Kuala Lumpur, 18 December 2025 – Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) commemorated 20 years of progress and purpose, building a legacy of transformative entrepreneurial support and national development.
Since 2005, SME Bank has channelled over RM50 billion in approved financing to more than 26,000 customers nationwide. Beyond financing, SME Bank has empowered over 90,000 entrepreneurs and strengthened Malaysia’s MSME ecosystem, with these developmental achievements and performance firmly aligned with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (“BNM”) Performance Measurement Framework (“PMF”) and the Government’s MADANI economic framework.
Driving Inclusive and High-Impact Financing
SME Bank’s Relief President and Chief Executive Officer, Samad Majid Zain, said, “Year-to date in 2025, we have achieved over RM4 billion in approved financing across almost 700 SMEs, further strengthening our role as one of the nation’s inclusive and high impact Development Financial Institutions (“DFIs”). These achievements build upon the over RM50 billion in approved financing accumulated over the past two decades, which is a testament to our catalytic role in driving national progress and strengthening Malaysia’s economic competitiveness.”
“Malaysia is home to 1.08 million MSMEs, representing 96.1% of all business establishments, with micro enterprises making up more than 70%. This segment continues to power our nation’s growth, contributing RM652.4 billion, or 39.5% of GDP in 2024. Our mandate has always been clear, which is to empower the SME ecosystem throughout their lifecycle.” He added.
Beyond financing, SME Bank adopts a holistic development approach to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities.
Through its Beyond Financing proposition, we deliver targeted capacity-building programmes including business coaching, market access support and digital upskilling initiatives namely Maju Usahawan MADANI, the Halal Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Program Pembangunan Kapasiti Vendor and the Business Exports Programme. These initiatives equip entrepreneurs with the capabilities to scale, modernise and compete regionally and globally,” Samad Majid Zain elaborated.
HONOURING OUTSTANDING MALAYSIAN ENTREPRENEURS
In conjunction with this significant milestone, SME Bank hosted its 20th Anniversary Entrepreneur Awards on 17 December 2025 at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The event honoured eight outstanding Malaysian MSMEs whose remarkable achievements showcase the very best of innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial excellence.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s dynamic MSME landscape, uniting distinguished guests, industry partners and policy leaders to recognise exceptional impact and contribution. Reflecting SME Bank’s strategic priorities and developmental mandate, the award categories were thoughtfully curated to showcase the diverse strengths and achievements across the nation’s MSME ecosystem.
- SME Bank Entrepreneur of the Year – Konsortium E-Mutiara Berhad
The highest honour presented to an outstanding entrepreneur who demonstrates exceptional business performance, innovation, leadership, and societal impact. - SME Bank Legacy Achievement Award – Ramly Food Processing Sdn Bhd
Special tribute to a long-standing SME Bank client whose growth journey mirrors the Bank’s 20-year commitment to empowering MSMEs. - Sustainability and Innovation Award – Evergreen Corporate Sdn Bhd
Recognises MSMEs that have integrated sustainability and innovation to drive operational excellence and competitiveness. - Digital Transformation Award – Cybersolution Technologies Sdn Bhd
Honours MSMEs that successfully adopt digital tools and strategies to enhance growth, visibility, and customer engagement. - Export Excellence Award – Heng Hiap Industries Sdn Bhd
Celebrates MSMEs that have demonstrated success in penetrating international markets and contributing to Malaysia’s export performance. - Women Entrepreneur Award – Glide Technology Sdn Bhd
Recognises female leaders who exemplify innovation, impact and empowerment in business. - SME Rising Star Award – Bubbles O2 Sdn Bhd & Sanwa Tours (M) Sdn Bhd
Celebrates emerging leaders (aged 40 and below) who demonstrate boldness, creativity, and sustainable business practices.
CHARTING THE NEXT PHASE OF TRANSFORMATION
Looking ahead, SME Bank will continue to strengthen the MSME ecosystem through targeted financing solutions and capacity building programmes that enhance competitiveness, resilience and innovation. This direction is further reinforced by the National Budget 2026 announcement, which mandated SME Bank to implement strategic national programmes amounting to nearly RM2 billion.
Samad Majid Zain emphasised, “Moving forward, we will continue prioritising high-potential sectors including Bumiputera enterprises, technology and digital adoption, climate-aligned industries, as well as the Halal and tourism ecosystems, to drive sustainable growth and elevate Malaysia’s SME landscape.”
