Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, has successfully concluded its annual business-matching event, SME Bank XCESS 2025. The event connected 500 Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with ASEAN buyers, unlocking an estimated RM45m in potential sales.
Themed ‘Entrepreneur Gateway to the ASEAN Market’, XCESS 2025 aligns with Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair this year. The event aims to integrate Malaysian SMEs into the ASEAN economy, enhancing export opportunities and regional competitiveness. Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Ewon Benedick, highlighted the importance of SMEs, noting their projected contribution of 41% to Malaysia’s GDP and 15% to exports by 2025.
Samad Majid Zain, acting President and CEO of SME Bank, stated, “XCESS 2025 once again demonstrates that Malaysian SMEs are ready to compete regionally.” The event facilitated over 180 business meetings, generating significant sales potential. It also offered access to financing, capacity-building, and networking sessions to support sustainable SME growth.
In collaboration with MATRADE and supported by MECD, the event brought together key industry players, including government-linked companies and multinationals. A notable outcome was the trilateral partnership between SME Bank, EXIM Bank, and BPMB, which facilitated an RM11.1 million export transaction for Amat Sinar Sdn. Bhd. to China and the US.
Since its inception in 2016, XCESS has facilitated over 1,800 business sessions, reinforcing SME Bank’s role in promoting Malaysian SMEs in ASEAN and global markets.
