Malaysian SMEs band together at CEO Connects 2025
The event aimed to foster strategic partnerships, share insights on pressing business challenges, and empower SMEs to thrive amid shifting trade dynamics, ESG demands and financial constraints.
Supported by Media Prima Bhd, EcoWorld and the SME Association of Malaysia, the conference featured a lineup of panels, keynote talks and networking sessions conducted in Chinese.
"We're proud to present Boss Never Off as part of our mission to amplify authentic business stories," said Media Prima Omnia chief operating officer Stephanie Wong during the conference here today.
Wong added that the new show reinforces Media Prima's role in championing local business narratives.
The upcoming 8TV business reality series, officially launched at the event, aims to highlight the personal and professional journeys of SME founders across the country.
One of the key voices at the conference, SME Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong addressed rising cost pressures and evolving policy challenges affecting the SME sector, particularly in light of the recent Sales and Service Tax (SST) increase.
"SMEs are not only the backbone of the economy but also its heartbeat. Whether it's ESG or financing gaps, these are pressing issues that cannot be solved in isolation," he said.
In a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, University of Nottingham Malaysia associate professor Dr Xiao Saizi delivered a keynote titled "Malaysia Amid Trade Wars – Crisis or Opportunity?", highlighting how SMEs can turn geopolitical risks into new growth opportunities.
A fireside chat moderated by XiaoMa explored the topic "Are Malaysian SMEs Ready for the ESG Era?", featuring Malaysia ESG Association president Prof Cheah Kok Hoong.
The discussion examined how SMEs can turn ESG compliance into a competitive edge.
The agenda also included a panel discussion with leaders from SME Malaysia, the Malaysia Cross Border E-Commerce Association, and PLC Advisory Group, who addressed digital trade, financing gaps, and workforce challenges.
The half-day event, held at Menara EcoWorld centred on the theme "Lead, Connect, Succeed — Your Gateway to 2025's Business Opportunities," reflecting its mission to strengthen the SME ecosystem through strategic dialogue and collaboration.
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