Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia continue to receive stronger support through enhanced access to financing and market opportunities as the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), together with SME Corp. Malaysia, strengthens its collaboration with the Kedah Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCCI).
Held in Alor Setar, the SME Financing and Market Access Briefing brought together approximately 400 participants, providing entrepreneurs with valuable information on government financing schemes while creating opportunities to engage directly with financial institutions and alternative funding providers.
Bringing Financing Closer to Malaysian SMEs
Organised by SME Corp. Malaysia under KUSKOP in collaboration with KCCCI, the briefing was officiated by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong.
The initiative forms part of KUSKOP’s ongoing efforts to improve awareness of financing options available to Malaysian SMEs while connecting entrepreneurs directly with organisations that can support their business growth.
By providing face-to-face engagement with financing providers, the programme aims to simplify access to funding and help businesses better understand the financial assistance available to them.
Reducing Barriers to Business Growth
In his keynote address, Steven Sim reaffirmed KUSKOP’s commitment to ensuring that entrepreneurs from all communities have equal access to financing and business support needed to expand their enterprises and compete at a higher level.
He also stressed the ministry’s commitment to reducing bureaucratic processes that often delay financing applications.
“We understand that these improvements cannot happen overnight and may not be perfect immediately. However, if we do not set clear targets, what should take 14 days could easily become 14 months,” he said.
The minister added that KUSKOP’s nationwide roadshow, organised together with SME Corp. Malaysia, has already visited Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Kedah, with additional sessions planned across other states to enable more entrepreneurs to engage directly with agencies under the ministry.
RM117 Million Allocated for SME Development
During the event, SME Corp. Malaysia Chairman Dato’ Teng Chang Khim highlighted several initiatives being implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) to strengthen Malaysia’s SME ecosystem.
He revealed that SME Corp. Malaysia is rolling out eight SME development programmes throughout 2026 with a total allocation of RM117 million dedicated to supporting SMEs nationwide.
Several new initiatives have also been introduced, including:
- BERKAT (Special Financing Programme for Chinese-Owned Enterprises)
- SINAR (People’s Industry and Business Support Programme)
These programmes are designed to improve access to financing while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Malaysian businesses.
Helping SMEs Navigate Economic Challenges
SME Corp. Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Rizal Dato’ Nainy said the current economic climate makes it especially important for SMEs to understand the range of government support available.
He noted that businesses affected by global supply chain disruptions require not only financial assistance, but also capacity-building programmes and improved market access to remain competitive.
As an example, he highlighted the SINAR Programme, which has been allocated RM205 million to help SMEs maintain healthy cash flow and sustain business operations during challenging economic conditions.
Connecting Entrepreneurs with Financing Providers
The briefing featured participation from several financial institutions and alternative financing providers, enabling entrepreneurs to explore a wide range of funding solutions.
Participating organisations included:
- Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN)
- Bank Rakyat
- SME Bank
- Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF)
- Agrobank
- microLEAP PLT
- CapBay
The event also welcomed Dato’ Teng Chang Khim, Rizal Dato’ Nainy and KCCCI President Dato’ Ang Saik Cheong, reflecting the strong collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions and the business community.
Strengthening Malaysia’s SME Ecosystem
The Financing and Market Access Briefing reflects KUSKOP’s broader strategy of making financing more accessible while fostering closer collaboration between entrepreneurs, government agencies and financial institutions.
By expanding awareness of available funding programmes, streamlining application processes and strengthening market access initiatives, KUSKOP and SME Corp. Malaysia aim to equip Malaysian SMEs with the resources needed to grow sustainably, remain competitive and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
