20th March 2025 - 2 min read
Maybank has announced a collaboration with TikTok Shop to launch the first multi-market SME upskilling and digitalisation programme between a financial institution and the social commerce platform in the ASEAN region. The initiative aims to equip small and medium enterprises with the knowledge, insights, skills, and tools needed to expand beyond traditional brick-and-mortar models and establish a strong foothold in the digital economy.
Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group CEO of Community Financial Services at Maybank, highlighted that the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs in line with its M25+ strategy, which focuses on purpose-driven banking and social impact initiatives beyond financial services. The programme will provide participants with first-hand experience in leveraging content-driven e-commerce, digital solutions, and optimised account management techniques to enhance business performance.
The ASEAN SME Upskilling & Digitalisation Programme will begin with a pilot phase in Malaysia, featuring a three-pronged approach: a webinar, a workshop, and an accelerator plan. Participants in the accelerator phase will benefit from six months of dedicated mentoring and coaching from both TikTok Shop and Maybank, with tailored targets set for each business. As part of its commitment to inclusive economic growth, Maybank will prioritise women entrepreneurs for the first cohort of the workshop and accelerator programme, aligning with the bank’s HERpower initiatives.
Following the Malaysian pilot, select ASEAN markets will roll out customised versions of the programme over the next 12 months, ensuring that local businesses receive relevant and targeted support in their respective markets.
Taufik reinforced Maybank’s vision of building a values-driven ecosystem that goes beyond traditional banking services. He stressed that by fostering a supportive framework for entrepreneurs, the bank aims to empower them to become agents of change within their communities. He also underscored the importance of working with industry leaders who share a similar vision, with the goal of generating a multiplier effect in uplifting SMEs across the region.
Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, Director of Strategic Partnerships at TikTok Shop Malaysia, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about piloting the programme in Malaysia. She highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the nation’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and empower women entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and knowledge to succeed on TikTok Shop.
For SMEs interested in participating in the Maybank x TikTok Shop ASEAN SME Upskilling & Digitalisation Programme in Malaysia, further details can be found at maybank.my/smetiktok.
Samuel writes about personal finance and financial news, focusing on how banking updates, policies, and promotions affect everyday money decisions. He enjoys making complicated financial topics easier to follow. Outside of writing, he spends his time watching TV shows and occasionally convincing himself he will only watch one episode.
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