Kuala lumpur: OCBC Malaysia said its Serial Entrepreneur Programme has gained strong momentum among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), having secured more than RM1.6 billion in approved financing since its pilot phase began just over a year ago.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bank stated that the programme supports entrepreneurs who own multiple businesses by assessing their entire portfolio rather than evaluating each entity in isolation. OCBC Malaysia managing director and head of wholesale banking, Jeffrey Teoh, revealed at its recent OCBC Serial Entrepreneur Programme event that more than 100 customers have joined the programme since its official launch in Kuala Lumpur in July this year.

Teoh expressed enthusiasm about expanding the programme to Sarawak, a state currently experiencing growth in the renewable energy sector, digital infrastructure, and progressive policies. He highlighted the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs in Sarawak and emphasized OCBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering them.

The programme offers support through OCBC’s dedicated relationship managers who provide customised financial roadmaps to assist entrepreneurs in managing and expanding their businesses more effectively. It includes payment and collection services, industry-specific solutions, and other tools to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures without the constraints of traditional banking models.

Teoh reiterated the bank’s belief that SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, driving their innovation, investments, and partnerships.