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Need Help With Digitalisation? Here Are 4 Ways To Get Support For Your SME
Digitalisation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for SMEs looking to stay competitive in today's fast-changing business landscape. However, according to the UOB Business Outlook Study for Malaysia (2025)1, many SMEs face significant challenges in their digital transformation efforts, including a lack of digital skills, high implementation costs, and security concerns.
To help SMEs overcome these obstacles, various initiatives have been introduced to provide financial aid, training, and access to digital solutions. Here are several ways SMEs can get support in their digitalisation journey:
1. Join training programmes to build digital skills
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), through PeMangkinMD2, is strengthening the local digital ecosystem by launching targeted digitalisation projects and encouraging industry participation. As part of this initiative, the 100 Go Digital Programme3 provides SMEs with hands-on coaching workshops to guide them through their digitalisation journey. These workshops help businesses identify key challenges, understand the benefits of digital adoption, and develop a tailored digital adoption plan. By participating in this programme, SMEs can implement at least one digital solution to boost revenue, reduce costs, or improve operational efficiency, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
2. Connect with the right technology and solution providers
Finding the right digital solutions can be overwhelming for SMEs. Based on the UOB Business Outlook Study for Malaysia (2025), almost 8 out of 10 businesses in Malaysia have already embraced digitalisation. After all, digitalisation not only enhances productivity and profitability but also elevates overall business performance and customer experience. However, challenges remain, with Malaysian businesses citing a lack of digital skills, high implementation costs, and cybersecurity concerns.
Through its UOB SmartBusiness4 initiative, UOB helps SMEs seamlessly adopt technology solutions tailored to their business needs. Among the solutions available via the UOB SmartBusiness initiative include Bukku Accounting5–a 100% cloud-based accounting software designed for SMEs in Malaysia, designed especially for business owners without accounting knowledge. With its user-friendly design and automated features, business owners can easily create and send invoices compliant with LHDN e-invoice requirements in just a few clicks, automate data entry without manual input, and generate over 50 financial reports at their fingertips.
3. Gain access to knowledge and expertise
Having access to industry insights and expert advice is crucial for SMEs embarking on digitalisation. The UOB SME Hub6 serves as a comprehensive platform where business owners can network with other SMEs, industry professionals, and business practitioners. Through this hub, SMEs can gain valuable insights from expert-written articles, case studies, and other informative resources. By leveraging this platform, businesses can stay updated on digital trends and best practices, enabling them to make informed decisions throughout their digitalisation journey.
4. Apply for digitalisation grants
Financial support is essential for SMEs looking to digitalise and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) provides a crucial helping hand via funds under the SME Automation and Digitalisation facility (ADF)7, which was initially introduced in 2021. The purpose of the fund is to allow Malaysian SMEs to purchase equipment, machinery, computer hardware and software, IT solutions services, technology support services, and other intangible assets to enhance the productivity and efficiency of their business.
Partner with UOB to accelerate your digital transformation.
Navigating the digitalisation process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. UOB is committed to supporting SMEs through tailored financial solutions, strategic partnerships, and digitalisation initiatives like UOB SmartBusiness and UOB SME Hub.
With the right resources, knowledge, and financial assistance, your SME can successfully embrace digitalisation and unlock new growth opportunities. Get in touch with UOB today to start your digital transformation journey!
1 UOB Business Outlook Study Malaysia (2025)
2 Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (PeMangkinMD) https://mdec.my/malaysiadigital/business
3 100 Go Digital https://mdec.my/100-godigital
4 UOB SmartBusiness https://www.uob.com.my/business/digitalise/index.page
5 Bukku Accounting https://www.uob.com.my/business/digitalise/solutions/bukku.page
6 UOB SME Hub https://www.uob.com.my/business/sme-hub/index.page
7 SME Automation and Digitalisation Facility (ADF) https://www.bnm.gov.my/documents/20124/2294076/ADF_Eng.pdf
