KUALA LUMPUR, 29 April 2025 – Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has entrenched its position and reputation as one of Malaysia’s leading Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) by scoring wins on multiple accolades at the 2025 ADFIAP Sustainable Development Awards in Muscat, Oman. The Bank also achieved its first win at the Marketing-Interactive Public Relations Awards 2025 as their reward for pioneering communication initiatives tailored towards micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
After twelve consecutive years of recognition by the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), SME Bank won honours across multiple categories for its outside-the-box forward-thinking solutions and programmes tailor-made to uplife and transform Malaysia’s SME landscape.
“These prestigious recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to national development and sustainable business growth,” said Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank. “Our mission goes far beyond financing — we are cultivating a resilient, inclusive SME ecosystem that’s future-ready and responsive to the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in Malaysia.”
ADFIAP 2025 Awards: Championing Innovation and Sustainability
SME Bank emerged as a winner in two major categories:
- SME Development: Sandbox Swiss Innovation Challenge 2024
- Technology Development: Enterprise Lifecycle Scoring Assessment (ELSA)
Additionally, SME Bank received Merit Awards for:
- Human Capital Development: Graduate Talent Programme (GTP)
- Environmental Development: SME Bank Sustainability Roadmap
Held alongside with ADFIAP’s 48th Annual Meetings, this year’s ceremony—under the theme “Economic Gardening and Development Impact”, highlighting institutions that are pioneering sustainable and inclusive development while simultaneously driving innovation, resilience, and impactful financial strategies. Representing SME Bank at the event were Dato’ Muslim Hussain, Non-Executive Chairman, and Samad Majid Zain Abdul Majid, Group Chief Financial Officer.
Marketing-Interactive PR Awards 2025: Best PR Campaign – Start-Up/Small Business
SME Bank’s digital communications efforts were also acknowledged on the regional stage with its ‘We Hear You’ podcast clinching the title for Best PR Campaign – Start-Up/Small Business. Launched in October 2024, the podcast has quickly gained traction with over 3.9 million views in just three months, offering insights, real-life success stories, and practical advice to empower Malaysia’s struggling MSMEs.
“We Hear You is more than a podcast—it’s a platform for entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and connect,” said the Bank’s spokesperson. “This award underscores the importance of storytelling and content-driven support in nurturing Malaysia’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
Looking Ahead: Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC) Now Open
Staying on its course to inspire innovation, SME Bank also announced that submissions are now open for the 4th edition of the Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC) Malaysia. Open to all forms of startups, SMEs, and innovators, the SIC serves as a launchpad for transformative ideas through mentorship, training, and regional networking.
Interested applicants can submit their entries at: https://swissic.dhuautomotive.edu.my/home
