Government open to structured support proposal for growth-stage SMEs
Fadillah says the proposal needs further assessment, taking existing initiatives and businesses’ practical needs into account.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government welcomed a business community proposal to provide more structured assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the growth stage.
Speaking at the opening of the World Marketing Summit Malaysia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 5, he said the idea warranted further examination and discussions involving relevant ministries, agencies and industry stakeholders. Any approach would need assessment against existing initiatives and businesses’ practical requirements.
Fadillah said helping enterprises maintain momentum beyond their initial success deserved equal attention. Winning a large contract or gaining access to overseas markets could create requirements for additional staff, stronger management, equipment investment and more financing.
Entrepreneurs’ experience of building companies and addressing challenges could help policymakers identify where assistance would be most useful, he said.
On artificial intelligence (AI), Fadillah said adoption should focus on solving problems and improving service. For smaller businesses, useful innovation could mean cutting repetitive administrative tasks so staff could devote more attention to customers, rather than choosing the most sophisticated technology.
He said AI’s ability to analyse information and offer recommendations did not replace human responsibility for judgement, integrity or the effects of decisions. Smaller enterprises, workers and communities should also have opportunities to participate in technological advances and share their benefits, he added.
