Maybank, TikTok Shop to boost SME digitalisation across ASEAN with recently established partnership

by

Azunta Gaviola

-

6 months ago

The ‘What’s NEXT in Marketing 2025’ series is making waves in Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Join us in shaping the future of marketing!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia Banking Berhad has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with TikTok Shop Malaysia to jointly introduce the Asean SME Upskilling and Digitalisation Programme. This initiative is designed to support small and medium enterprises in adopting digital commerce and scaling their businesses.

The pilot programme, which includes webinars, workshops, and a six-month accelerator plan, will also roll out in Malaysia next month, according to Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group CEO of Community Financial Services.

He further stated, “Through this programme, we aim to leverage the strengths of both Maybank and TikTok Shop to empower entrepreneurs across the region with the knowledge, insights, skills, and tools needed to future-proof their businesses, regardless of their stage of growth.

“Participants will gain hands-on experience in adopting digital solutions, leveraging content-driven e-commerce, and optimising account management techniques — all crucial for long-term business growth and success,” Ahmad further shared.

Ahmad also emphasised that the pilot batch in Malaysia will focus on empowering women entrepreneurs, reinforcing the bank’s HERpower initiative.

The HERpower initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing financial solutions, mentorship, and business development support, with the goal of closing funding gaps, increasing opportunities, and fostering economic inclusion.

He further remarked, “Women-led SMEs make up 20% of all SMEs in Malaysia but continue to face barriers in accessing funding and expanding their businesses.”

“As such, the first Malaysian cohort of the accelerator plan will be reserved for women entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that Maybank aims to increase women-led SMEs from 20% to at least 25% by 2026,” continued Ahmad.

Commenting about the endeavour, Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, director of strategic partnerships at TikTok Shop Malaysia, also said, “An example is an SME we supported that started at a night market, expanded online, established a physical store, and was later featured by us at the Asean Investment and Business Summit. So, it is also about expanding their capability from local to global.”

Step into a world where creativity meets cutting-edge tech at MARKETECH APAC’s Advertising Technology Asia 2025! Coming to the Philippines on 9 September, be at the forefront of the adtech revolution—register now!
The NEXT Awards 2025 is here, and we’re seeking the most innovative marketing campaigns from Indonesiathe Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Asia Pacific. Submit your entry today and showcase your best work!
Share

RECENT ARTICLES

Concentrix acquires SAI Digital, expanding digital commerce, CX solutions in APAC
OutSystems appoints Muralee Kanagaratnam as regional VP for partners & alliances for APAC regional expansion
Singapore leads global AI adoption but faces shadow AI concerns
StarHub, Vectra AI introduce advanced cybersecurity solutions in Singapore
Revolut expands Google Cloud partnership to support global fintech growth
Ellipse 3

RELATED ARTICLES

1_Maybank’s latest ‘Money Lock’ feature to offer added layer of security, prevent unauthorised access
1CedCommerce_UpTech_11zon (1)
Tiktok_UpTech_11zon
Ellipse 3

FEATURED ARTICLES

UpTech NL Feature Image (1)_11zon
1_UpTech Media, MARKETECH APAC to feature critical industry conversations at recently expanded ‘Retail and E-Commerce Innovation Summit’
EW2025_(UT)Launch Article_Feature Image_11zon

Subscribe to UpTech Media Newsletter

Video Title Here: The Indonesian on-ground activation status

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos.

Video Title Here: The Indonesian on-ground activation status

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos.

Video Title Here: The Indonesian on-ground activation status

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos.