Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has established a strategic partnership with CDC International Sdn. Bhd. through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding financial access and digital solutions for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia.
The partnership will also benefit MSMEs with a comprehensive capability development initiative through the Bank’s subsidiary, the Center for Entrepreneur Development & Research.
Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank said, “ This strategic collaboration emphasises on facilitation of market access and business development through CDCi’s SPEED, a digital procurement platform that connects SME suppliers with large buyers from both the public and private sectors – reaffirming our commitment to building a strong digital ecosystem while aligning with the Government’s MADANI framework, which prioritises the digital economy as a key driver of growth.”
“Aligning with our developmental mandate, we will continue to focus on SMEs’ across key strategic sectors which include the Technology and Digital segment through our innovative programmes, especially the SME Technology Transformation Fund (“STTF”) as mandated to us in the National Budget 2025. Meanwhile, training, certification, and capacity building will be
delivered via our subsidiary, Centre for Entrepreneurial Development & Research (“CEDAR”) through our comprehensive beyond financing programmes.
Putri Nurul Ida Yahya, Chief Executive Officer of CDCi, said, “This strategic collaboration represents a significant advancement for the SME ecosystem, seamlessly integrating SME Bank’s financial expertise with CDCi’s innovative SPEED digital procurement platform. Through SPEED, we are not merely facilitating transactions but transforming market accessibility by enabling MSMEs to establish direct connections with large-scale buyers across both the public and private sectors. This initiative is poised to accelerate business growth, enhance supply chain efficiency, and strengthen the competitive positioning of MSMEs in Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape.”
“By integrating our digital solutions with SME Bank’s robust financial infrastructure, we aim to unlock new growth opportunities and drive the digital transformation of MSMEs, in line with the Malaysian Government’s aspirations for a more competitive and technology-driven business environment. Together, we are confident that this partnership will make a lasting impact by enhancing financial accessibility, fostering innovation, and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly dynamic economy,” Putri Nurul Ida Yahya added.