KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have plenty of opportunities to innovate with the widespread availability of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms out there, says Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick.
“These will also give the SMEs opportunities to scale up and expand across borders.
“But the future of Asean’s growth will depend largely on the ability of SMEs to innovate and collaborate on both the regional and global stage,” Ewon said in his speech at the CIMB Asean SME Economic Forum yesterday evening.
He said these opportunities would help shape the next chapter of growth for the SMEs and the country’s joint prosperity as well.
“We want to empower these SMEs to seize these opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the National Industrial Masterplan (NIMP) puts the focus on supporting the SMEs, moving forward.
“The NIMP places the SMEs at the centre of transformation. It will no longer be just about incremental changes.
“We consider SMEs not just our suppliers but also our strategic partners. Not just local suppliers but serious contenders for regional opportunities,” Tengku Zafrul said in his speech.
“Under the NIMP, we are moving from grants to growth – from one-off support to long-term empowerment.
“From financing tools to export facilitating for the SMEs, including digitalisation initiatives.
“These are not just policies but bridges to new markets and new technologies,” Tengku Zafrul added.
He said it was key for SMEs to learn how to leverage AI and robotics to improve their processes in order to cater to the global supply chain eventually.
“Through this, they can also market themselves more effectively,” Tengku Zafrul said.
Both were speaking at the launch of CIMB OCTO Biz, a platform that’s powered by AI and data-driven insights which offers businesses access to real-time cash flow dashboards and financing applications, providing greater control and visibility over their finances.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/10/10/smes-have-room-to-innovate

