Ewon Launches SME Venture @ ASEAN 2025: Provides SMEs opportunities to Tap into the International Market

17 February 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: SME Corp. Malaysia will hold the SME Venture @ ASEAN 2025, a comprehensive three-day expo scheduled to take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 16 to 18 October 2025.

This groundbreaking platform has been carefully curated with a diverse range of activities to empower Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to tap into the vast opportunities of the ASEAN market.

Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MEDC), officiated the soft launch of SME Venture @ ASEAN 2025 earlier today, highlighting the significance of this initiative in promoting the growth and development of Malaysian SMEs.

“As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, we are looking at the ASEAN market with renewed enthusiasm. Under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, we are committed to revitalising the regional economic landscape by unlocking export potential of ASEAN SMEs,” he said.

Ewon further elaborated on the key highlights of the event, emphasising a comprehensive showcase of SME products and services tailored for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) segments.

The B2B showcase will prominently feature the capabilities of local SMEs operating in high-impact sectors, including electrical and electronics, oil and gas, biotechnology, medical devices, and aerospace.

The B2C segment will present a diverse array of consumer products, such as fashion items, cosmetics, handicrafts, and tourism offerings, designed to attract the public and visitors, generating consumer interest throughout the event.

“To drive the expansion of our SMEs into the ASEAN market, 200 business matching sessions will be organised. In addition to participation from ASEAN SMEs, we are committed to bringing in anchor companies and buyers not only from the ASEAN member states, but also countries such as Türkiye, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Georgia and Kazakhstan.”

The three-day event offers a packed schedule designed to maximise benefits for participating SMEs and visitors. Highlights include workshops on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), a forum dedicated to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, insightful pocket talks on export assistance, technology and digitalization, as well as opportunities for export fund pitching, according to him.

“We encourage all SMEs to register and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to expand their networks, strengthen their capabilities, and capitalise on the extensive opportunities available. We also urge all stakeholders present today to promote this event within your networks, ensuring that SMEs can fully benefit from this valuable initiative.”

“Further demonstrating our commitment to boosting SME exports, we will witness the Exchange of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) under the Export Accelerator Programme (EAP) between SME Corp. Malaysia and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS). This programme is specifically designed to equip SMEs with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in international markets, with a particular focus on Japan. A key aim is to position local SMEs prominently at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan," he said adding that the programme offers training and hands-on experience for 30 participating SMEs.

Ewon stressed the significance of SMEs in Malaysia's economic growth. He drew attention to the government's emphasis on innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in order to create a favourable environment for SMEs.

This commitment to innovation and digitalisation, coupled with the creation of a conducive and comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem by MEDC and other relevant agencies, will facilitate the growth of SMEs.

He mentioned that SMEs should take full advantage of the assistance offered by the Government to venture into export market adding that MSMEs had contributed tremendously to the economy and the Government has announced a total of RM40 billion allocation for its development under the 2025 Budget.

While a substantial portion is dedicated to enhancing access to financing for MSMEs, a sum of RM810 million has been earmarked to enhance market access for SMEs under export-related authorities such as EXIM Bank and MATRADE.

Through SME Venture @ ASEAN 2025 event, Malaysian SMEs will have the opportunity to gain greater market access and benefit from attractive incentives via the country's network of Free Trade Agreements, notably the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which are of paramount importance for SMEs, he stated.

Also present during this event were Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud

Secretary General Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development and Rizal Dato’ Nainy Chief Executive Officer, SME Corp. Malaysia.