Maybank Group today has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the local SME industry with a RM30,000 sponsorship for SMI Association of Malaysia (SMI Malaysia) to enable them to hold a series of roadshows aimed to assist SMEs seeking funding with IP0 as a strategic option. The roadshow entitled ‘Funding & IPO for SMEs Roadshow’ will be held at various states over a two month period.

Maybank and its investment banking entity, Aseambankers Malaysia Berhad are joint Gold Sponsors for the SMI Malaysia’s roadshow. Encik Muhamad Umar Swift, Executive Vice President and Head, Enterprise Financial Services Group of Maybank and Mr T. Jeyaratnam, Deputy CEO of Aseambankers Malaysia Berhad presented a cheque of RM30,000 to the SMI Malaysia’s National President, Dr Looi Teong Chye at Menara Maybank.

Speaking at a media briefing of Maybank Group’s role in supporting SMI Association of Malaysia and SMEs development in the country, Encik Muhamad Umar Swift said that Maybank had a close partnership with the SMI Malaysia and provided various sponsorships for their programmes.

"Since 2001, we have been sponsors to SMI Malaysia’s various roadshows, recognition awards for their members as well as participated in their trade fairs. We are once again pleased to sponsor their latest roadshow and we congratulate the Association for taking an active interest in promoting and developing the SME sectors," said Encik Muhamad.

"The SMEs remain an important sector in spearheading the nation to achieve the Vision 2020 objective. As a leading financial institution, and drawing on the synergy of the Maybank Group, we are to provide a comprehensive suite of products and solutions to cater to the varied needs of this sector. Maybank’s total loans to this sector as at end December 2004 totalled over RM21 billion which constitute 21% of the bank’s total loans base. For the first 6 months of FY2004/05, a 10.4% loans growth was registered for this sector. We are also the top lender for Corporate Guarantee Corporation’s loan schemes as well as other government loans for the SME sector," added Encik Muhamad.

Maybank offers a range of customised packages for SME’s financing needs such as Petrol Station Dealers’ package, Vendor Financing Package, Suppliers' Package, FAC3plus, ITplus and the comprehensive online Cash Management Solution at Maybank2e.net. In addition, Maybank also offers Islamic financing as alternative financing.

"Our relationship with the SMI sector is a continuous commitment assisting them from their growth to maturity as well as catering to their IPO status and beyond. Our contact and delivery channels nationwide consist of 38 dedicated Business Centres, 15 Trade Finance Centres and special units among them the Bumiputra Development Department and the Cash Management Department. Our international network can also assist them when they venture overseas. We are therefore a comprehensive one-stop financial solutions provider for the SME sector," added Encik Muhamad.

Mr T. Jeyaratnam said that Aseambankers’ long-standing involvement with past and present Enterprise 50 companies is a testament of the support given to this sector.

"Beginning with our Venture Capital arm and Private Equity all the way to Aseambankers, we are able to assist SMEs with a comprehensive roadmap towards meeting their financial and business goals from the start-up stage all the way to maturity," said Mr Jeyaratnam.

"The Malaysian capital market has undergone many changes in the last few years and there are many options for the SMEs to seek funds. Aseambankers has chosen to focus on creating greater awareness on its expertise on IPOs to assist those who wish to bring their companies to another level. The roadshow is a great opportunity for Aseambankers to play our role in assisting SMEs especially those seeking an IPO option," added Mr Jeyaratnam.