Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Technology driving positive outlook for Malaysian small businesses

  • Malaysia’s small businesses lead the region in innovation
  • Younger entrepreneurs dominate small business landscape
  • AI investment on the rise
  • High demand for funding signals continued expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 March 2025 - Increased technology adoption is fuelling strong expansion among Malaysia's small businesses, with 71 per cent reporting growth in 2024 – the highest in more than a decade – according to CPA Australia's annual Asia Pacific Small Business Survey.

The growth momentum is expected to continue, with 82 per cent of Malaysian small businesses anticipating growth this year, marking the sector’s highest level of optimism since 2012.

Confidence in Malaysia’s economy is equally strong, with 81 per cent of small businesses expecting the economy to grow in 2025, well above the Asia-Pacific average of 67 per cent.

“Malaysia’s small business sector is powered by dynamic and young entrepreneurs who are quick to embrace digital technologies,” said Yip Kit Weng FCPA, President of CPA Australia Malaysia Division.

E-commerce, new digital payment options and social media are widely embraced, with 92 per cent of Malaysian small business using social media in 2024, including as a key communication and marketing tool. On Malaysian entrepreneurs being ranked highest in innovation, Yip said the result was not surprising given 64 per cent of small business owners are younger than 40.

“Their ability to adapt quickly and invest in digital solutions is driving Malaysia’s competitiveness in the region,” Yip said.

Investment in digital tools by Malaysia’s small businesses continues to rise, with AI investment more than doubling from 11 per cent in 2023 to 27 per cent in 2024. Digital and mobile payments have become the norm, with 78 per cent receiving more than 10 per cent of their sales through platforms such as GrabPay, Touch 'n Go and Boost.

“It is encouraging to see more small businesses embracing AI, well ahead of the government’s five-year strategic roadmap to accelerate AI adoption,” Yip said.

“Regulatory measures to support ethical practices, along with tailored measures for target groups, will further fast-track AI adoption while enhancing public trust.”

Malaysia’s entrepreneurs are also setting their sights beyond local markets. Despite global economic uncertainty, 55 per cent of small businesses expect an increase in overseas revenue this year.

To support this expansion, demand for external financing was strong. In 2024, 70 per cent of Malaysian small businesses used such funds to support growth. This trend is expected to continue this year, with 85 per cent anticipating the need for external finance.

“Given Malaysia’s strong focus on innovation, technology and exports, this demand is unsurprising,” Yip said.

The biggest challenge for Malaysia’s small businesses remains rising costs, particularly in materials, utilities, rent and taxes. Many have focused on implementing cost-control measures to mitigate these pressures.

“The strong economic environment, coupled with government initiatives to increase competitiveness and investor confidence, is helping to create a positive business climate for small businesses,” Yip said.
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia #SmallBusinesses #SmallBusinessSurvey #APAC #MalaysiaSmallBusiness







The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, with more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 21,000 members in Southeast Asia. CPA Australia has been operating in Malaysia since 1956, establishing an office in 1994. We provide education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local and global issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au

News from Asia

Expectations vs. reality in trading: Octa broker's perspective

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - In trading, success greatly depends on the ability to take a step back from a situation and assess it without bias...

AECOM ‘On Track to the Future’ at Asia Pacific Rail 2025 with Digital and Sustainable Rail Solutions

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2025 - AECOM, the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, is proud to participate as Gold Sponsor and Operators Lounge Sponsor at Asia ...

Unleash AI’s Infinite Potential: AI+ Power 2025, Hong Kong’s Premier AI Application Exhibition, Lands June 5-6

Over 100 AI+ Game Changers Share Cutting-Edge AI Trends—Register for Free to Unlock New Opportunities. HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ...

Southern Hemisphere Innovation Showcase: BioGrowing's AKKBG-001 Debuts at Naturally Good Expo

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - BioGrowing, a leading Chinese probiotics innovator, marked its debut at the 2025 Naturally Good Expo in Sydney, showcasing its groundbre...

Lee Kum Kee at THAIFEX 2025: Connecting the World Through Asian Culinary Culture

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Lee Kum Kee, a global leader in authentic Asian sauces and condiments, is proud to announce its participation at the prestigious THAIFEX...

Agilis Robotics Achieves Milestone with World’s First Robotic-Assisted En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumour in Collaboration with CUHK

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Hong Kong-based Agilis Robotics has reached a major milestone in surgical innovation with the successful completion of the world's first rob...

From Calories to Care: DYXnet's Dragon Boat Festival Charity Initiative Turns Exercise into Festive Rice Dumplings for Seniors

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, DYXnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group (NASDAQ: VNET) and a leading enterprise network serv...

Avnet India and NITK Surathkal Collaborate on AI-Powered Sustainability Solutions for Landslide Detection and Wildlife Preservation

BANGALORE, INDIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Avnet India Pvt Ltd, a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, today announced its partnership with the National In...

New Achievement in Global Industrial Digital Transformation: "2025 International Cooperation Forum on Industrial Digital Transformation" held in Brazil, co-hosted by WAA

BRASÍLIA, BRAZIL - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - The World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA), in collaboration with the International Economic and Technical Cooperation Center of China's M...

CDNetworks’ State of WAAP Report Reveals 887.4 Billion Web App and API Attacks in 2024, a 21.4% YoY increase

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2025 - CDNetworks, the APAC-leading network to deliver edge as a service, today released its latest State of Web Application and API Protection (WAAP...

The quiet majority: why marketers need to cater to low intent shoppers

When shoppers are browsing online, whether for a new phone, holiday, or pair of shoes, they usually know exactly where they stand. Sometimes they’...

Lack of Salary Transparency is Costing Businesses Top Talent, Says Recruiters

As end-of-financial-year reviews approach, new research reveals a growing disconnect between Australian employers and employees on the issue of sa...

Sleep Soundly, Knowing Your People Are Paid Right: Navigating the Complexities of Modern Payroll

The Role of Modern Payroll Modern payroll systems are essential to any organization's financial infrastructure in today's rapidly evolving business...

Tariffs for dummies: Getting to grips with the business of exporting goods and services

It pays to understand how the international taxation system works before you start selling abroad. Take a glance at the business news just now an...

Deputy Unveils Enterprise-Grade Analytics+ to Power Smarter Workforce Decisions for Shift-Based Businesses

Deputy, the world’s leading workforce management platform for shift work, today announced the global launch of Deputy Analytics+, a next-generatio...

UNSW startup accelerator offers $200K to the next generation of Australian deeptech unicorns

UNSW Founders, Australia’s most recommended startup accelerator, has partnered with fund manager Luminary Partners to invest $200,000 each into 18...

Sell by LayBy