Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, has successfully concluded its latest Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to South Africa and Kenya, marking the Bank’s first foray into non-traditional markets.
The mission brought together 11 Malaysian SMEs, generating approximately RM125 million in potential export sales and showcasing strengths across healthcare, medical devices, food and beverages, consumer products and specialised manufacturing.
Samad Majid Zain, Relief President and Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank said, “Since 2023, more than 100 Malaysian companies have participated in the EAM, generating RM439 million in potential export sales. This reflects steady growth, rising from RM113 million in 2023 to RM160 million in 2024 and RM166 million in 2025, underscoring the rising global competitiveness of Malaysian enterprises.”
“The EAM empowers SMEs to thrive internationally in markets including the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, Turkey, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, while reinforcing partnerships in South Africa and Kenya.
“Led by SME Bank in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and supported by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), the EAM serves as a conduit to accelerate entrepreneurial growth and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a hub of innovation and global trade,” he elaborated.
Held from 30 August to 6 September 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa and Nairobi, Kenya, the EAM provided Malaysian SMEs with opportunities to expand into new markets through business seminars, matching sessions, networking and market visits.
The mission was led by Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE, with the involvement of Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Chief Corporate Strategy Officer of SME Bank, and the support of the Malaysia High Commissions in South Africa and Kenya.
The week-long programme also saw the signing of a landmark collaborative agreement between Malaysia’s Star Medik Group and South Africa’s ICRD Group Holding (PTY) Ltd, paving the way for greater cooperation in the medical device manufacturing sector in South Africa.
-NIAGATIMES
