Latest news with #MohammadHardeeIbrahim
Malaysia Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Government-linked SME Bank rolls out 50 mln USD to boost high-impact sectors in Malaysia
Xinhua 26 Jun 2025, 14:45 GMT+10 KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian government-owned Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) announced on Thursday a suite of strategic initiatives valued at 211 million ringgit (49.94 million U.S. dollars), reinforcing its commitment to advancing the government's MADANI economic framework and in alignment with the bank's mandate under the National Budget 2025. Focusing on high-impact sectors such as technology, tourism, halal, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG), these initiatives also promote inclusivity by empowering low-income group and Islamic entrepreneurs, reinforcing the bank's role in building a resilient and future-ready micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, the bank said in a statement. "In line with our developmental mandate, we are pleased to inject more excitement in the MSME sector with the launch of new program, forming part of the strategic initiatives exceeding 1 billion ringgit entrusted to SME Bank under the National Budget 2025," said Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, acting group president/chief executive officer of SME Bank. Riding on this positive momentum, he said the bank remains firmly on track to achieve its 3 billion ringgit approved financing target for this year with continued emphasis on key strategic sectors. (1 ringgit equals 0.24 U.S. dollar)
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
SME Bank integration yields synergies, unveils RM211mil initiatives for MSMEs
KUALA LUMPUR: The integration of Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank) with two other entities has proven to be a strategic success, fostering strong synergies and enhancing the bank's capacity to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. "The integration has been very positive so far. Starting from the legal processes, we are now developing the business framework. The synergy among the three entities is evident," said SME Bank acting group president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim. Although it is still too early to quantify specific cost savings, he noted that tangible benefits from resource sharing are expected to emerge by 2026. For now, each entity will continue operating under its own budget until the end of 2028. In tandem with the integration efforts, SME Bank has launched RM211 million worth of new strategic programmes aligned with the government's MADANI economic framework. These initiatives aim to boost the inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability of Malaysia's MSME ecosystem. The launch was officiated by Finance Minister II, Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, alongside Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Targeting high-impact areas such as technology, tourism, halal industries, and ESG-focused businesses, the programmes also place strong emphasis on empowering underserved communities, particularly B40 and Asnaf entrepreneurs, to ensure broader participation in economic development. These initiatives represent a significant step in revitalising the MSME sector, said Hardee, adding that the programmes form part of SME Bank's RM1 billion strategic allocation under the upcoming National Budget 2025. Key programmes include MySMELady 2.0, which offers up to RM3 million financing to support women entrepreneurs in expanding operations, boosting productivity, and enhancing market competitiveness; Umbrella Ecosystem Financing, offering up to RM1 million in funding to assist Bumiputera MSMEs and startups; and Dana Kelestarian Alam, allocating up to RM5 million in green financing for MSMEs involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, and sustainable transportation projects. Maju Usahawan Madani aims to support 3,000 entrepreneurs with skills for sustainable growth, while SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF targets to increase sales by at least 10 per cent for 400 B40 and Asnaf entrepreneurs through training and resources. As of May 2025, SME Bank has already approved RM2 billion in financing and is on track to meet its RM3 billion financing target for the year, Hardee said. Beyond the new programmes, SME Bank continues to roll out a range of existing financing solutions such as the SME Technology Transformation Fund, HalalBiz Financing, and the Business Accelerator Programme under RMK-12.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
SME confidence persists despite softening outlook
SME Bank acting group president/chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim. KUALA LUMPUR: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd's (SME Bank) sentiment index for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the first half of 2025 signals continued confidence despite a moderating outlook. In a statement yesterday, SME Bank said its SME Sentiment Index registered a solid 55.2, reflecting continued optimism among entrepreneurs nationwide, even as they anticipate economic and financial challenges from US tariffs. 'This marks a slight moderation from 55.8 in the previous half. The index remains well above the neutral 50 level, indicating steady confidence despite a softening from the strong post-Covid rebound seen in earlier surveys,' it said. The SME Sentiment Index survey, conducted between January and April 2025, reached a record 2,007 respondents from 39 sectors across all business sizes. Acting group president and chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim noted more cautious optimism among entrepreneurs, citing softer expectations around sales, expansion and hiring. 'Although short-term sentiment has softened, Malaysia remains on a steady growth path supported by structural reforms, high-quality investments, and a focus on resilience and shared prosperity,' he said. Meanwhile, SME Bank chief economist Lynette Lee Li Qing said the index serves as a timely barometer of entrepreneurial sentiment, suggesting Malaysia's overall economy will continue to expand in 2025, albeit at a modest pace. 'The World Bank recently revised Malaysia's gross domestic product growth forecast down to 3.9%, alongside a cut in global growth due to heightened uncertainties arising from trade tension.' — Bernama
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MSMEs remain confident in first-half 2025 but outlook moderating: SME Bank survey
KUALA LUMPUR: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd's (SME Bank) sentiment index for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises for the first half of 2025 has signalled continued confidence despite a moderating outlook. In a statement today, SME Bank said its SME Sentiment Index registered a solid 55.2, reflecting continued optimism among entrepreneurs nationwide while anticipating economic and financial challenges arising from the United States' tariffs. 'This marks a slight moderation from 55.8 in the previous half. The index remains well above the neutral 50 level, indicating steady confidence despite a softening from the strong post-Covid rebound seen in earlier surveys,' it said. The SME Sentiment Index survey, conducted between January and April, hit a new record high of 2,007 respondents to include participants from 39 sectors across all business sizes. Acting group president and CEO Datuk Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim said entrepreneurs showed more cautious optimism, citing softer expectations around sales, expansion and hiring. 'Although short-term sentiment has softened, Malaysia remains on a steady growth path supported by structural reforms, high-quality investments and a focus on resilience and shared prosperity,' he said. Meanwhile, SME Bank chief economist Lynette Lee Li Qing said the SME Sentiment Index serves as a timely barometer of entrepreneurial sentiment. It suggests that Malaysia's overall economy will continue to expand in 2025, albeit at a modest pace. 'World Bank has recently revised Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast down to 3.9 per cent, alongside a cut in global growth due to heightened uncertainties arising from trade tension. 'Nonetheless, Malaysia's growth rate is still above some regional peers such as Thailand (3.1 per cent) and Singapore (3.9 per cent),' she said. – Bernama
Barnama
19-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SME Sentiment Index Signals Continued Confidence Among Entrepreneurs Despite Moderating Outlook
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad ("SME Bank") has released the results of its SME Sentiment Index for the first half of 2025 ('1H 2025'), reflecting continued confidence among Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises ('MSMEs') despite anticipating economic and financial challenges arising from the United States' Tariff announcement. The latest index serves as a timely barometer of entrepreneurial sentiment, combining MSME perspectives with forward-looking indicators to provide valuable insights into the evolving business landscape and Malaysia's economic trajectory. 'SME Bank's SME Sentiment Index registered a solid 55.2 in the first half of 2025, reflecting continued optimism among entrepreneurs nationwide. While this marks a slight moderation from 55.8 in the previous half, the index remains well above the neutral level of 50, indicating steady confidence despite a softening from the strong post-COVID rebound observed in earlier surveys. Entrepreneurs are showing more cautious optimism, citing softer expectations around sales, expansion, and hiring. This sentiment echoes broader economic signs, reflecting recalibration in alignment with the MADANI Economic Framework, which prioritises sustainable, inclusive growth. While short-term sentiment has softened, Malaysia remains on a steady growth path, supported by structural reforms, high-quality investments, and a focus on resilience and shared prosperity,' said Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank.
