According to Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, the collaboration underscores the bank’s developmental mission to unlock access to financial solutions, digital enablement, and capacity-building programmes. He highlighted the potential of the partnership to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem through integration of BSN’s extensive microfinance network with SME Bank’s digital platforms, especially the ScoreXcess portal—a one-stop business financing application tool managed by SME Bank’s training and capacity-building arm, Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR).
“By leveraging our combined institutional strengths, this partnership marks a significant milestone for the DFI ecosystem. It enables tailored financial solutions and advisory support that meet the evolving demands of Malaysia’s dynamic SMEs,” said Dr Hardee.
Supporting SMEs Across Their Growth Journey
SME Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, including scaling opportunities for BSN customers once they are ready to expand. The bank’s broad portfolio includes strategic initiatives like the SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF) and Pembiayaan Ekosistem Payung, both aimed at enhancing resilience, innovation, and scalability within structured ecosystems.
Additionally, SME Bank continues to mobilise national resources, including Bank Negara Malaysia’s High Tech & Green Facility (HTG), to enable SMEs to grow within high-impact, sustainable sectors.
Driving Impact Through Digital Innovation
From 2021 to 2024, SME Bank’s digital transformation—anchored by platforms such as ScoreXcess, ELSA, and ODELA—has directly supported nearly 5,000 SMEs in strategic sectors. These platforms provide a holistic digital ecosystem that enhances not only access to financing but also structured business assessments and market entry opportunities.
Through this collaboration, ScoreXcess has already facilitated 89 financing applications totaling RM3.2 million, further showcasing the reach and effectiveness of digital tools in strengthening Malaysia’s SME backbone.
Collaboration Formalised at BSN Mikro Madani Carnival
The MoU exchange took place during the Karnival BSN Mikro Madani – Zon Pantai Timur, where Hamdan Mohd Habibollah, Acting Chief Corporate Strategy Officer of SME Bank, and Mujibburrahman Abd Rashid, Deputy Chief Executive of BSN, represented their respective institutions. This symbolic event marked the beginning of a long-term partnership designed to create greater synergy between financial empowerment and grassroots entrepreneurship.
