Malaysian government-owned Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) announced Thursday a suite of strategic initiatives valued at MYR 211
million ($49.88 million), reinforcing its commitment to advancing the government’s MADANI economic framework and in alignment with the bank’s mandate under the National Budget 2025.

Focused on high-impact sectors such as technology, tourism, halal, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG), these initiatives also promote inclusivity by empowering B40 and ASNAF entrepreneurs, reinforcing SME Bank’s role in building a resilient and future-ready micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, the bank said in a statement.

“In line with our developmental mandate, we are pleased to inject more excitement in the MSME sector with the launch of new programs, forming part of the strategic initiatives exceeding MYR 1 billion ($240 million) entrusted to SME Bank under the National Budget 2025,

“These initiatives, including the MySMELady 2.0, Umbrella Ecosystem Financing, Dana Kelestarian Alam, and Maju Usahawan Madani demonstrate our comprehensive approach to nation-building and our commitment to strengthening the national entrepreneurial landscape,” said Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank.

Additionally, he said the firm is also proud to roll-out the fourth edition of the SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF (ISHRAF 4.0), a beyond financing initiative designed to equip the B40
and ASNAF entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to sustain and grow their businesses.

“Riding on this positive momentum, we remain firmly on track to achieve our MYR 3 billion ($710 million) approved financing target for this year with continued emphasis on key strategic sectors with MYR 2 billion ($470 million) already recorded as of May 2025,

“These achievements reaffirm our sustained role in fostering MSME development, in alignment with the government’s MADANI vision to build a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready Malaysia,” he added.

The newly introduced financing programs are designed to address specific needs across key sectors and entrepreneurial segments, ensuring broader access to capital and targeted support for business growth.

These programs include:
– MySMELady 2.0， which is focusing on women entrepreneurs under micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The program is empowering women entrepreneurs with dedicated financing to elevate their businesses to a higher level in terms of production capacity, market penetration and competitiveness.
– Umbrella Ecosystem Financing, which is supporting Bumiputera MSMEs, including start-ups, in all economic sectors.
The financing is supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including start-ups, to start new business or diversify their existing businesses.
– Dana Kelestarian Alam, which is focusing on Malaysian MSMEs in all sectors committed to transform towards low carbon and sustainable business operations, in the following segments: renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, clean transportation.
The financing aims to transform towards low-carbon and sustainable business operations.
– Maju Usahawan Madani (via CEDAR), which is supporting entrepreneurs across sectors.
The program focuses on capacity-building and training for approximately 3,000 entrepreneurs, aligned with MADANI principles.
– SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF 4.0 (New Cohort), which is focusing on B40 and Asnaf groups entrepreneurs.
This is a social finance program targeting to increase at least 10 percent sales of approximately 400 entrepreneurs from the B40 and Asnaf Groups to sustain their business ventures.

Alongside its newly launched initiatives, SME Bank also remains steadfast in driving impactful programs, highlighting its proactive commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact growth in Malaysia’s MSME sectors.

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