Strategic Collaboration for SME Advancement
The programme was held in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, and Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (SJPP). This public-private partnership underscores a collective push to provide SMEs with access to expertise, resources, and tools for business growth.
Driving Entrepreneurial Agility and Innovation
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chin Chee Seong, National President of SME Malaysia, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to nurturing agile and globally competitive SMEs. He called on entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in response to the demands of an increasingly digital and borderless economy.
Government Push for Digital Trade and Export Readiness
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Ezzwanee Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Export Advisory & Training Unit at MATRADE, highlighted the government’s strategy for boosting digital trade. She introduced the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform—a government initiative aimed at streamlining business matching, enhancing e-commerce capabilities, providing access to market intelligence, and offering holistic trade solutions to help SMEs scale globally.
Unlocking Financing Through Government Guarantee Schemes
Ms. Khairul Ashikin Md Yasin, Senior Manager at SJPP, explained the role of government-backed guarantee schemes in facilitating SME financing. By reducing lending risks for financial institutions, SJPP enables more SMEs to access much-needed working capital and investment funding, especially for international expansion.
Expanding Market Access Through Digital Innovation
Complementing these financing initiatives, Mr. Radihisham bin Ismail from MATRADE’s Market Development Section discussed digital strategies that open global markets to local businesses. He highlighted MATRADE’s efforts to empower SMEs through targeted outreach and technology-driven support.
Tailored Financing Solutions for Exporting SMEs
Mr. Tan Yang Pin, Regional Head of SME Banking at Bank Islam, introduced the SME Exporter Financing Program, designed specifically for MATRADE-registered SMEs. The programme provides preferential rates and up to 80% guarantee coverage through SJPP, helping businesses meet both working capital and capital expenditure needs. He further emphasised Bank Islam’s role as a strategic partner, offering support beyond financing—such as Halal certification guidance, ESG transformation, and women-led business empowerment
Bridging Knowledge With Opportunity
The programme was led by Datin Katherine Leong, Organising Chairlady of SME Compass 3.0, who brought together key players from both public and private sectors.
“Our goal with SME Compass 3.0 is simple: to help SMEs find clarity and confidence in pursuing growth, whether through grants, guaranteed loans, or export assistance. We believe knowledge is the first step toward opportunity,” she stated
A Platform Empowering Women and Export-Ready Enterprises
SME Compass 3.0 stands as a timely and impactful platform that equips Malaysian entrepreneurs—especially women-led enterprises—with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic economy. As the country pushes toward greater inclusivity and global competitiveness, initiatives like this remain vital for empowering the SME sector.
