SME Bank, a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) Group, has unveiled its new Enterprise Lifecycle Scoring Assessment (ELSA) Mobile App, a mobile-first, AI-powered platform designed to guide entrepreneurs from business diagnostics to market opportunities.
The launch underpins Malaysia’s ASEAN Chair 2025 agenda, highlighting digital transformation through AI, cybersecurity, digital payments and inclusive innovation. SME Bank aims to onboard 10,000 SMEs within the next two years, accelerating the nation’s entrepreneurial growth.
From Insights to Action
According to Hairil Izwar Abd Rahman, Chief Digital & Technology Officer of SME Bank, ELSA marks a major milestone in digital innovation.
“By making ELSA accessible as a mobile app, we are embedding intelligence and accessibility into one platform, enabling SMEs to move from identifying challenges to taking decisive actions that drive growth,” he said.
The app provides SMEs with real-time insights, training, advisory support and access to financing — ensuring a seamless journey from assessment to business expansion.
Financing Made Accessible
Through integration with ModalNiaga, SME Bank’s digital financing platform, and ScoreXcess, entrepreneurs can apply for and track financing directly via the ELSA app. Pre-filled assessment data helps streamline applications, reducing friction and approval time.
This integration ensures SMEs have access to alternative financing opportunities tailored to their business profiles, strengthening their ability to innovate, expand and compete.
Proven Impact and Recognition
First introduced in 2021 as a business lifecycle framework, ELSA has already supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs through collaborations with agencies and partners including the Ministry of Entrepreneurs & Cooperatives Development (MECD), PETRONAS, Prasarana and Johor Petroleum Development Corporation.
Its innovation has been recognised with accolades such as the IDC Future Enterprise Award 2023 and the ADFIAP Technology Award 2025, cementing SME Bank’s role in SME empowerment.
Launch at SME Bank XCESS 2025
The ELSA Mobile App was officially launched during SME Bank XCESS 2025, the Bank’s flagship business matching platform, officiated by YB Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD).
The event gathered industry leaders, government agencies and international buyers, fostering collaboration and opening new market access for Malaysian SMEs.
