The session, chaired by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, brought together SME Malaysia leadership, including National President Dr Chin Chee Seong, Vice Presidents Anpananthan K, Datuk Wira Naina Mohamed, Datuk Wira Richard Lau Chi Chiang, and Sam Tsen Mun Ket, National Secretary-General Dennix Yeow Wah Fuong, and Council Members Desmond Anil, Calvinn Tay Chok Hong, Dato’ Danny Tan Eng Ching, and Mak Kum Shi. Also present were Tuan Haji Rahman bin Mohd Din, Deputy Secretary-General of KUSKOP, and Rizal Nainy, CEO of SME Corporation Malaysia.
Ministry Direction and Policy Focus
During the session, YB Steven Sim reaffirmed KUSKOP’s commitment to advancing SME development through the Ministry’s “ABCD Strategy”, which focuses on:
- Accelerating productivity and business competitiveness
- Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory complexity
- Improving access to capital and financing channels
- Expanding domestic and international market opportunities
The Minister emphasised that “sustainable SME growth must be anchored in productivity enhancement, scalability and competitiveness,” encouraging SMEs to leverage development programmes, financing facilities, and market access initiatives made available through KUSKOP and its agencies.
SME Malaysia: Strengthening the SME–Government Bridge
SME Malaysia highlighted its role as a national trade association and strategic partner to the Government, representing over 15,000 SMEs across multiple sectors and regions. Supported by 11 state and regional branches and 17 specialised industry and functional bureaus, the Association provides structured advocacy, capacity building, industry engagement, and policy coordination.
The Association stressed the importance of clear communication, effective programme delivery, and structured collaboration between SMEs, policymakers, and implementing agencies to ensure national initiatives translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.
Celebrating 30 Years: SME Malaysia’s Five Pillars Initiatives
In conjunction with its 30th Anniversary, SME Malaysia presented its Five Pillars Initiatives, strategically aligned with national economic priorities and KUSKOP’s policy direction, aimed at strengthening SME competitiveness, resilience, and global reach:
- Nationwide SME Economic Forums and Roadshows – Engaging SMEs with ministries, agencies, and local authorities for practical dialogue and enhanced outreach.
- International Economic Forum – Connecting Malaysian SMEs with global trends, international leaders, and potential foreign partners through curated B2B matchmaking.
- Platinum Business Awards 2026 (PBA2026) – Recognising SME excellence, innovation, and resilience while promoting their contributions to Malaysia’s economic growth.
- SME Go Digital Initiative – Supporting digital adoption and business process transformation, including deploying young digital talents to implement automation and productivity upgrades.
- National SME Global Acceleration Program – Building a cross-border e-commerce and internationalisation ecosystem to support SMEs expanding beyond domestic markets.
Commitment to Continued Collaboration
KUSKOP and SME Corporation Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with SME Malaysia to:
- Strengthen SME awareness and access to financing, grants, and development programmes
- Enhance programme coordination and outreach effectiveness
- Foster stronger public–private collaboration for Malaysia’s SME ecosystem
SME Malaysia will also engage with INSKEN (Institut Keusahawanan Negara), as highlighted by YB Steven Sim. The institute focuses on “Growing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs” through training, mentoring, and capability-building programmes.
Looking Ahead
SME Malaysia plans to organise dedicated dialogue sessions between the Minister and SME members nationwide to strengthen engagement, enhance two-way communication, and gather industry perspectives in support of Malaysia’s SME development.
