Kuala Lumpur, 26 May – In a key engagement held alongside the 46th ASEAN Summit, Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry, Ma. Cristina A. Roque, met with the SME Association of Malaysia to explore deeper cross-border collaboration and reinforce regional support mechanisms for SMEs.
The dialogue centred on strategic areas such as SME digitalisation, cooperation in the halal and innovation sectors, and expanding investment access for entrepreneurs across the ASEAN region.
Secretary Roque expressed the Philippines’ strong commitment to regional inclusivity and extended a formal invitation to the SME Association of Malaysia to participate in the 48th ASEAN SME Summit to be hosted by the Philippines in 2026.
“We are eager to build stronger economic bridges with Malaysian SMEs as part of our broader push for inclusive regional growth,” said Roque.
Dr. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, welcomed the invitation and emphasized the importance of ongoing regional dialogue.
“This meeting reaffirms our mutual commitment to advancing SME development through strategic cooperation,” said Dr. Chin. “We look forward to strengthening our ASEAN ties through shared initiatives and dialogue.”
Representing Malaysia were senior SME Association leaders including National Vice Presidents Datuk Ada Poon and Ms. Michelle Siow, National Assistant Secretary General Dato’ Dr. Danny Mah, and National Council Member Dato’ Dr. Danny Tan.
The Philippine delegation also included Ms. Norjamin Gallardo-Delos Reyes, Commercial Counsellor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Kuala Lumpur, along with senior DTI officials.
The meeting underscores a shared ambition to elevate SME participation within the ASEAN Economic Community and foster sustainable growth through regional collaboration.
