In a bold move to fast-track Bumiputera businesses into the capital market, Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today launched the Bumiputera Rapid Acceleration & Value Enhancement (BRAVE) program – a new national initiative backed by RM15 million in funding from the Bumiputera Development Special Fund (DKPB).
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) and implemented through SME Corp. Malaysia, BRAVE aims to equip high-performing Bumiputera SMEs with capacity-building, strategic mentorship, and access to alternative financing, all in preparation for listing on Bursa Malaysia.
“Fifteen companies will be selected for the initial phase, with five receiving intensive mentoring to be IPO-ready by the end of 2025,” said YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid.
“And I hope at least two Bumiputera companies will be successfully listed this year itself. Yes, this year. We must aim high.”
He also set a long-term vision for BRAVE 2030, targeting the listing of 5 to 10 new Bumiputera companies on Bursa Malaysia over the next five years.
Public-Private Collaboration for Scalable Impact
The BRAVE program harnesses the power of public-private partnerships, with the government offering strategic support and a platform for growth, while private financial intermediaries and expert partners provide market insights, risk evaluation, and access to investor networks.
Key collaborators include:
- Malaysia Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)
- Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC)
- Deloitte Consulting Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- Nusa Kapital Sdn Bhd, serving as the appointed financial intermediary
Eligible companies may receive financing of up to RM1 million at a 3.5% profit rate, with rebates of up to 20% for those meeting program criteria.
Building IPO-Ready Enterprises
According to SME Corp. CEO Rizal Dato’ Nainy, BRAVE’s dual-track approach – combining governance training, risk and compliance assessments, and investor matching – is aligned with SME Corp’s goal of scaling up the number of mid-tier Bumiputera SMEs from 1.8% to 5% by 2030.
Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Datuk Ewon Benedick, added that BRAVE is more than just another support program – it reflects the government’s deep commitment to unlocking the unrealized potential of high-performing SMEs through targeted acceleration, guidance, and investor confidence-building.
