JOHOR BAHRU – AFFIN Group hosted the Johor edition of AFFIN SME BizChat 2026 at Opero Hotel Southkey, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts to examine the economic outlook, emerging opportunities and strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ahead of 2027.
Themed “Outlook 2027 – Opportunities, Challenges & Strategies for SMEs”, the event provided practical insights into Budget 22027, digital transformation and evolving market conditions to help businesses make informed decisions and prepare for the year ahead. As one of AFFIN’s flagship business engagement initiatives, AFFIN SME BizChat serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, industry collaboration and business networking. Following previous engagements in East Malaysia and the Northern Region, the initiative expanded to Johor Bahru, reinforcing AFFIN’s commitment to supporting SME communities nationwide.
The programme also featured knowledge-sharing sessions covering Malaysia’s economic outlook, Budget 2027 implications and the application of artificial intelligence to improve business productivity and efficiency. These sessions aimed to equip SMEs with actionable strategies to manage rising costs, embrace innovation and strengthen business resilience.
The event welcomed more than 200 participants and was graced by YB Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, who delivered a keynote address on Johor’s economic outlook, investment landscape and the opportunities shaping the state’s continued growth.
Affin Champions SME Growth in the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone
Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN GROUP, said that the initiative reflects AFFIN’S broader role as a strategic partner to SMEs, supporting businesses in navigating economic challenges, strengthening competitiveness and capitalising on emerging growth opportunities.
“Johor’s growing investment momentum, particularly through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), presents significant opportunities for local SMEs to participate in higher-value supply chains and expand into regional markets. Through AFFIN SME BizChat, we aim to bridge the gap between market insights and business action, connecting entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and financial capabilities to pursue their growth ambitions,” he said.
Supporting these initiatives, AFFIN offers comprehensive Enterprise Banking solutions, including working capital and expansion financing, trade and supply-chain facilities, cash management, digital banking and payment services. As of June 2026, Group Enterprise Banking gross loans grew 17.3% year-on-year to RM8.8 billion, while deposits stood at RM9.4 billion. More than 69,135 Enterprise Banking customers had subscribed to AFFINMAX, the Group’s corporate internet banking platform.
AFFIN’s commitment to SME development is further supported by its US$400 million financing partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), announced in September 2026, to expand financing access for eligible MSMEs, particularly women-owned businesses and enterprises in underserved regions. The initiative advances AFFIN’s vision to be a Modern and Progressive Bank, in line with its AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Plan strategic pillars of Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership and Responsible Banking with Impact.
AFFIN SME BizChat Aimed to Equip SMEs With Actionable Strategies
A key highlight from AFFIN SME BizChat was the panel discussion “From Outlook to Action: Navigating Opportunities, Challenges & Growth in 2027”, moderated by Ms. Esther Yap, Founder & CEO of Stellar SparX International, featuring Mr. Adrian Yeo of Adrian Yeo PLT, Mr. Azuan Azzudin of J&T Express Malaysia and Mr. Teh Kee Sin of the SME Association of Johor Selatan.
The programme also featured knowledge-sharing sessions covering Malaysia’s economic outlook, Budget 2027 implications and the applications of artificial intelligence to improve business productivity and efficiency. These sessions aimed to equip SMEs with actionable strategies to manage rising costs, embrace innovation and strengthen business resilience.
