Kuala Lumpur: 20 October 2026 – Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia
Berhad (“SME Bank” or “the Bank”), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad
Group (“BPMB Group”), welcomes approximately RM2.8 billion in strategic initiatives
mandated to the Bank under National Budget 2027. The initiatives will strengthen
Malaysian enterprises across seven priority sectors: entrepreneur development, tourism,
sustainability, high-growth and high-value industries, transportation and logistics,
infrastructure and export empowerment.
Samad Majid Zain, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said, “The National Budget 2027
opens new opportunities for Malaysian enterprises through approximately RM2.8 billion in
strategic initiatives entrusted to SME Bank, forming part of the more than RM7 billion
mandated by the Government to BPMB Group. These initiatives reflect the emphasis on
productivity, sustainability and economic reform within the National Budget 2027’s overall
allocation of approximately RM510 billion. We commend the Government for supporting
enterprise development through this commitment, guided by the theme, ‘Malaysia MADANI:
Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values’, and the ambition to build a
competitive and inclusive economy under the MADANI economic framework and the
Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (“RMK13”).”
“Building on this direction, SME Bank will draw on BPMB Group’s collective capabilities to help
enterprises adopt technology, operate sustainably, improve productivity and expand their
markets, supporting the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (“MECD”)
mandate to advance Malaysian entrepreneurship. In line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s
Performance Measurement Framework (“PMF”), we will prioritise measurable development
impact, additionality and effective delivery, helping businesses become more competitive,
create jobs and contribute to stronger communities,” he added.
Expanding Entrepreneurial Opportunities
A total of RM558 million, comprising financing and grants, will support:
• Bumiputera Economic Development Programme (RM300 million): Financing
business development and expansion for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including those
in the Halal industry ecosystem.
• MySMELady 3.0 (RM100 million): Financing women-owned Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (“MSMEs”) to strengthen operations and expand their businesses.
• Umbrella Ecosystem (RM150 million): Financing business development across
franchise and licensing networks, covering franchisors, franchisees, licensors and
licensees.
• Maju Usahawan Madani 3.0 (RM8 million grant): Building capabilities among
entrepreneurs from underserved segments, including social enterprises, youth, women
and rural communities.
Supporting Tourism Investment
A combined RM500 million will support:
• Special Fund for Tourism (RM200 million): Financing SMEs in tourism and tourism
related sectors to develop and expand their businesses.
• Tourism Programme (RM300 million): Financing companies across tourism and
related sectors to strengthen capacity and support sector development.
Advancing Sustainable Operations
Dana Kelestarian Alam 2.0 (RM600 million) will finance Malaysian companies undertaking
low-carbon initiatives and investing in more sustainable business operations.
Advancing High-Growth and High-Value Industries Through Technology
The Technology Adoption Fund (RM500 million) will finance technology adoption,
digitalisation and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve productivity and advance high-growth and
high-value industries under NIMP 2030. Support extends to contractors, manufacturers and
installers of Industrialised Building System (“IBS”) components.
Building Transport, Logistics and Aerospace Capacity
A combined RM400 million will support:
• Transportation & Logistics Programme (RM200 million): Providing financing to
companies and projects across the transportation, logistics, maritime and oil and gas
(“O&G”) sectors to support their operational requirements and investment plans.
• Aerospace Programme (RM200 million): Financing businesses across the
aerospace ecosystem, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) activities,
to strengthen capabilities and operations.
Strengthening Domestic and Global Market Participation
• Local Acceleration and Growth Programme (RM200 million): Affordable financing
for manufacturers, service providers and local vendors to increase capacity,
productivity and competitiveness. The programme will strengthen their participation in
the value and supply chains of multinational corporations (“MNCs”), leading Malaysian
corporates and strategic sectors under the New Industrial Master Plan (“NIMP”) 2030,
supporting deeper integration into regional and global networks.
• Business Export Programme (RM3 million grant): Developing export readiness and
market access capabilities among Bumiputera MSMEs in the services and
manufacturing sectors.
For more information on SME Bank’s initiatives and development programmes, please visit
https://www.smebank.com.my/.
