Kuala Lumpur: 9 December 2025 – The Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (“CEDAR”), the dedicated capacity building and training arm of Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia (“SME Bank”), has empowered more than 3,000 micro entrepreneurs nationwide through the Maju Usahawan MADANI (“MUM”) initiative.
Mandated under the National Budget 2025 with an RM2 million Government allocation, the MUM initiative reflects a strong collective effort to strengthen Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape. Delivered by CEDAR, the programme continues to uplift underserved groups through inclusive and practical development support and has strengthened the foundations of women, youth led and early-stage enterprises. This direction aligns closely with the MADANI Economic Framework and the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 in advancing inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Amirul Imran Ahmat, Chief Executive Officer of CEDAR said, “The strong response to the MUM initiative, which has supported more than 3,000 micro-entrepreneurs across 90 cohorts nationwide through both on-ground and hybrid online delivery, reflects the rising ambition of Malaysia’s homegrown entrepreneurs. The participation of 1,256 (42%) female entrepreneurs and 757 (25%) youth entrepreneurs highlights the programme’s impact on two integral segments shaping the nation’s entrepreneurial landscape.
We truly value the Government’s continued confidence in CEDAR, strengthened further under the expanded mandate in the National Budget 2026, which includes another RM2 million allocation. This support reinforces our drive to nurture even more high-potential entrepreneurs in the year ahead, and the continuation of the MUM initiative under Budget 2026 affirms this long-term commitment.”
“CEDAR is stepping up our game by strengthening MSMEs’ financial discipline, accelerating digital and AI adoption and embedding ESG practices to build resilient enterprises. Malaysia’s latest data shows stronger participation from women and youth, with women owning 20.1% of businesses and youth-led firms generating RM80.7 billion in output and more than 374,000 jobs.
Growing focus on rural entrepreneurs presents an opportunity to widen targeted support, making the MUM initiative essential in equipping underserved groups with practical skills in AI, business strategy, financial readiness, digital enablement and sustainability. Looking ahead, we will continue scaling our coaching interventions and collaborations to build a more competitive MSME ecosystem,” Amirul Imran elaborated.
Driving Digital, Financial and ESG Readiness Among MSMEs
To date, CEDAR has empowered nearly 88,000 entrepreneurs through more than 3,500 structured training programmes in soft skills, financial literacy, strategy, innovation and digital adoption.
This capacity building support is complemented by access to SME Bank’s financing and beyond financing programmes, including close to RM2 billion in strategic initiatives announced under the National Budget 2026. Together, these programmes strengthen entrepreneurial growth in tourism, export driven industries, technology and Industry 4.0, the Halal ecosystem, sustainability and low carbon transition, women entrepreneurship, franchise development and social enterprise empowerment.
With MSMEs forming more than 90% of Malaysia’s business landscape, CEDAR’s targeted initiatives reinforce national economic resilience, support job creation and enhance long-term competitiveness.
