KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) aims to disburse around RM18 billion of financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) this year, representing a 13 per cent growth, to further accelerate its customers' transition to a more viable future.
In 2023, Maybank mobilised close to RM17 billion in SME financing, of which RM5 billion was sustainable financing. This pushed the total financing for SME at RM66 billion from 2019 to 2023.
To further enhance its support for SMEs in the country, the bank has introduced the myimpact SME Hub, a one-stop integrated and holistic ecosystem for indistry players which offers value-based solutions established on sustainable and ethical principles.
It also serves as a knowledge hub and support system to facilitate and partner SMEs in their journey to transition towards sustainable practices.
The bank, along with leading industry partners, aims to empower SMEs in Malaysia to achieve a balance between the social responsibility, environmental impact and economic prosperity in navigating through the global supply chain to succeed on the world stage.
There are currently about 1.2 million SMEs.
"Maybank has always been a champion of the SME segment, acknowledging them as the backbone of the nation's economy.
"With the launch of the myimpact SME Hub and in line with our purpose of Humanising Financial Services, we are taking our support a step further to equip them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the business landscape and invite them to make the empowering impact towards sustainability choices.
"By fostering a thriving and responsible SME ecosystem, Maybank remains dedicated to not just supporting businesses, but building a brighter, more viable future for all," said president and group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli.
The launch was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in conjunction with a meet and greet session with Maybank staff.
Also present was Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Ramanan Ramakhrisnan.
Maybank community financial services group CEO Datuk John Chong said the myimpact SME Hub offers a full suite of services and complete ecosystem to prepare SMEs in their sustainable journey and enter the global supply chain to boost their growth potential.
"We provide expert guidance and tailored support through practical tools, consultancy and advisory services, certification and accreditation facilitations as well as financing to cater to all their personalised business requirements.
"With the growing global demand for eco and ethically-conscious choices as well as availability of government incentives in favour of these initiatives, integrating sustainability principles is the strategic choice to ensure business continuity for the SMEs," added Chong.
Maybank also offers a nationwide Halal Solution which is targeted to help 200,000 Malaysian Halal industry SMEs of which currently around 70 per cent of them are Maybank customers.
These include holistic financing solution in the form of working capital, property backed financing, trade financing, SME digital financing and zakat financung (Aspirasi Wanita) to aid the growth and business expansion of Maybank Islamic's Halal industry players.
