AFFIN Group brought together more than 200 entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts at its Johor edition of AFFIN SME BizChat 2026 to discuss the economic outlook, emerging opportunities and strategies to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ahead of 2027.
Held at Opero Hotel Southkey, the event was themed “Outlook 2027 – Opportunities, Challenges & Strategies for SMEs” and featured discussions on Budget 2027, digital transformation and changing market conditions.
The event was attended by Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han, who delivered a keynote address on the state’s economic outlook, investment landscape and growth opportunities.
AFFIN Group president and group CEO Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the initiative reflected the bank’s role as a strategic partner to SMEs, helping businesses navigate economic challenges, strengthen their competitiveness and pursue new growth opportunities.
“Johor’s growing investment momentum, particularly through the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), presents significant opportunities for local SMEs to participate in higher-value supply chains and expand into regional markets,” he remarked.
“Through AFFIN SME BizChat, we aim to bridge the gap between market insights and business action, connecting entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and financial capabilities to pursue their growth ambitions.”
A panel discussion titled “From Outlook to Action: Navigating Opportunities, Challenges & Growth in 2027” was among the event’s highlights.
Moderated by Stellar SparX International founder and CEO Esther Yap, the session featured Adrian Yeo of Adrian Yeo PLT, J&T Express Malaysia’s Azuan Azzudin and SME Association of Johor Selatan representative Teh Kee Sin.
Other sessions examined Malaysia’s economic outlook, the implications of Budget 2027 and how artificial intelligence (AI) could improve business productivity and efficiency.
The discussions focused on helping SMEs manage rising costs, adopt new technologies and strengthen their resilience.
The programme also included the AFFIN RAKANIAGA Bazaar, where entrepreneurs showcased their products and services, and The Elite Circle, a networking session connecting selected businesses with potential strategic partners and industry players.
AFFIN SME BizChat is one of the group’s flagship business engagement initiatives, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing, industry collaboration and networking. The Johor edition followed previous engagements in East Malaysia and the Northern Region.
The group said its Enterprise Banking division offers SMEs financing for working capital and business expansion, trade and supply-chain facilities, cash management, digital banking and payment services.
As at June 2026, AFFIN Group’s Enterprise Banking gross loans had increased 17.3% year-on-year to RM8.8 bil, while deposits stood at RM9.4 bil. More than 69,135 Enterprise Banking customers had subscribed to AFFINMAX, the group’s corporate internet banking platform.
The bank’s SME financing efforts also include a US$400 mil financing partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), announced in September 2026.
The partnership aims to expand financing access for eligible micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women-owned businesses and enterprises in underserved regions.
The initiative supports AFFIN’s AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Plan, which is guided by three strategic pillars: Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership and Responsible Banking with Impact. ‒ Nov 6, 2026
