Malaysia’s government-owned SME Bank announced on Thursday a set of new plans worth MYR 211 million (about $49.88 million) to support the country’s MADANI economic framework and its goals under the National Budget 2025.
These plans focus on important areas like technology, tourism, halal businesses, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance). SME Bank also aims to promote inclusiveness by helping B40 (low-income) and ASNAF (eligible zakat recipients) entrepreneurs.
According to the bank, these efforts are part of its mission to support strong, future-ready small businesses and strengthen Malaysia’s overall MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) sector.
“In line with our developmental mandate, we are pleased to inject more excitement in the MSME sector with the launch of new programs, forming part of the strategic initiatives exceeding MYR 1 billion ($240 million) entrusted to SME Bank under the National Budget 2025,
“These initiatives, including the MySMELady 2.0, Umbrella Ecosystem Financing, Dana Kelestarian Alam, and Maju Usahawan Madani, demonstrate our comprehensive approach to nation-building and our commitment to strengthening the national entrepreneurial landscape,” said Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank.
He also shared that the bank is proud to launch the fourth edition of the SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF (ISHRAF 4.0). This program goes beyond just providing money — it’s designed to give B40 and ASNAF entrepreneurs the knowledge, skills, and support they need to run and grow their businesses successfully.
“Riding on this positive momentum, we remain firmly on track to achieve our MYR 3 billion ($710 million) approved financing target for this year with continued emphasis on key strategic sectors with MYR 2 billion ($470 million) already recorded as of May 2025,
“These achievements reaffirm our sustained role in fostering MSME development, in alignment with the government’s MADANI vision to build a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready Malaysia,” he added.
The new financing programs are specially designed to meet the unique needs of key sectors and types of entrepreneurs, making it easier for more businesses to access funding and get the support they need to grow.
MySMELady 2.0: This program supports women entrepreneurs running micro, small, and medium businesses. It offers special financing to help them improve production, reach more customers, and become more competitive.
Umbrella Ecosystem Financing: This supports Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including start-ups, in all economic sectors. It helps them either start a new business or expand and diversify their current one.
Dana Kelestarian Alam – This program is for Malaysian MSMEs that want to shift to more environmentally friendly and sustainable operations. It focuses on areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, and clean transportation.
Maju Usahawan Madani (via CEDAR) – A training and development program to build the skills of around 3,000 entrepreneurs from various sectors, in line with the values of the MADANI framework.
SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF 4.0 (New Cohort) – This social finance program is for entrepreneurs from the B40 income group and Asnaf (zakat-eligible individuals). It aims to help around 400 entrepreneurs grow their businesses by increasing their sales by at least 10%.
Along with its new programs, SME Bank continues to work hard on important projects that support inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful growth for Malaysia’s small and medium businesses. This shows the bank’s strong commitment to helping MSMEs succeed.
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