The SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 event concluded on a high note with RM520 million in potential sales and nearly 14,000 visitors recorded over three days at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Organised by SME Corp. Malaysia, the event — officially recognised by the ASEAN Records as the Largest ASEAN SME Trade Event 2025 — brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across the region.
Connecting Businesses Across Borders
A total of 364 SMEs and 60 buyers took part in the GoASEAN Biz Match sessions, which facilitated 424 business meetings across sectors. Prominent local companies such as Mydin Mohamed Holdings, Aeon Co (M) Berhad, and UDA Holdings (Mari Mart and KIRANA) were among the key participants, alongside international buyers including Autel Robotics (China), Jiuhua Century Investment Limited (Hong Kong), PLUS Exploration Co., Ltd (Thailand), Karl Group Holdings Corporation (Philippines), and Wot-Natural Khmer Moringa (Cambodia).
Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 carried the theme “Bringing ASEAN Closer to You”, highlighting the crucial role of SMEs as the backbone of the regional economy.
Showcasing Innovation and Regional Collaboration
The event hosted 370 exhibitors from high-impact industries and consumer sectors, including 62 international participants from ASEAN nations and beyond — such as Germany, India, Japan, Oman, and Taiwan.
A key highlight was the Pitch2Go funding session, where 19 SMEs presented their business ideas to private equity firms, venture capitalists, and peer-to-peer financing platforms, securing RM70 million in investments.
The Closing Ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, Secretary General, Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP).
Commitment to Scaling Up SMEs
In his closing remarks, Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee reaffirmed KUSKOP’s commitment to building the capacity of Malaysian SMEs to expand beyond domestic markets.
“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, our focus is on scaling up SMEs to drive long-term growth, competitiveness and sustainability,” he said. “Enhanced market access is key to positioning our SMEs as strong players on the global stage.”
Mr. Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Organising Chairman of SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 and Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, added that the event successfully achieved its goal of connecting entrepreneurs, inspiring innovation, and strengthening ASEAN collaboration. The strong turnout and trade results, he said, underscore Malaysia’s readiness to lead regional efforts in driving SME growth and expanding intra-ASEAN trade.
Championing ESG and Regional Thought Leadership
The event also hosted two high-profile forums — the ESG Forum, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), and the ASEAN SME Forum, co-organised with the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA).
Both forums attracted around 500 participants, focusing on sustainability, governance, and regional cooperation as key pillars of SME advancement.
Recognising SME Excellence
At the closing ceremony, the SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 Awards recognised outstanding entrepreneurial achievements:
- Ventura IOT Sdn. Bhd. – Outstanding SME Award
- CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. – Outstanding Women SME Award
- Rodrell Sdn. Bhd. – Outstanding Youth SME Award
The celebration ended on a high note with a grand prize lucky draw, where one visitor took home a Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV.
Supported by Strategic Partners
he event was supported by key partners including MATRADE, Tourism Malaysia, Media Prima Omnia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Pos Malaysia, Bubbles O2, and TikTok Shop. Sponsors included Perodua and Toshiba Tec.
Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia, and YBhg. Dato’ Adam bin Abd. Ghani, Managing Director and CEO of TEKUN Nasional.
