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SME Bank and Lembaga Tabung Haji (Tabung Haji) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide enhanced support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through tailored financial solutions and comprehensive capacity-building programs.

SME Bank’s Relief Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, stated that this partnership aims to make a significant impact on the Malaysian MSME sector. “By bridging SME Bank’s Shariah-compliant financing solutions with Tabung Haji’s extensive network, we will deliver the right financing and capacity-building programs to local vendors and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to foster sustainable economic growth for MSMEs, enhancing their opportunities and success in alignment with Shariah principles,” he said.

Under the MoU, Tabung Haji will promote relevant SME Bank programs to its potential vendors. SME Bank, through its subsidiary, the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn. Bhd. (CEDAR), will develop and promote capacity-building programs for eligible Tabung Haji-registered vendors. Additionally, both parties will explore and propose structured financing schemes tailored to the specific needs of these vendors. The collaboration will also include joint efforts in organizing conferences, seminars, talks, marketing activities, and training and development programs.

Datuk Dr. Hardee highlighted the role of CEDAR in this partnership, noting that the subsidiary has trained over 82,000 entrepreneurs to date. “Our comprehensive entrepreneurship and capacity-building programs are designed to enhance the capabilities of our nation’s MSMEs. These initiatives will also incorporate best practices in Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) through targeted coaching and advisory programs,” he added.

Lembaga Tabung Haji Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Syed Hamadah Syed Othman, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. “With over 10 subsidiaries spanning various sectors, Tabung Haji is well-positioned to channel significant resources and expertise into this partnership. This MoU is not just about financial support; it’s about creating a robust ecosystem for MSME growth. We are committed to ensuring our registered vendors gain the necessary skills and opportunities to expand and continue their long-term support for Tabung Haji and its business operations,” he said.

The MoU was signed by Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim and Syed Hamadah Syed Othman, with the signing witnessed by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD), Dato’ Ramanan Ramakrishnan, and Deputy Secretary General (Entrepreneur Development), Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Haji Zamri Salleh.

SME Bank continues to embrace strategic collaborations, reaffirming its commitment to empowering MSMEs and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic prosperity in line with the MADANI economy framework. For more information on SME Bank’s programs and initiatives, please visit www.smebank.com.my, SME Bank’s Facebook page, or contact SME Bank’s Contact Centre at 603-26037700.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2024/08/12/sme-bank-tabung-haji-sign-mou-to-strengthen-support-for-msmes/