10/06/2026

BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JUNE 10, 2026

15

Maybank steps up support for SMEs

Malaysian SMEs is to move alongside them at every stage of their journey, through the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Maybank community financial services group CEO Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar. The bank has also begun proactive engagements with its SME customers to discuss available financial assistance and urges businesses experiencing financial pressure to engage early to ensure timely support. As part of its ROAR30 strategy, Maybank said it remains committed to powering the real economy by supporting SMEs as key drivers of economic growth and industry development through its financial solutions, ecosystem support and continued industry engagement. The group aims to help businesses navigate current challenges while strengthening long term resilience and competitiveness, with the aim of mobilising RM100 billion to nurture high-impact, high-value industries across the nation.

clients, contract value, execution certainty and margin discipline. Our expansion into Penang and Johor are deliberate moves. They diversify where our revenue comes from and bring us closer to where the next wave of demand is forming. We are positive on the opportunities ahead, but we will stay measured. FY26 is about strengthening the order pipeline, expanding carefully and maintaining the financial discipline expected of a listed company.” To facilitate this growth phase, SAG retains RM104 million of IPO proceeds allocated as at March 31, 2026. These funds are designated for the proposed development of a corporate office and hours upon full document execution. In addition, existing SME customers may seek Repayment Assistance under the Financial Relief Scheme, with the bank committed to delivering an outcome within five working days. Maybank is also facilitating applications for the SRF by BNM, which provides financing of up to RM750,000 for a tenure of up to five years at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% p.a., inclusive of guarantee fee, to businesses affected by the West Asia conflict. “Malaysian SMEs are more than numbers that contribute to the economy – they are the key drivers of Malaysia’s real economy and the communities they serve. As Malaysia’s largest bank, we have a responsibility to be present to them beyond banking services by listening, understanding evolving business needs and ensuring that the solutions we offer is both accessible and meaningful. Guided by our mission to Humanise Financial Services, our commitment to

contributed to an improved gross profit margin of 23.1% in the first quarter of FY26, up from 19.8% in the corresponding period last year, driven by cost efficiency and strict project-level cost controls. Executive director/group CEO Darren Chang said,“Our focus now is execution – deploying the capital we raised into expanding capacity and strengthening systems that allow us to take on larger and more complex work. We are building the platform for SAG’s next growth phase, not just chasing revenue. The order book gives us visibility, but the quality of the book matters as much as its size. We are choosing projects carefully, with focus on Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta), the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, the KL & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia. The session was part of Maybank’s continued efforts to engage directly with SME ecosystem partners to better understand the concerns faced by businesses on the ground, while ensuring that available financial assistance and relief measures are clearly communicated and accessible to SMEs. The bank’s support response has been designed to address the challenges SME owners are facing across multiple sectors and business needs. Maybank SME Perkasa, launched on May 12, is a rapid-financing initiative for businesses across sectors affected by the West Asia conflict, with disbursement within 48

KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank has strengthened its support for Malaysian SMEs through targeted financial solutions, proactive industry engagement and facilitation of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Stabilisation Relief Facility (SRF), as the West Asia conflict continue to affect businesses across multiple sectors nationwide. Recently, the bank held an industry engagement and dialogue session with the industry groups, expands targeted financial solutions and relief measures o Lender holds engagement and dialogue sessions with

Signature Alliance outlines FY26 growth strategy amid rising demand KUALA LUMPUR: ACE Market-listed interior fitting-out specialist Signature Alliance Group Bhd (SAG) outlined its growth strategy for the financial year ending 2026 (FY26) focusing on execution, selective tendering, and the deployment of initial public offering (IPO) proceeds into long-term capacity building. production facility in Selangor, the procurement of new machinery, and the establishment of branch offices in Penang and Johor. Expanding into Penang provides the group with direct exposure to industrial and semiconductor-related activity, while the Johor operations target commercial, industrial, and corporate office demand driven by major infrastructure investments.

As at March 31, 2026, SAG was managing 87 ongoing projects with an unbilled order book of about RM227.6 million. The tendering strategy of the group will remain highly selective, prioritising higher-value contracts that meet strict execution and margin requirements. This approach, coupled with rigorous project-level cost controls

The group’s strategic expansion aligns with supportive macroeconomic conditions. The value of work done for interior fitting-out services in Malaysia is estimated to have grown significantly from approximately RM2 billion in 2024 to approximately RM2.9 billion by 2027.

SUBSCRIBE TO theSun TODAY!

ONLY RM 1 PER COPY!

Enjoy daily access to:

The latest local & global news Top entertainment & sports stories All in 32 Full Colour pages

Stay informed 7 days a week! Just real news, straight to you.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!