Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank” or “the Bank”) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with the return of its flagship Alliance Bank BizSmart® Business Conference 2025 (ABBBC2025).
Held at W Kuala Lumpur, the one-day event carried the theme “Boundaries Reimagined: Bridging Innovation with Vision”. It brought together more than 700 entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators to explore practical strategies for sustainable growth.
The conference featured nine sessions and over 25 speakers. Discussions focused on key challenges facing SMEs — including digital disruption, limited funding access, talent shortages and changing customer expectations. Participants also gained actionable insights and valuable connections to help strengthen and future-proof their businesses.
“Today’s audiences are no longer satisfied with being spoken at — they want to be truly seen, heard and understood,” said Mr Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank.
“At Alliance Bank, our focus is on building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and business owners. Through ABBBC2025, we show that we don’t just talk about supporting businesses — we stand alongside them, championing their growth with meaningful actions. This is what it means to be The Bank for Life for our business customers.”
Empowering Growth Through Connection
In an exclusive interview with BusinessToday, Dr Aaron Sum, Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer of Alliance Bank, said the conference reflects the Bank’s role as an enabler within Malaysia’s SME ecosystem.
“This conference isn’t about the Bank telling entrepreneurs what to do,” said Dr Sum during the interview. “It’s about successful business owners sharing real experiences with one another. We see ourselves as facilitators, connecting entrepreneurs with the right mentors, coaches and networks. That’s where real growth happens.”
He noted that many collaborations have emerged from these events, leading to new partnerships and business opportunities. The BizSmart Conference also builds on the Bank’s broader initiatives, such as the BizSmart Challenge, a startup competition and accelerator that will be relaunched next year after a short break.
The previous BizSmart Challenge attracted nearly 600 applications. Of these, 30 startups joined the accelerator, and 13 were selected as winners. They received funding, business coaching and ongoing support from Alliance Bank and its partners, including venture capital and private equity firms.
“We can’t do this alone,” Dr Sum added. “Supporting SMEs takes collaboration across the ecosystem — from government bodies to private-sector partners who share our commitment to helping Malaysian businesses grow.”
A Platform for Diverse Entrepreneurs
ABBBC2025 aims to appeal to businesses across varying industries, from retail and F&B to technology and professional services. The conference was open to entrepreneurs at every stage of growth, creating an inclusive space for learning and collaboration.
The line-up featured well-known names such as Dato Calvin Chan of Oriental Kopi, Datin Dr Winnie Loo of A Cut Above, Timothy Tiah of Colony Coworking Space, Ivor Lim and Chew Hoi Meng of HYGR, Yeoh Chen Chow of 1% Advisory & Coaching, Aizat Rahim of Borong, Soo Sze Yang of MR D.I.Y., and Pinn Yang of Foodie Media.
This year’s programme also included focused discussions. One session celebrated women entrepreneurs who are redefining leadership, while another explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the SME landscape.
Dr Sum said diversity and relevance are central to how the Bank supports entrepreneurs. “Malaysia’s SME landscape is incredibly diverse,” he explained. “We have traditional brick-and-mortar businesses and fast-growing digital enterprises. Our programmes are built to reflect that mix and ensure our support reaches every kind of entrepreneur.”
Dr Sum added that SMEs will continue to drive Malaysia’s economic growth. “They are the engine of the country,” he said.
“We’re inspired by how bold and innovative these business owners are. They’re not afraid to challenge conventions and create new ways of doing business. That’s why we remain committed to investing in them — because SMEs are the future of Malaysia.”
