KUALA LUMPUR, 22 OCTOBER 2026 – SME Bank welcomes approximately RM2.8 billion in strategic initiatives mandated to the bank under National Budget 2027. The initiatives will strengthen Malaysian enterprises across seven priority sectors: entrepreneur development, tourism, sustainability, high-growth and high-value industries, transportation and logistics, infrastructure and export empowerment.
Samad Majid Zain, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank said, “The National Budget 2027 opens new opportunities for Malaysian enterprises through approximately RM2.8 billion in strategic initiatives entrusted to SME bank, forming part of the more than RM7 billion mandated by the Government to Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group (BPMB). These initiatives reflect the emphasis on productivity, sustainability and economic reform within the National Budget 2027’s overall allocation of approximately RM510 billion. We commend the Government for supporting enterprise development through this commitment, guided by the theme ‘Malaysia MADANI: Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values,’ and the ambition to build a competitive and inclusive economy under the MADANI economic framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13).”
He added, “Building on this direction, SME Bank will draw on BPMP Group’s collective capabilities to help enterprises adopt technology, operate sustainably, improve productivity and expand their markets, supporting the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) mandate to advance Malaysian entrepreneurship. In line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Performance Measurement Framework (PMF), we will prioritise measurable development impact, additionality and effective delivery, helping businesses become more competitive, create jobs and contribute to stronger communities.”
RM558 Million Towards Expanding Entrepreneurial Opportunities
A total of RM558 million, including financing and grants, will support:
- Bumiputera Economic Development Programme (RM300 million): Financing business development and expansion for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including those in the Halal industry ecosystem.
- MySMELady 3.0 (RM100 million): Financing women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen operations and expand businesses.
- Umbrella Ecosystem (RM150 million): Financing business development across franchise and licensing networks, covering franchisors, franchisees, licensors and licensees.
- Manu Usahawan Madani 3.0 (RM8 million grant): Building capabilities among entrepreneurs from underfunded segments, including social enterprises, youth, women and rural communities.
RM500 Million Towards Advancing High-Growth and High-Value Industries
- Technology Adoption Fund (RM500 million): Will finance technology adoption, digitalisation and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve productivity and advance high-growth and high-value industries under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
The fund supports contractors, manufacturers and installers of Industrialised Building System (IBS) components.
RM203 Million Towards Strengthening Domestic and Global Market Participation
- Local Acceleration and Growth Programme (RM200 million): Provides affordable financing for manufacturers, service providers and local vendors to increase capacity, productivity and competitiveness.
The programme will strengthen participation in the value and supply chains of multinational corporations (MNCs), leading Malaysian corporates and strategic sectors under NIMP 2030, supporting deeper integration into regional and global networks.
- Business Export Programme (RM3 million grant): Developing export readiness and market access capabilities among Bumiputera MSMEs in the services and manufacturing sectors.
RM400 Million Combined Supporting Building Transport, Logistics and Aerospace Capacity
A combined RM400 million will support:
- Transportation and Logistics Programme (RM200 million): Provides financing to companies and projects across transportation, logistics, maritime and oil and gas (O&G) sectors to support their operational requirements and investment plans.
- Aerospace Programme (RM200 million): Finances businesses across the aerospace ecosystem, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities, to strengthen capabilities and operations.
RM500 Million Supporting Tourism Investment
A combined 500 million will support:
- Special Fund for Tourism (RM200 million): Finances SMEs in tourism and tourism-related sectors for developing and expanding their businesses.
- Tourism Programme (RM300 million): Finances companies across tourism and related sectors to strengthen capacity and support sector development.
RM600 Million Towards Advancing Sustainable Operations
- Dana Kelestarian Alam 2.0 (RM600 million): Finances Malaysian companies undertaking low-carbon initiatives and invests in more sustainable business operations.
