Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) today operate in an increasingly complex landscape, exposed not only to local competition but also to global ripple effects, from geopolitical tensions to mounting sustainability and ESG requirements cascading down supply chains.
In Malaysia, MSMEs account for 39.5% of GDP, contributing RM652.4bil in value added (DOSM 2024). Given their significant role in the national economy, sustained and structured support for this segment is essential.
One such initiative is RHB Bank
’s #JomBiz programme, which has supported over 1,000 microentrepreneurs since 2022 through structured training, mentoring and market access across Malaysia.
The programme is part of RHB’s broader effort to strengthen microenterprises and support the long-term resilience of the MSME sector.
With over RM1.5mil invested to date, the programme reflects the bank’s commitment to expanding economic participation and strengthening long-term financial resilience.
At the 2026 RHB #JomBiz Award Ceremony held at the RHB Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 5, winners from Cohorts 6 and 7 were recognised after completing structured capacity-building and mentoring pathways.
Selected participants progressed into an extended acceleration and monitoring phase of nearly 10 months, supported by funding, close mentorship and continuous guidance.
The top 10 proposals from each cohort secured seed funding ranging from RM5,000 to RM15,000 to scale their businesses.
RHB Banking Group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad said, “RHB #JomBiz is designed to equip microentrepreneurs with practical knowledge, financial tools and market-relevant capabilities that support sustainable business growth.
“Beyond funding, we focus on building confidence, strengthening financial resilience and opening pathways to new opportunities to entrepreneurs who may otherwise face barriers to growth,” he added.
“MSMEs contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economic fabric, and we are committed to helping them scale with confidence and resilience.”
He noted that under RHB’s three-year strategy, being purposeful and responsible remains a core pillar.
“In this strategy, we included the importance RHB Bank plays in terms of empowering B40 individuals and micro SMEs.
“So our responsibility, our purpose of establishing is not just servicing as a banking industry, it is also looking at the society at large. That is part of our responsibility as well,” he added.
Cohorts 6 and 7 include businesses in high-potential sectors such as sustainable agriculture, recycling, food manufacturing and specialised vehicle services.
Participation signals a growing shift among microentrepreneurs towards more resilient and environmentally responsible models.
Women accounted for 70% of participants in 2025, underscoring the programme’s role in strengthening household income stability nationwide.
Driven dedication
One of the award recipients, Siti Nurul Amalina Abdul Manaf of Matzain Enterprise, began her journey in vehicle headlamp restoration services to support her husband.
Through #JomBiz, which granted her RM12,000, the programme enhanced both her technical expertise and professional credentials. She completed the Women-Owned Family Business Sustainability Apprenticeship Programme and the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programme in collaboration with the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), leveraging structured training to strengthen competency, professionalism and long-term sustainability.
Although she initially joined to assist her husband, she gradually developed a deeper commitment and now views the business as a personal responsibility.
“This business is a responsibility that helps me push forward. At the same time it requires knowledge, support and a strong support system to advance our business further.”
In January, she completed a Train-the-Trainer course and was officially recognised as a certified trainer.
Her consistent performance from 2018 to 2026 built her credibility, particularly through focusing on a single niche.
“My success came from focusing on one niche only – specialising in car headlights rather than diversifying into other car body-related services.”
She now mentors others in the automotive field.
“My goal is to share my knowledge and help others succeed in the automotive business.”
Before joining #JomBiz, she relied heavily on trial and error. Structured coaching, particularly in marketing and financial management, provided clearer systems and direction.
Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs reflects her own journey: “If you keep waiting to feel fully ready, you may never begin. If you believe the business has potential and can benefit others, just start – and build your knowledge and confidence along the way.”
Profitable trash
Another recipient, Dina Shafreena Mhd Saiful Anuar, founder of Trash4Cash and who won RM5,000, operates a recycling service that converts waste into economic value while reducing landfill dependency.
Her model demonstrates that environmental solutions can be commercially viable. Her company positions itself as a circular economy solution, transforming agricultural and recyclable waste into valuable assets while promoting responsible consumption.
“The idea for trash focus came up because we realised Malaysians want to recycle but there is a lack of recycling facilities and there are also no incentives.”
She identified inconvenience as a major barrier: “I started a trash-for-cash system by providing our customers a door-to-door collection service for recyclable items using a trash-for-cash app.
“Customers can also redeem the items for cash or be covered under a personal accident insurance using our trash-for-cash protection programme.”
With RM12 worth of recyclables, customers can opt for coverage with Takaful Ikhlas, including RM5,000 for death, RM1,000 for permanent disability and RM500 for medical expenses.
“For RM12 of recyclables, such as 5kg of used cooking oil, which costs about RM3 per kg, RM15 worth of recyclables would already cover one person’s insurance for a year.”
She believes incentives and transparency are key to encouraging behavioural change.
“Through the Trash4Cash app, our customers can see how much they earn and how much CO2 emission they help to reduce, as well as features for insurance and more.”
Beyond funding, she credits #JomBiz for mentoring, pitching guidance and financial management support that professionalised her operations.
Looking ahead, she plans to establish a recycling processing plant capable of exporting materials and to expand collection beyond Ipoh, Perak.
“We also plan to expand the collection areas beyond Ipoh, Perak, and also include more innovative services, such as the insurance programme to attract more customers.”
Poultry practice
Hanis Irfan Sapeni received RM15,000 for his poultry enterprise, Sazar Empire.
As a young entrepreneur, he transformed traditional ayam kampung farming into an integrated, community-driven model in Ulu Cheka, Jerantut.
He built a value chain spanning chick rearing, farming, processing and community-based agrotourism.
“To be skilled in this farming, I learnt a lot from the experts in the kampung chicken farming business,” explained Hanis.
“I attended many farming courses, livestock feed manufacturing courses and others as well as the one offered by RHB Bank. It gives me a way for us to manage operations more systematically.”
His free-range chickens are fed additional nutrients such as black soldier fly larvae and azolla plants, enhancing quality while maintaining sustainability.
He described the grant as pivotal: “With the grant that I won, RHB Bank helped in my business skills. With the grant I am able to expand my business from wholesale and live chickens to the frozen sector.”
He also benefited from operational mentoring.
“My plan in the future is to increase production capacity, but in the next five to 10 years, I plan to add in front, to be consistent in production.”
Hanis acknowledged agriculture’s perception challenge among younger Malaysians.
“When it comes to farming and agriculture, people think it’s hard work, so we have to change that perspective when we enter the field of farming.
“The important thing is how this can be managed.”
He believes structured systems can make farming more efficient and attractive, and that farmers must take the lead in demonstrating its potential.
He emphasised that agriculture is a significant business opportunity, not a small endeavour, and that programmes such as #JomBiz provide essential guidance, mentoring and support to help entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises.
RHB Bank said it will continue to strengthen #JomBiz through partnerships and integrated support as part of its broader commitment to developing resilient micro and SME businesses.
