Malaysia aims to elevate MSMEs for international market entry

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced plans to elevate tens of thousands of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to become significant industry players capable of penetrating international markets. Speaking at the 2026 Industry Excellence Awards (AKI) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Anwar emphasized that Malaysia's progress should focus on empowering MSMEs through resilience, innovation, and creativity rather than competing directly with multinational corporations.

In preparation for Budget 2027, the Prime Minister urged leadership to align policy frameworks with the actual needs of various sectors. He introduced a strategic approach described as ‘reaching for the sky, rooting in the earth,’ which involves mastering advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and supercomputing to ensure the nation remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.