The event was officially launched by YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, who stressed Penang’s strategic ambition:
“Penang has long been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s industrial growth… We are now laying the foundation to become the Silicon Valley of the Talent — a global hub for high tech industries, skilled labour and talent.”
Penang, already central to Malaysia’s industrial backbone, is leveraging its commercial strength to align with fast-growing global sectors, reaffirming its position as a digital transformation hub.
CTOS Director Wong Pau Min emphasized the agency’s broader vision beyond credit reporting:
“Our goal is to go beyond credit reporting — our mission is to become a business partner and ecosystem enabler for Malaysian SMEs… When SMEs thrive, the nation thrives.”
Empowering SMEs: From Risk to Opportunity
The Penang edition was purpose-built to tackle challenges unique to regional SMEs. During the panel “Digitalising the Malaysian SME: Opportunities & Challenges,” representatives from AKPK, Digital Penang, MDEC, SAMENTA, and SME Corp. Malaysia provided practical advice on adopting digital tools while maintaining financial literacy and cybersecurity readiness.
Panellists urged SMEs to view AI not as a job replacement, but as a productivity tool that should complement human capital. The consensus was clear: digitalisation must be strategic, secure, and financially sustainable.
Innovation-Driven Resilience
In the second panel, “Disrupt or Be Disrupted,” entrepreneurs from Boss James Group, Colony, MadebyAnjoe, and StoreHub demonstrated how data-driven decision-making and community-centric branding are reshaping modern SME strategy. They showcased how social media has evolved into a platform not just for marketing, but for cultivating brand loyalty and customer trust.
Another critical session titled “Mitigating Risk from US Tariff Impact: Strategies for Malaysian SMEs” addressed the ongoing export challenges caused by US trade policies. Experts from Baker Tilly and KPMG urged SMEs to diversify market exposure:
“Rising tariffs and increasing trade complexities may lead to higher costs… SMEs were encouraged to explore alternative markets within ASEAN and FTA-linked regions.”
SMEs continuing to export to the US were also advised to maintain compliance with customs regulations, such as securing a Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (NPCO) and staying updated on evolving trade frameworks.
Practical Tools and Strategic Support
Throughout the day, participants had access to practical workshops and demos led by AutoCount, AWS, LHDN, MOCHI Technologies, Pos Malaysia, Samsung, Setlary, Unifi Business, U Business, and Zoho. Topics ranged from e-invoicing and AI integration to sustainability frameworks and financial wellness strategies — all designed to equip SMEs with actionable solutions for a digital-first business environment.
National Rollout Continues
Building on the success of its Kuala Lumpur and Penang stops, CTOS SME Biz Day will continue its roadshow to two key economic regions:
- Johor Bahru – 12 June 2025
- Kuching – 19 August 2025
These sessions will continue to bridge knowledge, technology, and opportunity, enabling more Malaysian SMEs to step confidently into the digital economy.
