SME Bank has initiated the “Penjana Komuniti@SME Bank” programme which is a corporate responsibility programme and an initiative under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF), aimed at stimulating economic activities for the B40 micro-entrepreneurs who are affected by the COVID-19.

This pilot project of the “Penjana Komuniti@SME Bank” programme involves 20 selected B40 micro entrepreneurs from PPR Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya and PPR Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur. They are given training and guidance on how to grow their existing business using online platforms and how to use social media in a more structured and effective way.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC), YB Dato Sri Dr. Hj Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said, “This “Penjana Komuniti@SME Bank” programme is in line with MEDAC's ongoing efforts to strengthen the capabilities and skills of the micro entrepreneurs in running their business. This programme is also one of the 27 new programmes and policies under PEMACU which is driven by MEDAC. PEMACU is an initiative that connects the functions of all agencies under MEDAC so that monitoring can be carried out efficiently and capacity and competencies collaborations can be maximized.”

YB Dato Sri Dr. added, “Looking at the potentials of this “Penjana Komuniti@SME Bank” programme, MEDAC has decided to extend this programme nationwide next year and increase the number of participants to 150 B40 entrepreneurs from various backgrounds. This initiative is one of the Government's efforts in empowering the B40 group in order for them to continue to be viable, especially during the COVID-19 crisis."

SME Bank’s Goup President/Chief Executive Officer, Aria Putera Ismail said, “To ensure the objectives of this programme are achieved, SME Bank has appointed Centre for Entrepreneur Development & Research Sdn. Bhd. (CEDAR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SME Bank as the training provider and “Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa” (YSS) as the Project Manager. The first training session for the programme started on 15 September and completed on 6 October 2020 while the training session for the second group will be completed before end of this year. CEDAR will also monitor the development and business progress of the participants throughout the programme.”

Aria added, "This hands-on training programme includes learning about 'Facebook Ads', 'Instagram Advertising' and 'Website & Google Ads'. In addition, participants are also introduced to YEZZA application to facilitate their business management. YEZZA is a business platform using the WhatsApp application for a systematic selling of products or services.”

Meanwhile, SME Bank also provides a special training for tenants at the SME Bank Entrepreneur Premises Complex (EPC), namely SME Bank Business Strategic Series or better known as SBSS, which is also conducted by CEDAR. This free training programme is a platform for the entrepreneurs, who operate at the 454 factory lots in 26 SME Bank EPC, to increase their knowledge and skills in doing business and expand it to a higher level.