Singapore, 1 July 2025 – The Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) convened its annual Townhall on 27 June, bringing together members and business owners to discuss shared challenges and shape the Chamber’s strategic priorities. The session served as both a feedback platform and an opportunity to unveil upcoming initiatives aimed at business resilience and growth.
“This Townhall reflects SMCCI’s ongoing commitment to listen, adapt, and lead,” said Dr Abdul Malik Hassan, President of SMCCI. “We are strengthening regional bridges and equipping our members with what they need most, access, advisory, and opportunities.”
Top Member Priorities: Collaboration, Expansion, Advisory
Feedback from members centred on three key areas of support: meaningful collaboration, international market access, and tailored business advisory services.
To meet the call for deeper collaboration, SMCCI will strengthen initiatives like Dewan Connect with industry-specific topics and curated networking sessions. These platforms aim to foster purposeful dialogue, particularly in the face of global shifts like the upcoming 10% flat US tariff.
On regional growth, members reaffirmed strong interest in expanding into Malaysia, Indonesia, the MENA region, and Central Asia. SMCCI will continue to lead trade missions starting with MIHAS and Sarawak, and urged members to treat internationalisation as a long-term strategy, recommending a minimum three-year commitment to each new market. The Chamber also announced plans to establish regional offices in Johor Bahru and Jakarta to provide on-the-ground support.
The SME Centre @ SMCCI remains a critical resource for members, offering tailored guidance in areas such as business transformation, finance, and operations. Members were encouraged to leverage these services to better navigate evolving market conditions.
Addressing Business Pain Points: Talent, Funding, and Rising Costs
Members raised three key challenges: manpower constraints, limited access to funding, and increased operational costs.
To ease talent shortages, SMCCI encouraged members to consider regional workforce strategies, including setups in the Johor Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The session also spotlighted the role of innovation and technology, with Crave Nasi Lemak cited as a success case for its use of digital tools to drive efficiency.
On funding, members requested greater clarity and access to capital. SMCCI is considering to develop a funding guidebook and recommends engaging proactively with banks, accelerators, and investor networks.
While less prominently ranked, members recognised the ongoing need to build business fundamentals such as budgeting, cost management, and forecasting. The SMCCI Academy will continue delivering practical masterclasses to build these capabilities.
Programme Preferences and Business Sentiment
Trade missions were ranked as the most valuable initiative, followed by community networking and access to funding. SMCCI also reaffirmed its Deal Hunter programme—offering bespoke guidance for companies entering international markets—as a key value-add distinct from standard trade missions.
Overall, business sentiment was positive, with most members expressing confidence in the months ahead. For those seeking more hands-on support, the SME Centre remains available. Members were also encouraged to explore emerging halal markets, such as those in Southern Thailand.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration: SMCCI x Maybank
To reinforce its strategic direction, SMCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Maybank Singapore on 27 June. The partnership will deliver joint advisory services, client referrals, and co-hosted business events focused on initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore SEZ and Malaysia-Singapore (MYSG) collaborations. The agreement strengthens SMCCI’s role in supporting its members with cross-border opportunities and the development of the halal industry.