Kuala Lumpur, 27 February 2025 – SME Bank continues to strengthen the Malaysian SME ecosystem by leading 11 local SMEs to potential export sales worth RM140 million at Gulfood Dubai 2025, the world’s largest annual food and beverage (F&B) trade fair. This marks the Bank’s third consecutive year participating in the prestigious event, which serves as a strategic gateway for Malaysian entrepreneurs to expand their global footprint.
SME Bank’s Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to internationalizing local businesses. “Since our first participation in 2023, SME Bank has successfully facilitated 33 Malaysian companies onto the global stage, recording approximately RM378 million in potential export sales. Through the Export Acceleration Mission (EAM), we empower businesses under the Business Exports Programme (BEP), an initiative by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD), in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), to access international markets.”
Strategic Partnerships and Product Innovations
At Gulfood 2025, Malaysian SMEs made significant strides:
- World Prominence Sdn Bhd, a BEP participant, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Senior Global LLC, UAE.
- Nims Adeliciousz Sdn Bhd introduced its latest product line, featuring Nims Cereal, Nims Choco Sauce, Nims Spread, Nims Liquid Chocolate, and Nims Beverage Choco Drinks.
- BS Fitness Nutrition Sdn Bhd unveiled its newest innovation, BS Protein Cookies, a nutritious snack catering to health-conscious consumers.
The trade fair provided an impactful platform for Malaysian SMEs to connect with global buyers, distributors, and investors. Representing Malaysia’s dynamic F&B sector—a key contributor to the national economy—these SMEs leveraged the event to tap into the increasing global demand for high-quality and halal-certified products.
SME Bank’s Commitment to SME Growth
Aligned with its developmental mandate, SME Bank remains dedicated to supporting SMEs in their global expansion through financing and non-financing initiatives. Key programmes include:
- Jaguh Serantau Programme and HalalBiz Financing, as outlined in the National Budget 2025.
- Vendor Development Programme and Halal Entrepreneurship Development Programme, driving SME growth in strategic sectors.
Since its inception in 2005, SME Bank has provided RM48 billion in financial assistance to nearly 25,000 entrepreneurs. Additionally, its capacity-building arm, the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR), has supported over 85,000 entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.
For more information on SME Bank’s initiatives, visit www.smebank.com.my or contact the Customer Contact Centre at +603-2603 7700.
