The third edition of the Maybank Myimpact Microbusiness Programme (MMMP) concluded on 1 November, with a showcase of homegrown entrepreneurial talent. This year’s programme achieved a record milestone, attracting 60 participants, three times last year’s intake who completed a seven-week training in business fundamentals, digitalisation, and financial management. Sixteen finalists were shortlisted to pitch their ideas before an esteemed panel of judges at Maybank, marking the largest and most dynamic edition of the programme to date.
Jointly organised by Maybank Singapore and the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), the initiative empowers zakat beneficiaries and individuals from low-income households to gain practical business knowledge, financial literacy, and mentorship, paving the way for self-reliance and sustainable growth.
Beyond its MMMP, another key initiative underscoring Maybank’s commitment to inclusive growth, social entrepreneurship, and digital innovation in the Halal economy is the introduction of Salaam Market, a business-to-business (B2B) Halal marketplace platform.
Salaam Market, launched in Malaysia last year, is a digital platform designed to facilitate Halal trade, financing, and certification support across the supply chain. It enables Malaysia-based buyers to source Halal-certified goods locally at competitive prices, while Singapore buyers will now gain streamlined access to products that are limited in the local market. It will be all within a trusted Halal ecosystem.
The initiative reflects Maybank’s commitment to supporting small businesses, expanding market access, and strengthening the regional Halal economy through technology. Beyond trade facilitation, the platform integrates suppliers, logistics, warehousing, and retail networks to enhance supply chain resilience. As an online ecosystem, it also promotes sustainability by reducing physical transactions, lowering carbon emissions, and minimising waste through better inventory management.
For the MMMP, this year’s cohort included participants nominated through community partners such as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) Pelita Centre, Muslimin Trust Fund Association (MTFA), and AMP Singapore, underscoring the programme’s inclusive mission to strengthen community resilience through entrepreneurship.
Gracing the closing ceremony was Guest of Honour Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Development, who commended the programme’s success in fostering opportunity and enterprise among emerging business owners.
Through the MMMP, promising participants received $5,000 in support to accelerate the growth and drive sustainable business expansion. All finalists also gained access to structured mentorship under SMCCI’s business network, equipping them with the knowledge, guidance and support needed to transform ideas into viable, income-generating ventures.
“Through the myimpact Microbusiness Programme, we want to empower entrepreneurs to grow confidently and sustainably,” said Dr Abdul Malik Hassan, President of SMCCI. “This initiative creates a safe and supportive ecosystem where our aspiring business owners can learn, connect, and take their ventures to the next level.”
“Through this programme, we aim to create real economic impact by nurturing small business owners and equipping them with the right tools to succeed. It reflects our belief that financial inclusion and entrepreneurship are powerful enablers of long-term community resilience,” said Mr Sazzali Sabandi, Head of Islamic Banking at Maybank Singapore.
The 2025 finalists represented a vibrant mix of businesses — from sustainable modest fashion labels and halal artisanal food ventures to home-based wellness lines and creative digital services — reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of Singapore’s microbusiness landscape. Participants also benefited from a dedicated pitching masterclass and fireside chat with seasoned entrepreneurs, who shared real-world lessons on adaptability, digital transformation, and sustained business growth.
The final pitching session was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges whose expertise spans finance, brand strategy, and innovation:
- Mr Muhammad Azzad Ahmad, Head Islamic CFS, Maybank Singapore — a financial industry veteran with over two decades of experience driving Retail and SME business development and solutioning.
- Mdm Kartina Rosli, Founder & Chief Strategist, Tin Communications — a marketing advisor with nearly 30 years of experience leading brand transformation through strategic execution plans and KPI-driven frameworks that align storytelling with measurable business outcomes.
- Mr Fazli Mansor, Co-founder & Director, ISGN Ventures; Board Director, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) — a pioneer in Islamic digital innovation and co-founder of IslamicEvents, known for his advocacy in digital transformation and inclusive progress.
- [Guest Judge] Mr Nabill Shukry, Founder of Cheekies Enterprise Pte Ltd — a young entrepreneur, founder of Cheekies Enterprise Pte Ltd and Cheeky Media, two ventures that grew from humble beginnings into thriving local brands. Starting Cheekies as a home-based business in a rental flat, Nabill built it into a full-scale meal prep brand distributed across multiple outlets in Singapore. Through his second company, Cheeky Media, he helps other SMEs and heritage brands grow on TikTok Shop, combining storytelling, data, and community-driven marketing.
The Maybank Myimpact Microbusiness Programme continues to exemplify the power of collaboration between finance and community. While Maybank advances its mission of Humanising Financial Services through inclusion and education, SMCCI reinforces the entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship, training, and sustained business support — empowering more Singaporeans to turn ambition into achievement.