BAYAN LEPAS, 27 May 2025 – Despite accounting for 97% of total businesses in Malaysia (1.15 million companies), many SMEs continue to face persistent barriers that hinder their ability to scale regionally and globally. Among the most pressing challenges are financial constraints, limited business networks, low investment in Research and Development, and weak marketing capabilities. These structural issues are compounded by global uncertainties, such as shifting trade tariffs from major economies like the United States, hindering SME growth beyond Malaysia.
Worryingly, fewer than 13% of Malaysian SMEs are currently involved in export markets. This gradual pace of internationalisation persists despite the country’s participation in multiple bilateral and multilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), underscoring a disconnect between available trade opportunities and SME readiness. While government initiatives are increasingly available, many SMEs still struggle to navigate these resources effectively.
This is where CTOS is stepping in — not only to provide access to reliable credit data and financial literacy tools, but also to foster ecosystem-wide collaboration through platforms such as CTOS SME Biz Day 2025. Success will depend not only on policy and initiatives, but on how well businesses leverage these resources — with the right knowledge, tools, and partners to embrace a digital-first future.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CTOS Data Systems Sdn. Bhd., Lee Shin Mei shared, “Recognising that structural challenges often hinder SMEs from seizing regional opportunities, we at CTOS have taken this calling seriously. That is why we aim to go beyond being merely a credit reporting agency, we aspire to be a business partner and enabler for SMEs in Malaysia. With this in mind, CTOS SME Biz Day was developed as a platform to bring together the entire business ecosystem, from government bodies to corporate entities, to provide the support SMEs need to gear up for growth. This is not just another business conference. It is a collaborative ecosystem designed to elevate businesses and empower entrepreneurs with the right mindset and tools to become future-ready.”
Driving Digital Readiness with Key Conversations SMEs
Following a momentous start in Kuala Lumpur, CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 now continues its nationwide rollout in Penang, offering a vital platform for the SME ecosystem to enhance their knowledge, tools, and networks. This series of events is designed to empower SMEs across Malaysia to embrace digitalisation, transformation, and innovation, ultimately becoming Future-Forward SMEs. The Penang edition of CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 will be held at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Bayan Lepas, on 12 June 2025, starting at 9.00 AM.
To date, over 170 SMEs in Penang have benefited from the Malaysia Digital grant—an encouraging start, but many more must embrace digital transformation to compete on a global stage. At CTOS SME Biz Day in Penang, CTOS is taking the lead in sparking critical conversations that matter most to today’s SMEs. Key discussion areas include:
- Mitigating Risks from U.S. Tariff Impact: An insightful panel session into how global trade shifts, particularly U.S. tariffs, may affect local businesses, as well as strategies SMEs can adopt to manage exposure and build resilience.
- Navigating E-Invoicing: A practical guide to transitioning from traditional methods to digital financial management and compliance, featuring expert speakers from relevant government bodies.
- Digital Tools & Management: Business solutions that streamline operations, secure data and information, and safeguard financial health against costly risks, presented by CTOS and partners.
Future-Forward Leaders Take Centre Stage in Penang
To inspire this journey, CTOS SME Biz Day will spotlight an esteemed panel of future-forward entrepreneurs, business experts, and government leaders who will share their insights. Confirmed speakers include:
- YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II, Pulau Pinang
- Dr Rasyidah Che Rosli, Director, E-Invoicing, LHDN
- Christopher Liew, Senior Channel Sales Manager, AutoCount
- Caressa Cheng, General Manager, Next Generation Solutions, Unifi Business
- Leslie Goh, Regional Director, Head of Enterprise Business, Samsung Southeast Asia and Oceania
- Arun Surendran, ISV Malaysia Enterprise Solution Architect, AWS Malaysia
- Nurul Zahirah Ayob, State Director, Penang State Office, SME Corp.
- Noorhaliza Abu Bakar, Branch Head, AKPK Penang
- Khooi Chu Boon, Director, SME & Community Development, Digital Penang
- Sivarao Aparahu, Senior Manager, Digital Financing & Islamic Digital Economy Department, MDEC
- Yeoh Seng Hooi, Hon. Secretary General, SAMENTA
- Kevin Lee, CEO, MOCHI Technologies
- Jarod Ho, Head of Sustainability, Pos Malaysia
- Fong Wai Hong, Chieftain & Co-Founder, StoreHub
- James Ng (Boss James), Founder, Boss James Group
- Timothy Tiah, Co-Founder, Colony Coworking & Event Space
- Anjoe Koh, Founder, Anjoe Raw Beaute
- Khoo Chia Ching, Regional Marketing Manager (APAC), Zoho
- Ang Gee Guan, Group COO/CTO, Setlary
- Marcus Tan, Executive Director, Tax, Baker Tilly
- Huang Shu Yang, Tax Director, KPMG
- Saudah Mat Isa, Director, MATRADE Northern Region
Make Business History — Grow with Us
As one of the largest SME events in the region, CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 Penang is not to be missed. The event is completely free and thoughtfully curated for your business growth. Secure your tickets now at https://www.ticketmelon.com/ctos/smebizdaypg .
To learn more about CTOS and its initiatives, visit http://www.ctoscredit.com.my/ .
