KOTA BHARU, 3 AUGUST 2026 – The first-ever Kota Bharu roadshow brings together nearly 100 SME representatives while expanding support for Kelantan entrepreneurs through business advisory, digitalisation, financing and networking opportunities
The SME Association of Malaysia has officially launched its Kelantan Branch during the SME Platinum Business Awards (PBA) 2026 Roadshow in Kota Bharu, marking the Association’s first roadshow in the city and a significant expansion of its support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Malaysia’s East Coast.
The event attracted close to 100 representatives from government agencies, business associations and the local SME community, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to gain insights into business financing, digital transformation, enterprise risk management, e-Invoicing, investment facilitation, workforce development and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.
The roadshow was originally scheduled to be officiated by YB Mejar (B) Dato’ Hj. Md Anizam bin Ab Rahman, Kelantan State EXCO for Investment, Industry, Human Resources, Trade and Entrepreneurship. Due to official commitments, he was represented by YB Mohammad Nasriff Bin Daud, Deputy EXCO for Investment, Industry, Human Resources, Trade and Entrepreneurship, who officiated the event on behalf of the Kelantan State Government.
New Kelantan Branch to Support Local SMEs
A key highlight of the programme was the official launch of the SME Association of Malaysia Kelantan Branch.
The newly established branch will strengthen collaboration between the Association, government agencies, chambers of commerce, business associations and industry partners. It will also provide Kelantan SMEs with greater access to policy updates, business advisory services, training programmes, business matching opportunities and cross-regional collaborations.
The expansion is expected to further strengthen the competitiveness of businesses in Kelantan and the wider East Coast region.
Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, said the Association has spent more than 31 years championing the interests of SMEs nationwide by working with government agencies, industry partners and financial institutions to help businesses become more competitive, resilient and sustainable.
He also highlighted the SME Platinum Business Awards, now entering its 23rd year, as one of Malaysia’s premier business recognition platforms, honouring enterprises for excellence in leadership, governance, innovation and sustainable growth.
“This year’s theme, ‘Governance • Digitalisation • Intelligence,’ reflects the direction every business should embrace in today’s rapidly changing economy. Strong corporate governance, digital transformation and intelligent decision-making are no longer optional—they are essential for long-term business success.”
Kelantan SMEs Encouraged to Pursue National Recognition
Dr Chin highlighted Kelantan’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly across manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, retail, wholesale, services and the halal industry.
He noted that many homegrown businesses have successfully expanded beyond the state and into international markets, and encouraged more outstanding enterprises from Kelantan to participate in the SME Platinum Business Awards 2026.
The Awards provide SMEs with an opportunity to gain national recognition, strengthen their brands and unlock new business opportunities.
Representing the Kelantan State Government, YB Mohammad Nasriff Bin Daud also emphasised the important role SMEs play in Malaysia’s economic growth, employment creation, local industry development and community building.
He said Kelantan is home to resilient entrepreneurs across sectors including food and beverage, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, services, technology and the creative industry, with many local brands expanding into domestic and international markets.
The State Government, he added, remains committed to developing a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem through talent development, skills enhancement, industry support initiatives, halal industry development and collaboration with government agencies, financial institutions and industry partners.
Business Growth, Digitalisation and SME Financing in Focus
The Kota Bharu roadshow also featured knowledge-sharing sessions from industry experts covering several issues affecting Malaysian SMEs.
Amir Alfatakh Yusof, Head of Islamic Business & Government Coverage of Alliance Islamic Bank, shared insights into financing solutions for SMEs.
Richard Yeo, Head of SME Sales (Central) at U Business, discussed digital transformation strategies for business growth, while Delton Tan, Regional Sales Manager (East Coast) of CTOS Data Systems Sdn. Bhd., presented approaches to enterprise risk management and business credit profiling.
One of the key sessions was the interactive “Dialogue with SMEs”, which brought together representatives from government agencies and industry organisations.
The panel featured Dr Rasyidah Che Rosli, Director of e-Invoice Division, Tax Operations Sector, HASiL; Norlina Ramli, Assistant Director of MIDA Kelantan; Muhammad Faiz Bin Mohd Daud, Industrial Strategic Partnership Officer, Employment Services Division, Employment Insurance System (EIS), PERKESO Kelantan; and Harry Tan Hui Ann, Honorary Treasurer of the ESG Association of Malaysia.
The discussion provided practical updates on Malaysia’s e-Invoicing implementation, investment facilitation, workforce development, employment support, social protection and ESG practices.
Participants were also able to raise business concerns directly with the speakers and receive guidance on the latest government policies, incentives and support programmes available to SMEs.
PBA 2026 Offers More Than Business Recognition
Datuk Wira Richard Lau Chi Chiang, Organising Chairman of the SME Platinum Business Awards 2026, said the Awards go beyond recognising business achievements and can serve as a strategic platform for enterprises seeking to build brand value and market credibility.
“Customers today are not simply buying products; they are buying trust.”
According to Datuk Wira Richard, recognition through the SME Platinum Business Awards provides businesses with an independent endorsement of excellence that can strengthen confidence among customers, financial institutions, investors and business partners.
Winners will also receive branding and promotional opportunities through nationwide media exposure, corporate profiling, exclusive interviews, business networking and strategic marketing initiatives.
He encouraged more outstanding companies from Kelantan to participate in the Awards and position themselves for greater growth in both domestic and international markets.
SME Platinum Business Awards 2026 Continues Nationwide
The SME Platinum Business Awards 2026 Roadshow will continue its nationwide journey across Malaysia, engaging SMEs and encouraging outstanding enterprises to participate in the business recognition programme.
With the launch of the SME Association of Malaysia Kelantan Branch, the Association aims to deepen its engagement with entrepreneurs in the East Coast while providing greater access to business support, knowledge-sharing and collaboration opportunities.
The winners of the SME Platinum Business Awards 2026 will be honoured at the Gala Dinner on 19 November 2026, celebrating Malaysia’s outstanding entrepreneurs and enterprises.
