Approximately 700 SME entrepreneurs attended the SME Bank XCESS 2018 to get an insight on how SME Bank can assist them to solve financing issues and help elevate their businesses to a higher level.

Aria Putera Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank said, “SME Bank XCESS 2018 is the biggest event for SME Bank this year with the aim to provide solutions on the issue of access to financing for the SMEs.” He added, “For this year, SME Bank has designated 20 credit officers to guide the participants through a one to one interaction in the Biz Clinic session. In addition, seven vendors from the retail, telecommunication, IT and manufacturing sectors were invited to participate in the Biz Matching activity which objective is to create direct opportunity for the SME entrepreneurs to be their suppliers.”

SME Bank also launched two new products namely the MySMELady and MySMExport during the SME Bank XCESS 2018. MySMELady was crafted specially for women entrepreneurs with the aim to empower them through entrepreneur development programmes. With MySMELady, those who are eligible can apply for financing up to RM1 million with minimum collaterals.

Successful applicants can opt for withdrawal up to 30% of their financing amount using the Bank Islam Debit Card specially issued for them. The clients of MySMELady will automatically become exclusive members of MySMELady Biz Club and they can enjoy exclusive privileges such as the entrepreneur development programs which include business coaching, attending forums on business opportunities, marketing, effective communications and many more.

MySMExport is a financing solution to assist SMEs who aspire to penetrate the global market and also for entrepreneurs who are already in the international arena but want to expand their reach in more countries. Successful applicants are eligible for financing up to RM5 million and no collaterals are required for working capital financing. Clients of MySMExport will also receive access to trade support programs by MATRADE and Bank Muamalat.

Among other activities held during SME Bank XCESS 2018 included the Entrepreneur Forum and Biz Talks with successful entrepreneurs, exhibition by 18 SME companies from various industries and also a live recording of SUKSES TV Program, a joint production between SME Bank and Astro Awani. SUKSES is aired every Friday at 8.30pm on Channel 501. Panelists for the SUKSES recording session are Aria Putera Ismail, Christy Ng, Chief Executive Officer of Christy Ng Sdn. Bhd. and Norsharina Mohd Shahar, Executive Director of Gaia Plas Sdn. Bhd. The session is moderated by Kamarul Bahrin Haron from Astro Awani.

SME Bank XCESS 2018 was officiated by Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. Also present was Yang Berhormat Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, Minister of Entrepreneur Development.