SME Bank, a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, has achieved a major milestone with its first Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to South Africa and Kenya. Held from 30 August to 6 September 2025, the mission generated RM125 million in potential export sales. It also highlighted Malaysian expertise in healthcare, medical devices, food and beverages, consumer goods, and specialised manufacturing.
Since 2023, over 100 Malaysian companies have joined the EAM. Collectively, they have unlocked RM439 million in export opportunities. SME Bank Relief President and CEO Samad Majid Zain noted that sales grew steadily, from RM113 million in 2023 to RM166 million in 2025. This trend, he added, reflects the growing competitiveness of Malaysian SMEs in global markets.
Expanding Horizons in Africa
The mission featured 11 high-potential SMEs. Activities included business seminars, networking sessions, market visits, and matching events in Johannesburg and Nairobi. Importantly, the mission also marked a new partnership between Malaysia’s Star Medik Group and South Africa’s ICRD Group Holding (PTY) Ltd. This agreement will strengthen cooperation in the medical device sector.
Participating companies included Pawa Canning Corporation, Caliphs Global, Callabio Manufacturing, Integrasi Global, Imperia Asia International, Ideal Health Care, Star Medik, Selia-Tek Holdings, BS Fitness Nutrienion, NIMS Adeliciousz, and Avecena Gloves.
Driving SME Globalisation
Beyond the EAM, SME Bank supports internationalisation through the Business Exports Programme (BEP). Developed with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) and MATRADE, the programme provides training and customised market entry strategies. Since 2020, the BEP has invested RM21.5 million across five phases. So far, 98 SMEs have benefited, generating RM419 million in export sales across Southeast Asia, the UAE, the UK, and the US.
In addition, SME Bank champions halal-certified firms through the Halal Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which carries RM14.84 million in allocations. Nearly 800 SMEs have received support through this initiative.
Malaysia’s SMEs Scaling New Frontiers
Samad Majid Zain stressed that the EAM reflects Malaysia’s commitment to helping SMEs thrive in global markets:
“The EAM empowers SMEs to thrive internationally in markets including the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, Turkey, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, while reinforcing partnerships in South Africa and Kenya. Led by SME Bank in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (“MATRADE”) and supported by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (“MECD”), the EAM serves as a conduit to accelerate entrepreneurial growth and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a hub of innovation and global trade.”
For more information on SME Bank and its capacity building programmes, visit www.smebankcom.my or call 03-26037700.
