Hong Leong Bank group managing director and CEO Kevin Lam
PETALING JAYA: Hong Leong Bank (HLB) believes that the new global trade order, which presents challenges, also provides opportunities for businesses that are prepared to embrace change and strategically reposition themselves.
Group managing director and chief executive officer Kevin Lam said the initial uncertainty following the “new trade world order” that began on April 2, 2025, was quickly followed by dynamism and adaptability of Malaysian entrepreneurs in actively seeking new avenues and innovative solutions.
“During periods of such challenges, decisive leadership and strategic foresight become indispensable for fostering resilience and entrepreneurial responses to potentially significant shifts in the global environment.
“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are more than just a sector within our economy; they represent a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, job creation and sustained growth,” he said at a forum titled “Beyond the Headlines on US Tariffs: What’s Next for Malaysian Businesses and the Global Economy,” recently.
Hosted by HLB, the forum addressed the evolving global trade dynamics, particularly US tariffs, for Malaysian SMEs and the broader global economy.
He added that HLB “understands that navigating this complexity requires more than just financial products”. “It necessitates a holistic partnership. We are committed to empowering our clients through a multi-faceted approach that combines sophisticated financial tools with proactive knowledge dissemination,” said Lam.
Lam noted that the proactive support announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, such as the increased Government Guarantees under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme and enhanced soft loan facilities, demonstrated a clear commitment to assisting affected SME exporters.
