CelcomDigi Launches Vendor Empowerment Programme to Support Malaysian SMEs

28 July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: CelcomDigi Berhad has successfully onboarded nearly 100 Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and exclusive sales partners from over 60 companies in the inaugural cohort of its CelcomDigi Vendor Empowerment and Excellence Programme (VEEP).

This strategic initiative aims to uplift SMEs within the company's supply chain by equipping them with practical knowledge, tools, and access to opportunities to enhance their business standards and credibility.

The first phase of VEEP centred on establishing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) fundamentals across the supply chain, utilising the Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide (SEDG) developed in collaboration with Capital Markets Malaysia.

The programme modules are designed to help SMEs embed responsible practices, as well as measure and disclose their ESG impacts. This initiative aligns with Bursa Malaysia’s expectations for companies to develop ESG-ready supply chains, an essential step towards bolstering credibility, unlocking growth opportunities, and meeting the rising demand for ESG-compliant business partners.

CelcomDigi’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Joachim Rajaram, said, “SMEs make up over 97% of Malaysia’s business landscape and are projected to contribute 45% of the country’s GDP this year, making them a vital engine for our economy. Supporting their growth is a strategic priority for us, as part of our ESG commitment to building a sustainable value chain. With Malaysian companies accounting for over 72% of our supply chain, we see a clear opportunity to empower Malaysia’s business ecosystem from within our own network.”

He added, “VEEP is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen local SMEs through targeted support. Our partnership with CMM today lays the foundation for responsible business practices, and we aim to develop a comprehensive programme that promotes the growth and sustainability of SMEs within our value chain, covering areas such as advancing digitalisation, fostering cross-sector collaboration to expand access to business opportunities, and facilitating funding and commercialisation channels.”

VEEP exemplifies CelcomDigi’s long-term commitment to uplifting Malaysian SMEs through structured support and strategic collaborations, focusing on capacity building, accreditation, inclusive procurement practices, and expanding access to business opportunities and financing options.