Malaysia to Host Premier ASEAN SME Summit 2025: Unlocking Regional Business Opportunities and Innovation

24 September 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: SME Venture@ASEAN 2025, hosted by SME Corp. Malaysia, is gaining momentum with a wave of strategic partnerships aimed at expanding its regional footprint and enhancing its value for businesses and visitors alike. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 October at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. It is shaping up to be a dynamic SME business platform, especially significant given Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year.

Seven key organizations have come onboard to elevate the SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 experience. MATRADE, Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency, will lead the GoASEAN Biz Match initiative, connecting local SMEs with regional and international buyers through its International Sourcing Programme (INSP). Tourism Malaysia will lend promotional strength by aligning the event with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, spotlighting tourism offerings and attracting inbound travel interest from ASEAN neighbors.

Media Prima Omnia, as the strategic media partner, will drive nationwide awareness and regional reach through integrated media campaigns across TV, radio, digital, and print. Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, as the official airline partners, will enhance accessibility and convenience with special fares tailored for SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 partners, exhibitors, visitors, and delegates. Pos Malaysia Berhad, the official courier and logistics partner, will support the event with their comprehensive range of logistics and shipping services. Bubbles O2, a home-grown lifestyle brand, is the official mineral water partner, encouraging Malaysians to live a healthy lifestyle through the organization of running events. Additionally, PERODUA, Malaysia’s leading homegrown car manufacturer, will support the event by sponsoring a car as the grand prize for the lucky draw.

The event will also host two high-level knowledge-sharing forums, co-organized with reputable partners to lend credibility and expertise. The ESG Forum, in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), will focus on environmental, social, and governance issues. The ASEAN SME Forum, organized with the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA), aims to foster regional SME development. These strategic partners represent a broad cross-section of Malaysia’s business, government, media, and trade ecosystem, working together to support SME visibility, export readiness, and public engagement at the event.

SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 is designed to unlock business potential with more than 350 local and international exhibitors. The B2B exhibition will showcase eight high-impact sectors, including electrical and electronics, drone and aerospace, oil and gas, medical devices, biotechnology, halal technology and smart agriculture, mobility, and the green economy. Through the GoASEAN Biz Match initiative, participating SMEs will engage in 300 curated business matching sessions with buyers, investors, and anchor companies from across the region.

On the public-facing side, the ASEAN Market Fair will feature an engaging display of food and beverages, wellness products, textiles and fashion, handicrafts, and travel packages. The collaboration with ASEAN Records is expected to bring ASEAN flavors into the event, adding a cultural dimension to the experience.

Beyond trade and retail, SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 offers a comprehensive program of activities tailored for SMEs at all stages of growth. Highlights include the ExportBiz Talk series, focusing on export assistance and opportunities such as Free Trade Agreements (FTAs); a special exhibition on technology and innovation (TechSpot), along with an ESG Corner; Pitch2Go, an export fund pitching event involving conventional and alternative financing providers; and celebrity entrepreneurs’ sharing sessions.

Mr. Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 is the flagship SME event for ASEAN this year. We encourage Malaysian SMEs to leverage this vital platform and its regional connections to showcase their brands, services, and innovations to grow their business. With high-impact sectors and curated business exchanges via the GoASEAN Biz Match, we are opening gateways for SMEs to reach new markets.”

The event offers entrepreneurs access to B2B and B2C market opportunities, export pitching sessions, ESG forums, and the ASEAN Market Fair—all under one roof.  Rizal also urged the business community not to miss this incredible opportunity to succeed regionally and globally. SMEs, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and trade associations are encouraged to register now at www.smeventure.com.my and become part of a regional movement shaping the future of business across ASEAN. Admission is free for visitors.