KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or “the Bank”) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Malaysia Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (“MMSDA”), reinforcing their commitment to support and grow the two-wheeler industry in Malaysia. This partnership has been crucial in enhancing HLB’s Motorcycle Dealers Ecosystem, with the Bank leveraging MMSDA’s approximately 4,000 motorcycle dealer members nationwide.
Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director & CEO [left] and Datuk Wee Hong, President of MMSDA [center left] at the MOU renewal ceremony between HLB and MMSDA. The MOU was renewed by Woon Siew Hoong, HLB’s Head of SME Banking [right] and Datuk Tan Tien Chye, Deputy President of MMSDA [center right]
Malaysia boasts the 13th largest two-wheeler market in the world, with over 61,000 new motorcycle registrations in May 2025 alone. This significant volume underscores the vital role motorcycles play in the Malaysian economy, particularly within the burgeoning gig economy, which engages approximately 4 million individuals, or around 26% of the Malaysian workforce.
This highlights a rapidly expanding sector where short-term, project-based work is increasingly prevalent, heavily relying on the agility and reach of motorcycles as the backbone of last-mile delivery services in Malaysia. A robust and well-supported motorcycle dealer network is therefore essential to ensure these vehicles remain accessible, affordable, and well-maintained, directly empowering gig workers and countless other Malaysians who depend on motorcycles for their livelihoods and daily commutes.
“This renewed collaboration goes beyond just financing; it’s about enabling mobility and economic participation for countless Malaysians,” said Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director and CEO of HLB. “Motorcycles are an essential part of life for many Malaysians, serving as a primary mode of transport and a crucial tool for sustaining their livelihoods. By strengthening the motorcycle dealer ecosystem and ensuring our dealers are financially robust, we directly support the vital gig economy workers and daily commuters by providing access to motorcycles, spare parts, and reliable services, ensuring these essential vehicles remain on the road, powering individual aspirations and the broader Malaysian economy. This is a testament to our brand promise of being Built Around You, where we are committed to designing tailor-made solutions that address the specific needs of a community.”
Going beyond conventional banking services, the Bank is dedicated to empowering MMSDA members, most of whom are SMEs, by providing them with the comprehensive tools necessary to ensure the sustainability of their business.
Yow Kuan Tuck, HLB’s Managing Director of Business and Corporate Banking commented, “As a strategic partner, we provide customers with tailored financial solutions, including essential offerings like term loans, overdraft and trade facilities, insurance products, and robust cash management services such as current accounts, fixed deposits, payroll accounts, and online banking. We also provide payments & merchants services and cutting-edged digital business solutions to help them grow and adapt, while also exploring the development of Shariah-compliant products through Hong Leong Islamic Bank to ensure our support is inclusive and comprehensive. Besides that, we also offer our members valuable insights, advisory, networking opportunities, and updates on key industry developments that can impact their businesses.”
For MMSDA, the partnership with HLB has been exceptionally fruitful, a true testament to the Bank’s unwavering support for the association and its members, not just in times of growth but crucially, during challenging periods as well.
“Our renewed MOU with HLB reflects our continued commitment to equipping our members with essential financial tools, advisory services, and support. To move forward, the motorcycle industry must boldly embrace digitalization and new technologies. We need to strengthen our management, services, and overall business capabilities to meet the evolving demands of today’s market. I also hope that HLB will continue to play a vital role in supporting the growth of our industry— not just through traditional financing and loans, but also by providing resources to assist us in our digital transformation journey, including funding for AI adoption,” said Datuk Wee Hong, President of MMSDA.
This renewal follows closely on the heels of another significant initiative by the Bank to support the SME ecosystem and drive financial inclusion in Malaysia. Just one week prior, HLB formally signed an MOU with DCAP Digital to significantly enhance its SME lending solutions infrastructure, making financing more accessible and efficient. This partnership will allow HLB to offer significant support for its growing pool of motorcycle dealer customers, streamlining their loan applications and accelerating access to its Dealer Hire Purchase Program, along with other essential financing solutions like cash management and trade line services.
For more information on HLB’s loans and financing services, please visit https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/business-and-corporate-banking/loans-and-financing.html?icp=hlb-en-bizhome-text-loans
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