Latest news with #MohammadHardee
Borneo Post
12 hours 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
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
SME Bank, BSN join forces to boost local entrepreneurs
KUALA LUMPUR: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank) and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) have joined forces to support the growth of homegrown entrepreneurs. The collaboration aims to enhance access to financing, build capacity and promote digital adoption, strengthening the role of development financial institutions (DFIs) in nation-building. In a statement, SME Bank said the initiative aligns with the National Entrepreneurship Framework under the Madani Economy. Acting group president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim said the bank is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable national growth. He said the commitment is achieved by forging strategic partnerships that enhance access for SMEs, enabling them to embrace innovative digital solutions. He said the key part of the partnership is that BSN's large group of microfinance customers will be able to use SME Bank's range of digital tools, designed to help MSMEs grow. "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. "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," Mohammad Hardee said. 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 to enhance access to financing and 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.
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SME Bank sets out to empower autistic entrepreneurs
Mohammad Hardee (right) visits one of the booths showcasing the talents and creations of autism-spectrum individuals. Standing, at left, is Mohd Adli. KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has partnered with the Autism Café Project, a homegrown social enterprise supported by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative meant to champion inclusive entrepreneurship and promote community-based empowerment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This meaningful collaboration also coincided with the celebration of World Autism Month 2025. Acting group president and chief executive officer of SME Bank, Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, 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 placed emphasis on this segment under its 'Special Focus Group'. 'We are proud to play a direct role in shaping a more equitable economy through our partnership with the Autism Café Project and supported by Nasom – reflecting our dedication to empowering entrepreneurs, including individuals with autism. 'It aligns closely with SME Bank's sustainability journey and our vision to create meaningful value within the SME ecosystem –not only through financial services, but also by uplifting unserved and underserved communities, ensuring equal opportunities for all. 'By offering tools, guidance, and encouragement, we hope to be able to help them achieve financial independence, whilst making a difference in their lives,' said Mohammad Hardee. A recent two-day event commenced with an awareness sharing-session for SME Bank employees, featuring speakers from the Autism Café Project and Nasom. The session was designed to deepen employees' understanding of autistic individuals across all age groups: children, youths and adults. This was followed by a one-day bazaar at Menara SME Bank, which highlighted the talents of autistics entrepreneurs through a variety of offerings, including food and beverages, handicrafts, artwork, and clothing. The event also served as a platform to support these entrepreneurs in pursuing their business goals, supported by employees of SME Bank, in line with ongoing efforts to promote greater economic empowerment and financial independence. Mohd Adli Yahya, founder of the Autism Café Project, lauded SME Bank for its proactive role in raising awareness about individuals living with autism and promoting an inclusive society. 'Empowering autistic individuals through entrepreneurship goes beyond income generation – it fosters dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation in society. 'Together with SME Bank, we are helping to break down social barriers, normalise the integration of more autistic individuals in the society, and build stronger, more compassionate communities. 'This partnership not only supports individuals with autism but also drives broader societal change by promoting a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape.' In Malaysia, micro-SMEs (MSMEs) constitute 96.9 per cent of all registered businesses, and employ nearly half of the national workforce based on data from SME Corp Malaysia. Concurrently, statistics from the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy reveal a significant rise of over 663 per cent in autism diagnoses between 2013 and 2023, with registered cases increasing from 6,991 to 53,323. This sharp increase underscores the urgent need for inclusive initiatives that equip individuals on the autism spectrum with the skills, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways necessary for greater independence. From empowering underserved entrepreneurs to supporting local education and sustainability efforts, SME Bank is making an impact in communities nationwide. Stay updated with the latest initiatives, success stories, and community outreach programmes on SME Bank's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok platforms. Founded in 2016, the Autism Café Project in Kota Damansara supports 114 individuals with autism, providing vocational training and work experience to help them become self-reliant and entrepreneurial. Nasom is a non-profit that offers education, care, and support for individuals with autism and their families. With over 15 centres across Malaysia, the organisation provides services like early intervention, therapy, vocational training, and family support, while advocating for autism awareness and acceptance. autism corporate social responsibility entrepreneurs lead SME Bank
