Latest news with #SmallMediumEnterpriseDevelopmentBankMalaysiaBerhad
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
SME Sentiment Index Signals Continued Confidence Among Entrepreneurs Despite Moderating Outlook
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad ("SME Bank") has released the results of its SME Sentiment Index for the first half of 2025 ('1H 2025'), reflecting continued confidence among Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises ('MSMEs') despite anticipating economic and financial challenges arising from the United States' Tariff announcement. The latest index serves as a timely barometer of entrepreneurial sentiment, combining MSME perspectives with forward-looking indicators to provide valuable insights into the evolving business landscape and Malaysia's economic trajectory. 'SME Bank's SME Sentiment Index registered a solid 55.2 in the first half of 2025, reflecting continued optimism among entrepreneurs nationwide. While this marks a slight moderation from 55.8 in the previous half, the index remains well above the neutral level of 50, indicating steady confidence despite a softening from the strong post-COVID rebound observed in earlier surveys. Entrepreneurs are showing more cautious optimism, citing softer expectations around sales, expansion, and hiring. This sentiment echoes broader economic signs, reflecting recalibration in alignment with the MADANI Economic Framework, which prioritises sustainable, inclusive growth. While short-term sentiment has softened, Malaysia remains on a steady growth path, supported by structural reforms, high-quality investments, and a focus on resilience and shared prosperity,' said Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SME Bank, BSN ink MoU to strengthen entrepreneurial landscape
Hamdan (left) and Mujibburrahman hold up the signed MoU at the ceremony. KUALA LUMPUR (June 17): Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape in Malaysia, particularly among homegrown micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This strategic alliance, aligned with the Madani Economic Framework and the National Entrepreneurship Framework (NEF), aims to accelerate the growth of local entrepreneurs by enhancing access to financing, expanding capacity-building efforts, and bolstering digital enablement. It also underscores the vital role Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) play in national economic development. 'We are committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable national growth by forging strategic partnerships that improve SME access to innovative digital solutions,' said SME Bank acting group president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim in a statement. 'With BSN's extensive microfinance customer base and SME Bank's robust digital tools, including our ScoreXcess platform operated by CEDAR, we are enabling a stronger support ecosystem for MSMEs.' ScoreXcess, a one-stop digital business financing application portal, is one of several digital platforms under SME Bank's transformation journey. Alongside tools like ELSA and ODELA, these platforms have supported nearly 5,000 SMEs between 2021 and 2024. The collaboration has already facilitated 89 financing applications via ScoreXcess, amounting to RM3.2 million in financing requests. Mohammad Hardee added that SME Bank remains committed to supporting SMEs throughout their business lifecycle, including BSN's microfinance clients as they scale up. 'Our support goes beyond financing. From the SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF) to the Pembiayaan Ekosistem Payung and Bank Negara Malaysia's High Tech & Green Facility (HTG), we're helping businesses innovate, build resilience, and grow sustainably,' he noted. The MoU exchange took place during Karnival BSN Mikro Madani – Zon Pantai Timur, with SME Bank acting chief corporate strategy officer Hamdan Mohd Habibollah and BSN deputy chief executive Mujibburrahman Abd Rashid representing their respective institutions. BSN Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim SME Bank
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad ('SME Bank') has partnered with The Autism Cafe Project ('ACP'), a homegrown social enterprise supported by the National Autism Society of Malaysia ('NASOM'), in a Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR') initiative to champion inclusive entrepreneurship and promote community-based empowerment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder ('ASD'). This meaningful collaboration also coincides with the celebration of World Autism Month 2025. Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President and Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, emphasised the Bank's commitment to building a more diverse SME ecosystem – aligning with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development ('MEDC') agenda which also places emphasis on this segment under the Ministry's 'Kumpulan Fokus Khas'.
