Bank Rakyat is stepping up efforts to internationalise Malaysian businesses through its “Bank Rakyat Bizmatch: Make Malaysian Businesses Great” programme, held alongside the Nikkei Forum of Asia 2026 in Japan.
The business matching platform brought together seven Malaysian companies with Japanese and regional investors, industry leaders and strategic partners to explore cross-border partnerships, market access opportunities and business expansion in high-growth sector.
Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim said initiatives under the “Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia” agenda are aligned with the government’s ambition to help Malaysian businesses expand beyond domestic borders and compete more effectively on the global stage.
He said Malaysian entrepreneurs possess strong potential, innovation and resilience, but require access to the right platforms, strategic partnerships and international business ecosystems to scale their operations.
The minister also urged Japanese companies to view Malaysian technology start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as strategic partners capable of driving joint innovation rather than merely serving as local vendors.
“Through initiatives like today’s BizMatch, we are actively inviting our Japanese friends to embed themselves deeper into Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape,” he said, adding that the programme creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, investment and long-term commercial collaboration.
Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat Chairman, Datuk Mohd Irwan Mohd Mubarak said the participating companies represent industries with strong future growth prospects, including food security, aquaculture, renewable energy, green technology, palm oil, retail and manufacturing.
He noted that these sectors will play a critical role in strengthening economic resilience across Malaysia and the wider region.
Mohd Irwan said the initiative reflects Bank Rakyat’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes by expanding access to networks, opportunities and international markets.
He added that Bank Rakyat’s role extends beyond financing, encompassing strategic advisory services, market facilitation, digital enablement and international networking platforms to help entrepreneurs scale globally.
The BizMatch programme supports the government’s broader agenda to strengthen entrepreneurship development, expand international trade opportunities and enhance the global competitiveness of Malaysian businesses
