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.”
“We will continue to support SMEs across key sectors, including BSN’s customers once they are ready to expand, in alignment with our mandate to empower SMEs throughout their lifecycle. Our financing and beyond financing support include the Technology and Digital segment, through our SME Technology Transformation Fund (“STTF”) as well as the Pembiayaan Ekosistem Payung, a tailored financing solution to build resilience and scale within a guided ecosystem. We are also proud to mobilise Bank Negara Malaysia’s High Tech & Green Facility (“HTG”) to help SMEs grow in strategic and sustainable sectors.”
In addition, SME Bank’s digital transformation journey, anchored by platforms such as ScoreXcess, ELSA, and ODELA, has been instrumental in supporting nearly 5,000 SMEs across strategic sectors from 2021 to 2024. These platforms are designed not only to enhance access to financing but also to provide structured assessments and market access, forming a comprehensive digital ecosystem to accelerate SME growth. Through this collaboration, ScoreXcess platform has facilitated the submission of 89 applications, amounting to RM 3.2 million in financing requests. This initiative highlights how strategic partnerships can enhance the reach and effectiveness of SME Bank’s digital ecosystem—solidifying its role as a catalyst for SME development nationwide.
The MoU was exchanged by Hamdan Mohd Habibollah, Acting Chief Corporate Strategy Officer of SME Bank, and Mujibburrahman Abd Rashid, Deputy Chief Executive of BSN during the Karnival BSN Mikro Madani – Zon Pantai Timur recently.
Entrepreneurs seeking financing solutions or development programmes are encouraged to visit www.smebank.com.my, follow SME Bank’s official Facebook page, or contact the SME Bank Contact Centre at 03-2603 7700 for more information.