Kuala Lumpur, 18 March 2024 – SME Bank, through its Business Exports Programme (BEP), successfully led four (4) of its BEP participants to explore opportunities in the German market at SME Future Day 2024, a premier business event for small and medium-sized businesses in Germany. The event aimed to foster collaboration and explore opportunities to accelerate the exports of Made-in-Malaysia products and services to Germany by building strategic alliances and promoting the diversity of Malaysian innovation.

SME Bank Group President/Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira (Dr.) Aria Putera Ismail said, "SME Bank is committed to unlocking the full potential of Malaysian exports, and our participation in Berlin signifies a crucial step towards achieving this goal. Through our Business Exports Programme (BEP), we aim to showcase Malaysian excellence and innovation on the global stage and expand their international market presence. To date, the BEP has recorded a remarkable pre-program total export revenue of RM 34.86 million from 62 companies and an impressive post-program export revenue of RM 150.48 million in 2023.”

Four Bumiputera companies showcased their products and services at SME Future Day 2024, namely Marniq Bersatu Sdn Bhd, a specialist in information technology services, management consultancy, and services related to the oil & gas industry; Primelux Energy Sdn Bhd, known for manufacturing street lighting and accessories; Ade Azhar Trading Sdn Bhd, trading of books and supplements, and 59Kopa Sdn Bhd, which focuses on manufacturing sports and modest apparel, international marketing, import-export, and facility management.

Ade Azhar Trading Sdn Bhd. Chief Executive Officer, Ade Azhar Ismail commented, “Participating in a trade event of this magnitude, especially in Germany, marks a significant milestone for us. We are thrilled to join the BEP entourage and eagerly anticipate continuing our journey with SME Bank. Our aspirations are set high as we aim to leverage this opportunity to expand our presence in the German market.

The successful participation of Malaysian SMEs in Berlin reinforces the nation's commitment to fostering global collaborations, driving economic growth, and showcasing the capabilities of Malaysian businesses on the international stage.

Furthermore, the delegation's visit to retail business outlets in Berlin presented a strategic opportunity to gain deeper insights into European markets, including engaging in discussions about the potential expansion of existing and new Malaysian products and conducting on-site observations at supermarkets to assess the presence and reception of Malaysian brands.

The BEP plays a pivotal role in diversifying the country's exports and supporting the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, in alignment with Thrust 6 under the National Entrepreneurship Policy (DKN) 2030 which focuses on internationalising high-performing enterprises. Find out more about SME Bank’s programs and initiatives at www.smebank.com.my, SME Bank Facebook or call SME Bank’s Contact Centre at 603-26037700.