In a move set to streamline SME access to capital, Funding Societies, Southeast Asia’s largest unified SME digital finance platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Malaysian accounting software provider Bukku to launch a first-of-its-kind real-time financing qualification feature.
This embedded finance solution allows SMEs using Bukku’s cloud-based accounting platform to instantly check their loan eligibility by consenting to share masked financial data — eliminating the need for extensive documentation or traditional paperwork.
Since its soft launch in December 2023, the partnership has already facilitated over RM1 million in financing for local SMEs.
“With the introduction of Instant Qualification, we’re helping SMEs get pre-approved financing at the speed of their business – not the speed of paperwork,” said Chai Kien Poon, Country Head of Funding Societies Malaysia.
By embedding a financing portal directly into the Bukku interface, users can now access tailored loan offers based on real-time accounting data. This seamless process not only improves turnaround times but also boosts inclusivity in SME lending — a key focus area under Malaysia’s digitalisation agenda.
Bukku co-founder and CEO Jye Eng said the integration marks a new era of actionable, data-driven financial services for small businesses.
“Our mission has always been to simplify financial management for SMEs — but access to capital is just as critical. Now, our users receive financing offers when they need them most, based on the realities of their business,” he said.
The collaboration also aligns with national efforts to modernise financial systems. Bukku is fully compliant with Malaysia’s MyInvois e-invoicing system, making the platform future-ready as digital invoicing becomes mandatory from 2025 onwards.
One beneficiary of the partnership is DNA Tech Digital Sdn. Bhd., a Kuala Lumpur-based web and IT services firm. Founder Brandon Leong said the ease of the application process was a game changer.
“We first discovered Funding Societies through a Bukku campaign. The ‘quick apply’ feature really caught my eye — it was fast, simple, and took just minutes,” he said. “The financing helped us manage cash flow, pursue new projects, and onboard talent with confidence.”
Looking ahead, Funding Societies and Bukku plan to deepen their integration, with upcoming features including:
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Instant pre-approvals to further reduce application time
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Embedded invoice financing to help businesses unlock cash tied up in receivables
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Lower interest rates, driven by more accurate, real-time data-sharing
As part of the launch, a cashback promotion is available until 31 July 2025 for eligible Bukku users who secure financing through Funding Societies.
For more information, visit: https://fundingsocieties.com.my/sme-micro-financing/bukku