Subang Jaya, Malaysia , 20 March 2025 – The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is transforming industries worldwide, and Malaysia’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must evolve to remain competitive. Recognizing this urgent need, the SME Association of Malaysia and INTI International University & Colleges have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive AI-driven workforce upskilling for SMEs.
At the “Empowering Malaysia’s SMEs: Unlocking AI Innovations for Future-Ready Growth” event held at INTI International College Subang, industry leaders, academia, and business professionals gathered to discuss the future of AI adoption in SMEs and the importance of workforce development in sustaining business growth
AI is Not Just the Future – It is Now
Speaking at the event, Chin Chee Seong, National President of SME Association of Malaysia, emphasized the transformative role of AI in reshaping business operations, customer engagement, and decision-making.
SMEs must stop seeing AI as a future trend—it is happening now. Those who integrate AI into their business models while equipping their workforce with the right skills will have the competitive edge. Upskilling is no longer optional; it is a survival strategy,” he said.
Industry experts at the event highlighted how AI can streamline business processes, enhance productivity, and create new market opportunities. However, they also stressed that the true power of AI lies in how businesses leverage human expertise alongside technology
SME Malaysia and INTI: A Commitment to Upskilling
The MoU between SME Malaysia and INTI International University & Colleges signifies a major step toward bridging the gap between education and industry. Under this partnership:
- SME employees will gain access to professional development programs designed to enhance digital and AI literacy.
- SMEs will be encouraged to participate in upskilling workshops, mentorship programs, and AI-driven training initiatives.
- Special tuition fee reductions will be offered to SME employees and their families, ensuring affordable access to quality education.
- Customized learning pathways will be developed to equip SME owners, managers, and employees with the necessary skills to thrive in the AI-powered economy.
For the past three years, INTI has been privileged to collaborate with the SME Association of Malaysia in bridging the gap between academia and industry. This partnership has played a vital role in equipping SMEs with access to education, upskilling opportunities, and digital transformation strategies. Today’s MoU formalises and deepens this collaboration, signifying our shared vision of strengthening SME capabilities through education, training, and AI-driven business strategies. We are not just preparing SMEs for the future—we are ensuring that they lead it,” said Prof. Dr. Shamsul Nahar Abdullah, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Operations), INTI International University.
Building a Future-Ready SME Ecosystem
The partnership underscores Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a digitally skilled workforce. As the nation moves toward Industry 4.0, SMEs must evolve from traditional business models to AI-driven enterprises that can compete on a regional and global scale.
By integrating AI into business processes while developing human capital, SMEs can unlock unprecedented growth opportunities. Education, innovation, and industry collaboration are the pillars of sustainable success,” Chin added.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on AI’s role in business transformation, followed by networking opportunities for SMEs, academia, and technology providers to explore potential collaborations.
With AI reshaping the business landscape, this initiative by SME Malaysia and INTI aims to empower SMEs with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to thrive in a digitally driven world
