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

Barnama7 hours 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

Govt's funding a step towards future-ready mainstream media
Govt's funding a step towards future-ready mainstream media

The Sun

time4 hours ago

  • The Sun

Govt's funding a step towards future-ready mainstream media

KUALA LUMPUR: The allocation of RM30 million announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for media organisations in the country to implement digital transformation and adopt new technology received kudos from journalists, as it will go a long way to attract the younger generation to mainstream content. This initiative is also seen as significant to ensure that the mainstream media remains relevant in the fast-paced digital era, by positioning it as a platform capable of content creation to deliver information in a more creative, engaging, accurate and high-impact manner. National Press Club (NPC) vice-president Farrah Naz Abd Karim described the allocation as a catalyst for media organisations to use creative approaches in delivering important issues to make them more digestible for young readers. 'This also proves that the MADANI government is paying attention to this industry by working together to think about ways to improve the quality of output from players in the journalism industry,' she said, thanking the government for the allocation. Meanwhile, Sinar Harian Group Editor-in-Chief Zamri Rambli, when contacted, said the funding was an important step in strengthening the country's media industry. According to him, digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity in ensuring journalism remains relevant and sustainable. 'Government support for media organisations will help us adapt to the challenges of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and shifts in reader habits. 'We hope that this fund can be effectively utilised, not only to enhance digital infrastructure but also to empower journalists to deliver news faster, more accurately and with integrity,' he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the HAWANA 2025 summit at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here last Saturday, announced an allocation of RM30 million for media organisations in the country to implement digital transformation and adopt new technologies. The HAWANA 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in national development. May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists' Day in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on May 29, 1939, to celebrate the contribution of industry players as a medium in shaping the minds of an informed society.

Sabah establishes Blue Economy Council to drive sustainable marine growth
Sabah establishes Blue Economy Council to drive sustainable marine growth

Borneo Post

time6 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Sabah establishes Blue Economy Council to drive sustainable marine growth

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor with members of the Sabah Blue Economy Council. KOTA KINABALU (June 16): Sabah has marked a major milestone in its sustainable development journey with the official formation of the Sabah Blue Economy Council (MEBS) — a dedicated platform to coordinate and implement the state's strategic blue economy policies. The establishment of MEBS was approved during the 10th 2025 Sabah Cabinet meeting and its inaugural session, chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, today at Menara Kinabalu. In his address, Hajiji emphasised that MEBS was created as a strategic initiative to ensure Sabah's blue economy sector is developed in a systematic, integrated and high-impact manner, aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'Through MEBS, we will coordinate key policies, approve high-impact programmes and monitor the implementation of the Blue Economy Policy and Strategy Framework. This integrated approach aims to promote sustainable, inclusive and competitive economic growth,' he said. He further noted that MEBS would catalyse technology transfer and innovation within the maritime sector, advancing Sabah's ambition to become a modern, sustainability-driven economy. Highlighting the broader significance of MEBS, Hajiji said it would strengthen collaboration between government agencies, academia, industries and local communities to position Sabah as a leading blue economy hub in Southeast Asia. 'This council reflects the State Government's unwavering commitment to unlocking Sabah's ocean potential, expanding investment opportunities, and enhancing the people's well-being through sustainable and resilient development,' he added. With this initiative, Sabah is now better positioned to build a prosperous future anchored in marine wealth and the strength of its maritime economy, Hajiji affirmed. During the inaugural meeting, Hajiji presented letters of appointment to eight core MEBS members. They are Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Works, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, State Secretary, Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong, the State Attorney-General, Datuk Brendan Soh and the director of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit. Additionally, seven chairpersons of Technical Committees were appointed to oversee core components of MEBS, including living resource harvesting, marine business, ocean health, marine spatial planning, new resource generation, river management, and intellectual property. These roles will be led by senior officials from key state ministries and technical agencies, including the Department of Lands and Surveys, Sabah Biodiversity Centre, and Department of Mineral and Geoscience. The Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) will serve as the MEBS Secretariat, ensuring the effective coordination and implementation of council decisions from both technical and administrative standpoints.

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

Barnama

time7 hours ago

  • Barnama

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

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.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store