Going Regional: What It Takes for Malaysian SMEs to Scale Across ASEAN

Rizal Dato’ Nainy, CEO, SME Corp Malaysia

06-Aug-25 12:00

Going Regional: What It Takes for Malaysian SMEs to Scale Across ASEAN

Pause
Embed

As Malaysia prepares to host SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 in October under its ASEAN Chairmanship, the spotlight is on how local businesses can break past domestic limits and seize regional opportunities. But while ASEAN is often touted as a natural growth market for Malaysian SMEs, the journey beyond our borders remains filled with challenges.

We speak with Rizal Dato’ Nainy, CEO of SME Corp Malaysia, about the real barriers holding SMEs back from scaling regionally, from structural hurdles to mindset gaps. We discuss what “export readiness” actually means, how SME Corp is driving innovation and digital adoption, and why events like SME Venture@ASEAN must go beyond networking to deliver real business impact.

Produced by: Carol Wong

Presented by: Richard Bradbury

This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories: economy, Corporates, SME

Tags: export readiness, smes, regional expansion, SME Corp Malaysia, business growth, international trade, asean,

Today’s Shows

6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC shares his analysis on the 2026 commodities outlook.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dato' Foo Yong Hooi, President of Persatuan Agensi Pekerjaan Asing, explains why approved foreign worker quotas are not translating into actual worker arrivals.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Captain Cheah Sin Bi, CEO of Orkim Berhad discusses the company's evolution, listing exercise as well as its plans for the RM92 million it hopes to raise.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Alan Cheong, Executive Director, Savills Singapore gives us an outlook for Singapore's property market in 2026.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Khor Yu Leng, economist from Segi Enam Advisers, discusses what the recent shifts in the palm oil industry mean for Malaysia.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

Pinnacle Perspectives

Poonam Goyal, Senior Retail & eCommerce Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, breaks down Nike’s leadership moves, strategic pivots, and what it will take to restore growth.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Ajoy Gopinath Prabhu, Symbiotica Specialty Ingredients

11:05 AM

P&L

Georg Chmiel, Co-Founder & Chair, Chmiel Global Advisory

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Euben Paracuelles, Chief ASEAN Economist, Nomura

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

Selangor’s proposed Batu Arang waste-to-energy incinerator has sparked major community concern. Two residents explain the risks, the lack of official response, and why safer alternatives are needed.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Many of us put off sleep and spend the night in front of screens, but how exactly is it affecting our brain? Tune in to find out.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Today I Learned

We speak to a Palestinian theologist about how Western Christianity and colonialism shaped Palestine, and the traditions of interfaith tolerance and solidarity that continue to define its society.

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

A Bit of Culture

PROGRAMMES