PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s push for artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) under Budget 2026 creates “endless opportunities” for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), says Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM) president Datuk Dr Teh Tai Yong.
“The direction addressed in Budget 2026 directly benefits local SMEs. These measures send a clear and positive signal – Malaysia is preparing its economy for the next era of technological competitiveness and aligning itself with global ESG expectations.
“This creates endless opportunities for SMEs, industries and investors to participate in a more resilient and future-ready economy,” he said during PUMM 32nd Anniversary cum 2025 Malaysia Role Model Recognition (MRMR) Gala Night.
That said, Teh said the theme for the MRMR, Leadership Intelligence (LI), “could not be more timely”.
“In a world increasingly driven by AI, automation and rapid transformation, true progress still depends on something uniquely human – our ability to lead with wisdom, clarity, and conscience,” he said.
Teh said AI can process, predict, and optimise, but LI provides direction, values, and purpose. “AI analyses data, LI understands people. AI can generate solutions. LI makes the right decisions,” he said.
Teh said today’s landscape is defined by uncertainty – geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, climate challenges, and rapid technological shifts.
