As Malaysia tables the Budget 2025 today, we turn our focus to Malaysia’s Mid-tier companies (MTCs) and SMEs, the backbone of the nation’s economy. These businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance Malaysia's global competitiveness, yet they continue to face significant challenges, from limited access to financing to the need for digital transformation and skilled talent.



We speak with Callum Chen, Honorary President of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies, as we reflect on the outcomes of Budget 2024 — what worked, what didn’t, and where gaps remain. We also dive into what these businesses are hoping to see in Budget 2025, and the key policies and initiatives that could unlock new opportunities for them, strengthening their position in the global market.


This BFM Budget 2025 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing – Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

As Malaysia tables the Budget 2025 today, we turn our focus to Malaysia’s Mid-tier companies (MTCs) and SMEs, the backbone of the nation’s economy. These businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance Malaysia's global competitiveness, yet they continue to face significant challenges, from limited access to financing to the need for digital transformation and skilled talent.We speak with Callum Chen, Honorary President of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies, as we reflect on the outcomes of Budget 2024 — what worked, what didn’t, and where gaps remain. We also dive into what these businesses are hoping to see in Budget 2025, and the key policies and initiatives that could unlock new opportunities for them, strengthening their position in the global market. This BFM Budget 2025 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing – Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

Enterprise Explores

Budget 2025: What Malaysia’s SMEs and Mid-Tiers Really Need

What does the tech and startup ecosystem need? How can we and should we encourage the government, GLCs, and PLCs to buy tech products and services from local players? What about acquisitions? Should GLCs be mandated to acquire high-quality startups?



As the Budget 2025 tabling approaches, we explore all this and key wishlist items from the tech and startup ecosystem, including the potential impact of government procurement, with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Chair of the Soonicorn Collective, and Warren Leow, CEO of Pixlr Group.



This BFM Budget 2025 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing – Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

What does the tech and startup ecosystem need? How can we and should we encourage the government, GLCs, and PLCs to buy tech products and services from local players? What about acquisitions? Should GLCs be mandated to acquire high-quality startups?As the Budget 2025 tabling approaches, we explore all this and key wishlist items from the tech and startup ecosystem, including the potential impact of government procurement, with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Chair of the Soonicorn Collective, and Warren Leow, CEO of Pixlr Group.This BFM Budget 2025 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing – Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

Budget 2025: Should GLCs Be Required To Buy Local Startups?

Will the Ringgit continue to strengthen against the US Dollar? Could we see the GST comeback? How could fuel subsidy rationalisation factors into Budget 2025?



In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Caroline Wong, Country Risk Analyst at BMI (part of Fitch Solutions), to discuss the key aspects of Malaysia's fiscal strategy as we head into Budget 2025.



We dive into the government's fiscal consolidation plans, the outlook for the Ringgit, and what to expect from Bank Negara Malaysia in terms of interest rate policies.



Tune in to explore how these factors will shape the business landscape in the coming year.



Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

Will the Ringgit continue to strengthen against the US Dollar? Could we see the GST comeback? How could fuel subsidy rationalisation factors into Budget 2025?In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Caroline Wong, Country Risk Analyst at BMI (part of Fitch Solutions), to discuss the key aspects of Malaysia's fiscal strategy as we head into Budget 2025.We dive into the government's fiscal consolidation plans, the outlook for the Ringgit, and what to expect from Bank Negara Malaysia in terms of interest rate policies.Tune in to explore how these factors will shape the business landscape in the coming year.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

Malaysia’s Fiscal Moves, Ringgit Appreciation, And OPR Outlook

As Malaysia’s economy gains momentum with stronger foreign investments, a rising Ringgit, and improved innovation ranking, the nation is on track to potentially achieve high-income status by 2028. Central to this growth is the government's commitment to inclusive progress, highlighted by the Public-Private Partnership Master Plan 2030 (PIKAS 2030) and the RM100 million allocation in Budget 2024 for NGOs and civil society organisations.



In this episode, we explore the vital role of social enterprises in shaping Malaysia’s socio-economic landscape with Kuhan Pathy, President of the Social Entrepreneur Development Association, a Founding Member of the Malaysia Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development, and Co-Founder of Pepper Labs. We also discuss how social enterprises driving innovation, creating community impact, and what Budget 2025 could mean for the future of this growing ecosystem.

This BFM Budget 2025 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing – Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

As Malaysia’s economy gains momentum with stronger foreign investments, a rising Ringgit, and improved innovation ranking, the nation is on track to potentially achieve high-income status by 2028. Central to this growth is the government's commitment to inclusive progress, highlighted by the Public-Private Partnership Master Plan 2030 (PIKAS 2030) and the RM100 million allocation in Budget 2024 for NGOs and civil society organisations.In this episode, we explore the vital role of social enterprises in shaping Malaysia’s socio-economic landscape with Kuhan Pathy, President of the Social Entrepreneur Development Association, a Founding Member of the Malaysia Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development, and Co-Founder of Pepper Labs. We also discuss how social enterprises driving innovation, creating community impact, and what Budget 2025 could mean for the future of this growing ecosystem. This BFM Budget 2025 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing – Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

Budget 2025: What Malaysia’s SMEs and Mid-Tiers Really Need

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