logo
SME Bank And BSN Forge Strategic Partnership To Spark Innovative Growth For Malaysian Entrepreneurs

SME Bank And BSN Forge Strategic Partnership To Spark Innovative Growth For Malaysian Entrepreneurs

Barnama6 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad ('SME Bank') and Bank Simpanan Nasional ('BSN') have entered a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding ('MoU') to empower Malaysia's homegrown entrepreneurs. Aligned with the MADANI economic framework and the National Entrepreneurship Framework ('NEF'), this collaboration aims to catapult the growth of entrepreneurs through improved financial access, capacity building and digital enablement—reinforcing the role of Development Financial Institutions ('DFIs') in nation-building.
Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said 'Reaffirming our developmental mandate, we are committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable national growth by forging strategic partnerships that enhance access for SMEs to embrace innovative digital solutions. Central to this collaboration, BSN's extensive pool of microfinance customers can leverage SME Bank's robust suite of digital tools tailored for MSME development. In particular, is through our ScoreXcess, a one-stop business financing application portal for small and micro financing operated by our capacity building and training arm – Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research ('CEDAR'). By leveraging our combined expertise, this partnership signifies a strategic collaboration between two DFIs, reflecting our shared commitment to accelerate entrepreneurial growth and deliver tailored support that addresses the dynamic needs of today.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being
Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being

The Star

time4 hours ago

  • The Star

Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being

TAXES are never popular. So, it's not surprising that the recent expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) has ignited concern across Malaysia. On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate, which would take effect from July 1. The tax rate would remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of 5% or 10% will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. It was presented as a measure targeting luxury items. But the problem is, one person's luxury might be another's staple. Going by the updated list of what's taxable, the SST could have a broader impact than most thought, raising concerns about an escalation in the cost of living for everyday Malaysians. The government has previously indicated it is open to reviewing policies, especially when a lot of people raise concerns – and with the number of people worried about this tax, it would do well to make sure to review it and ensure it does not inadvertently place an undue burden on those who can least afford it. The expanded SST encom­passes a diverse range of neces­sities and services, not only ­premium goods, such as salmon and avocados. It includes wedding rentals and catering, as well as traditional medicine, postnatal massages, elderly care and beauty treatments – services often seen as fundamental life events or crucial support rather than mere indulgences. Adding to the apprehension, the expansion removes tax exemp­tions on some basic food items. Items like mangoes, apples, oranges, dates, sauces, spices, canned fruits and instant food, which were previously exempt, will now incur a 5% tax. This change is expected to increase food prices in markets, restaurants and homes alike. The number of taxable items has increased from fewer than 1,000 to over 4,000 sub-codes, while the list of exempt items has been cut by 70%. So the new tax will obviously have a wide-ranging impact on people's daily lives. The announcement on Thurs­day by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the government will review the implementation of the SST on selected imported goods, including common fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, is a highly welcome development. The government's willingness to re-examine the policy is a positive step towards ensuring that taxation genuinely serves its purpose without disproportionately affecting the vulnerable segments of society. Taxes are unavoidable in modern civilisation and no country can function without them. And, Malaysia certainly cannot continue to live with increasing budget deficits every year. But the government must balance between increasing revenue collection and making sure the people don't suffer unnecessarily.

Sabah National Tabletop Con showcases creative tourism through play
Sabah National Tabletop Con showcases creative tourism through play

Borneo Post

time17 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Sabah National Tabletop Con showcases creative tourism through play

The organisers of The Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 with Josie Lai (sixth from right). KOTA KINABALU (June 21): The Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 officially opened on Saturday at IMAGO Shopping Mall here, marking a new chapter for Sabah in promoting tourism and culture through the creative world of tabletop games. Organized by the Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STTOS), in collaboration with #LaiPlayLeow (Singapore) and XMultisport Event (Sabah), the two-day event brings together local talent, tourism players, and board game enthusiasts to celebrate design, imagination and play. The event is the grand finale of the Sabah National Board Game Design Competition, launched earlier this year to encourage local creators to develop games inspired by Sabah's diverse natural beauty, indigenous heritage and cultural narratives. In her officiating speech, Datuk Josie Lai Ming Sing, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for Sabah said: 'This pioneering event brings together creativity, tourism and collaboration through the medium of board games. We celebrate not just the finalists, but the birth of Sabah's very own board game — a fresh and imaginative way to introduce our stories to the world.' Visitors can enjoy game showcases, creative workshops, playtest stations, merchandise booths and special lucky draws. The top three board game winners are being featured and played by the public for the first time at the event. 'This is more than just a gathering of game lovers — it's a bold move to position Sabah as a creative hub and national destination for cultural innovation,' said STTOS managing director Wendy Clare Stephen. The event is supported by key partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Art Gallery, and IMAGO Shopping Mall, which generously hosts the national-level event. 'Let us continue supporting those who believe in the power of creativity to elevate Sabah's presence on the global stage,' Josie concluded her speech.

Integrity must be embedded in all levels of Sabah's administration: Tun Musa
Integrity must be embedded in all levels of Sabah's administration: Tun Musa

Daily Express

time18 hours ago

  • Daily Express

Integrity must be embedded in all levels of Sabah's administration: Tun Musa

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Musa confers Sabah's highest state award, the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), on Jahid. - fotoBERNAMA KOTA KINABALU: Integrity must be upheld across all levels of administration and leadership in Sabah to maintain public trust in government institutions, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. He said it is his aspiration to see the state governed with integrity, accountability and wisdom, supported by sustainable development plans that prioritise the people's well-being. 'I believe with strong leadership and the support of the people, Sabah will continue to grow and prosper,' he said in a special address in conjunction with his 74th official birthday here today. He delivered the address at the 2025 Sabah Investiture Ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu, where 60 individuals received state awards, medals and honours. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other state leaders. Tun Musa emphasised the need to strengthen development efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress, through close cooperation between the government and the people. Advertisement He also stressed the importance of addressing global challenges through progressive approaches, including the promotion of technological innovation, development of quality human capital, and the building of a resilient economy 'Building a dynamic and competitive society is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's development,' he said. He further called for continued unity among the people, describing it as the foundation for peace and progress in Sabah. Tun Musa also commended Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet for their commitment to advancing the state in line with a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda. Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim led today's honours list after being conferred the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri Panglima'. Businessmen Datuk Ahmad Fuad Md Ali and Datuk Albert Lim Yu Ming were also awarded the SPDK. A total of 37 individuals received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which confers the title 'Datuk'. Among the recipients were Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Fuziah Salleh and Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang. Other PGDK recipients included Senator Anna Bell@Suzieana Perian, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, Amanah Sabah chairman Lahirul Latigu, Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Alexander Siew How Wai, Sabah Special Branch chief SAC Abdul Rahman Ishak, State Health director Dr Maria Suleiman, and veteran journalist Emin Madi of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Sabah Bureau. The first session of the investiture ceremony also saw five individuals receiving the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), four each receiving the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK) and Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK), and six receiving the Justice of the Peace (JP) title. Earlier, Musa, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, attended the parade held in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah at Padang Merdeka. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store