SME Corp. Malaysia, in collaboration with Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS), has successfully organised the Soft-Landing Programme (SLP) in partnership with Swansea University, United Kingdom, from 10 to 18 December 2025.
The programme was designed to prepare leaders of high-potential Malaysian SMEs within the franchise ecosystem to venture into international markets, with the United Kingdom serving as a strategic entry point for expansion into Europe and the United States of America. Through the SLP, participants were exposed to international business practices, including engagement with key decision-makers, gaining insights into global supply chains, and navigating international trading platforms and support ecosystems. A total of nine (9) Malaysian SMEs participated in the programme.
To further strengthen long-term collaboration in SME development, SME Corp. Malaysia and Swansea University formalised their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU outlines cooperation in areas such as entrepreneurship development programmes, research and knowledge exchange, mobility and immersion initiatives, market access activities, innovation and technology transfer, as well as SME-related policy studies.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, said:
“This MoU reflects our commitment to building structured and strategic cooperation in entrepreneurship development, knowledge exchange, mobility programmes and market access initiatives to enhance the competitiveness and internationalisation readiness of Malaysian SMEs.”
The MoU was signed by Mr Rizal Dato’ Nainy and Mr Ryan Murphy, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, marking an important milestone in strengthening Malaysia–UK collaboration in advancing SME internationalisation. The MoU exchange ceremony was held at Swansea University on 16 December 2025, with the university represented by Dr Fiona Jordan, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
SME Corp. Malaysia remains committed to supporting the growth and global expansion of Malaysian SMEs through strategic partnerships and targeted international exposure programmes, in line with the national agenda to build resilient and globally competitive enterprises.
For more info, visit www.smecorp.gov.my
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