MALAYSIAN small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to raise productivity while upholding integrity and social responsibility.
Malaysia Entrepreneurs Development Association (PUMM) president Datuk Dr Teh Tai Yong said businesses must focus on applying AI effectively.
“It is no longer whether we should use AI, but how we use it effectively,” he said while addressing the Malaysia Role Model Recognition (MRMR) 2026 gala dinner in Selangor.
He said AI helps smaller businesses conduct research faster, automate routine work, communicate across languages, improve customer service and reduce operating costs.
Teh urged the government to ensure support reached businesses across all sectors.
“AI assistance must reach ordinary SMEs, not just technology companies.
“Restaurants, retailers, manufacturers, logistics companies and professional firms should also be able to leverage AI to reduce costs and improve productivity.
“We urge the government to expand practical and easily accessible AI grants, tax incentives and training programmes to benefit SMEs across all sectors.”
He said PUMM supported higher worker wages but stressed that such increases needed to be supported by improved productivity.
The association urged stronger government support for automation, digitalisation and employee upskilling to help businesses achieve this.
Teh also emphasised that technological progress must go hand-in-hand with good governance and care for employees, customers and communities.
“The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework is not just about responsibility. It is increasingly vital to competitiveness,” he said.
He said good governance and sustainability were becoming entry requirements for Malaysian SMEs seeking to join larger supply chains or enter international markets.
Linking the evening’s theme, “Rewrite the Rules, Leave Your Timeprint”, to current entrepreneurial challenges, Teh said businesses must adapt to changing technology and consumer behaviour.
“While business models may change, our core values should not change.
“Integrity, responsibility and the courage to do the right thing should remain constant.”
The gala combined the presentation of the MRMR 2026 recognitions with the installation of PUMM’s central and state liaison committees for the 2026-2028 term.
The Iconic Role Model recipients included AirAsia co-founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, community service advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman president and chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.
Guest of honour and former Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah launched MRMR 2026 and presented awards at the ceremony.
