoring to help them apply what they have learnt and track key business indicators.
The participating businesses reflect the diversity of Malaysia’s micro-enterprise sector. Food and beverage businesses account for 67% of participants, covering products such as baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, desserts, ice cream and cooking pastes. Women make up 67% of participants, while half of the businesses have been operating for fewer than five years.
The entrepreneurs come from 13 locations, with 90% based in Kedah and the remaining 10% in Penang.
MSMEs Remain Important to Malaysia’s Economy
Supporting micro and small businesses remains a national priority given the contribution of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to Malaysia’s economy.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, MSMEs contributed 39.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), 48.7% of total employment and 14.7% of total exports in 2025.
These figures highlight the importance of helping smaller businesses improve their competitiveness, prepare for exporting and access broader markets.
Through BANGKIT, RHB aims to equip participating entrepreneurs with the knowledge and support needed to strengthen their operations and explore opportunities beyond their existing customer base.
Community Facilities and School Infrastructure Upgraded
Beyond business development, RHB has supported improvements to the Masjid Al-Ihsan Community Hall in Kampung Seberang Perak.
Completed in September 2026, the upgraded facility provides a more conducive and accessible space for community activities, learning programmes and gatherings. It is expected to benefit approximately 750 households, or around 3,000 residents.
The bank has also contributed air-conditioning units to the information and communications technology (ICT) laboratory at SK Seberang Perak, benefiting approximately 170 students.
These improvements form part of the initiative’s wider effort to strengthen community facilities and support access to learning opportunities.
Financial Literacy Programmes Reach 724 Students
RHB’s financial literacy efforts have reached 724 students from SK Dato Shaari and SMK Tunku Abdul Malik.
The programmes aim to build practical financial knowledge and encourage responsible financial habits from an early age, helping students develop a stronger foundation for managing money.
The Kedah initiative is delivered with support from institutional and community partners, including INSKEN, Masjid Al-Ihsan, SK Dato Shaari, SMK Tunku Abdul Malik and SK Seberang Perak.
During the launch event, Institut Jantung Negara provided healthcare services to residents. Other participating organisations included Lembaga Tabung Haji, Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah, Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad, Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja and As-Salihin Trustee.
RHB Aims to Empower 2.5 Million People and Businesses Across ASEAN
To date, RHB’s Santuni MADANI initiatives across Kedah and Johor have benefited 5,874 individuals, including households, students and micro-entrepreneurs.
Through its focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship development and community empowerment, the initiative also supports RHB’s broader ambition to empower 2.5 million individuals and businesses across ASEAN by 2027.
The bank’s programmes combine business training, educational support and community infrastructure improvements to address local needs while creating opportunities for longer-term development.
