A Platform to Empower Malaysia’s SMEs
Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank”) hosted the second edition of the Alliance Bank BizSmart® Business Conference 2025 (ABBBC2025), uniting more than 700 entrepreneurs and business leaders under the theme “Boundaries Reimagined: Bridging Innovation with Vision.”
As Malaysia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face rapid digital transformation, shifting customer expectations, and funding challenges, the conference delivered practical insights and strategies to help them adapt and grow sustainably.
Building Real Connections Beyond Banking
In his keynote, Mr. Kellee Kam, Group CEO of Alliance Bank, emphasised the importance of genuine connection between businesses and their customers.
Recognition alone doesn’t build loyalty; real connection does. At Alliance Bank, our focus is not just on being noticed in the marketplace, but on building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and business owners. Through the ABBBC2025, we are proving that we don’t just talk about supporting businesses; we stand alongside them, championing their growth with actions that matter. This is what it means to be The Bank For Life for our business customers,” he said.
The conference’s success reflects Alliance Bank’s growing influence as a key partner for Malaysia’s entrepreneurial community.
Thought Leaders Share Strategies for the Future
ABBBC2025 featured 25 influential speakers across nine sessions, covering sectors from retail and F&B to technology and professional services. Notable speakers included Dato’ Calvin from Oriental Kopi, Datin Dr. Winnie Loo from A Cut Above, Timothy Tiah from Colony Coworking Space, and Yeoh Chen Chow from 1% Advisory & Coaching.
Each session tackled real-world challenges such as scaling sustainably, embracing digital tools, and adapting leadership styles for a new business era. Furthermore, curated discussions on AI, digital disruption, and women in entrepreneurship provided practical insights for SMEs eager to future-proof their operations.
Championing Innovation and Inclusivity
ABBBC2025 also featured BizSmart® Challenge alumni including Superdough, Ventamin, Mindhive, BioLoop, Gula Cakery, and HiiVolt. Their success stories demonstrated how access to mentorship, capital, and market networks continues to empower Malaysia’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Bank also announced its role as Title Sponsor of the Cradle LIVE! Startup ASEAN Summit 2025, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing innovation and building a regional ecosystem for SME growth.
Reimagining the Future of Business
The conference’s strong turnout – up from 500 participants in 2024 – highlights the increasing appetite among Malaysian SMEs for knowledge-sharing platforms that deliver real solutions and long-term growth strategies.
Through the BizSmart® Challenge and its related initiatives, Alliance Bank continues to position itself as more than a financial partner – it is a growth enabler, providing entrepreneurs with the resources and relationships they need to thrive in an ever-changing economy.
For more information, visit www.alliancebank.com.my/bizsmart-business-conference.
