KUALA LUMPUR, 27 JULY 2026 – New collaboration aims to benefit more than 3,000 Malaysian SMEs by improving access to conventional and Islamic financing, strengthening business resilience and supporting long-term economic growth
Access to financing remains one of the biggest challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly businesses looking to expand without sufficient collateral. To address this, OCBC Malaysia has strengthened its partnership with Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) by launching a RM1.3 billion guarantee facility designed to help more Malaysian SMEs secure financing and accelerate business growth.
The latest collaboration is expected to benefit more than 3,000 SMEs, reinforcing both organisations’ long-standing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening Malaysia’s SME ecosystem.
Strengthening Access to SME Financing
The guarantee collaboration, formalised on 27 July 2026, brings together OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad and CGC to expand financing opportunities for businesses across Malaysia.
Under the new facility, OCBC Malaysia’s total guarantee coverage with CGC will increase from RM4.2 billion to RM5.5 billion, following years of successful collaboration that has already supported more than 10,000 SMEs through both conventional and Islamic financing solutions.
The agreement was signed by Mr Chan Kok Leong, Head of Emerging Business at OCBC Malaysia, and Mr Sean Tan, Chief Business Officer of CGC. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr Tan Chor Sen, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Malaysia, Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Al-Amin, and Encik Mohamed Nazri Omar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CGC.
Supporting SME Growth Through Flexible Financing
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Menara OCBC, Mr Tan Chor Sen said the collaboration reflects OCBC Malaysia’s continued commitment to empowering SMEs as they navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment.
He noted that businesses today require greater financial flexibility to build resilience, improve competitiveness and seize future growth opportunities.
According to him, by working closely with CGC, OCBC Malaysia is able to offer more responsive financing solutions tailored to businesses at different stages of development, from emerging entrepreneurs to established companies seeking expansion.
He added that the partnership aims to help SMEs scale confidently while contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s long-term economic progress.
Partnership Creates Stronger Financing Ecosystem
CGC President and Chief Executive Officer Encik Mohamed Nazri Omar described the collaboration as an example of how strong institutional partnerships can translate into meaningful financing opportunities for commercially viable businesses.
He explained that many SMEs possess strong business potential but face challenges in securing financing due to collateral limitations rather than business capability.
By combining OCBC Malaysia’s extensive market reach with CGC’s guarantee expertise, the partnership creates a stronger financing ecosystem that enables more SMEs to participate in and contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth.
Inclusive Support for Malaysian Businesses
The new RM1.3 billion guarantee facility will be available to both new and existing OCBC Malaysia customers, with particular emphasis on supporting businesses within the Bumiputera community.
In addition, eligible businesses can also benefit from financing under Bank Negara Malaysia’s SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SRF), further enhancing access to funding for targeted SME segments.
By combining guarantee support with conventional and Islamic banking solutions, the collaboration aims to ensure businesses have access to financing that matches their operational and growth requirements.
Reinforcing Malaysia’s SME Development
As SMEs continue to play a vital role in driving Malaysia’s economy, collaborations between financial institutions and guarantee providers remain essential in improving access to capital.
The expanded partnership between OCBC Malaysia and CGC not only increases financing opportunities for thousands of businesses but also reinforces a broader commitment to building a more resilient, competitive and inclusive SME sector capable of supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic development.
