Hong Leong Bank (Cambodia) sealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the SME Association of Malaysia to establish a collaboration to jointly share knowledge and expertise, as well as provide advisory and business matching opportunities aimed at supporting the growth of SME in that country.
The MoU also aims to facilitate business and investment potentials between Cambodian and Malaysian SMEs. SMEs in Cambodia account for 98% of businesses, contributing 73% to employment and 58% to gross domestic product (GDP).
The MoU was signed by Terrence Teoh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HLBCAM and Ding Hong Sing, National President of SME Association of Malaysia, witnessed by H.E. Eldeen Husaini, Malaysia Ambassador to Cambodia and H.E. Cheuy Vichet, Cambodia Ambassador to Malaysia.
“With SMEs as a key contributor to Cambodia’s economic growth, we share the same goal as Cambodia to help spur the enterprise spirit and boost economic development. Through this MoU, I believe our joint capabilities and deep insights of both markets can help our Cambodian and Malaysian SME customers navigate mutual business matching opportunities. We are also able to help them connect with a broader range of business and financial solutions, especially in digital innovation to drive business performance and greater sustainability,” said Teoh.
“Our common aim is to share industry expertise and know-how through study visits, workshops, and seminars with relevant business partners. By combining forces, we are able to help SMEs realise the full potential and opportunities to be harnessed from the growing Cambodian and Malaysian SME sectors.” Ding Hong Sing said.
Meanwhile H.E. Cheuy Vichet, Cambodia’s Ambassador to Malaysia said that the MoU aligns with Cambodia’s national aspirations to drive industrial development through economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness and strengthening productivity as outlined in the Royal Government of Cambodia-approved Industrial Development Policy 2015-2025.
“The benefits from this MoU will help Cambodian SMEs expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem to support Cambodia’s socio-economic development aim and drive towards sustainable and inclusive high economic growth, and enhance industrial sectors,” said His Excellency.
H.E. Eldeen Husaini, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Cambodia, reaffirmed the 65-year strong bonds between Cambodia and Malaysia, citing the MoU as a good reflection of both countries’ commitment to strengthen ties, especially in bilateral trade.
“Malaysia looks forward to this MoU paving the way for collaborations and opportunities that will mutually benefit SMEs from both countries to strengthen the SME landscape and contribute to enhanced competitiveness in the region,” said His Excellency.
The MoU signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the SME forum jointly organised by the SME Association of Malaysia, the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) and the Malaysian embassy in Cambodia. The forum kick-started the knowledge sharing and business matching session to boost trade and investment opportunities.
