Good evening,
Guest of Honour Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Development,
Mr Sazzali Sabandi, Head of Maybank Islamic Banking,
distinguished guests, partners, mentors, and most importantly our aspiring entrepreneurs,
It is truly a joy to stand here tonight and celebrate your courage, your ideas, and your dreams.
The Maybank Myimpact Microbusiness Programme began with a simple belief — that entrepreneurship should never be limited by background or circumstance.
Whether you start from your kitchen table, a corner of your living room, or a small online store, what truly defines your success is the heart you put into it.
As someone who once started a small family business selling nasi lemak and grew it into a name recognised across Singapore, I know what it feels like to begin with very little.
There were days when the challenges seemed bigger than the opportunities. But every struggle taught me something valuable — that success doesn’t come from having more, but from doing more with what you have.
That same spirit is what I see in each of you— especially those who joined this programme as zakat beneficiaries or first-time entrepreneurs.
You have shown that with knowledge, mentorship, and faith, every small step can lead to big challenge.
This year’s cohort was truly special. You didn’t just learn business fundamentals — you learned how to pitch with confidence, think strategically, and dream courageously.
You reminded us that innovation is not reserved for the boardroom; it can also be born out of everyday needs, creativity, and purpose.
To our 16 finalists and all 60 participants, know this: entrepreneurship is not a straight road. There will be days of doubt and disappointment, but there will also be days when everything you worked (wanted) for starts to bloom. And when that happens, remember to look back — to lift others, share your lessons, and keep the cycle of giving alive.
To our partners at Maybank Singapore, thank you for walking this journey with us. Your commitment to Humanising Financial Services has given many the confidence to believe in themselves again.
To our mentors, trainers, and the SMCCI Academy team — your guidance has been the bridge between potential and progress. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs discover the power of their own stories.
And to all our graduates — today is not the end of your story, but the first chapter of many more to come. Continue to learn with humility, work with integrity, and grow with gratitude.
Congratulations once again, and thank you.