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

HKPC Makes Its Debut at China International Industry Fair 2025

Leading Future Manufacturing with AI Taking 54 Hong Kong Enterprises to Explore Overseas Opportunities HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 September 2025 - Hong Kong Productivity Counc...

PAObank and China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) Launch Strategic Partnership, Bringing Integrated Banking and Insurance Solutions, Shaping a Digital Bank with Insurance DNA

PAObank 5th Anniversary Treasure Reward UNLOCK High-Interest Time Deposit and Travel Insurance All in OneHONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 September 2025 - PAO Bank Limited ("PAObank")...

MINT Incorporation Limited Announces the Launch of New Subsidiary, Axonex Intelligence Limited, Expanding into Smart Facility Management Solutions

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 September 2025 - MINT Incorporation Limited (NASDAQ: MIMI) ("MINT" or the "Company"), a leading Hong Kong-based provider of integrated interior design...

Merlin Entertainments' LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong Halloween Special Event: "Monster Party" Unleashes a Brick-or-Treat Adventure

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - From now until 2 November 2025, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong, part of Merlin Entertainments Group, invites LEGO® fans of all a...

Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific appoints CEO for Hong Kong Hub

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific is pleased to appoint Hassan Omaish to the role of CEO for Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan (collectiv...

Parisian Luxury Debuts in Bangkok: Rabbit Holdings, under BTS Group, in cooperation with Ananda Unveil "THE RESIDENCES 38" Bangkok’s Ultra-Luxury Condominium with First-Ever Private Fine Dining Kitchen—Together with La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection

The French Art de Vivre comes to Sukhumvit 38, combining the ultra-luxury living of The Residences 38, the refined hospitality of La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection, and exclusive private dini...

Hongkong Land's BaseHall becomes Hong Kong’s first F&B venue to achieve "Triple Platinum" green building certifications

Hongkong Land sets a new industry benchmark in F&B sustainability, achieving platinum certifications across BEAM Plus, LEED and WELL standards HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach N...

Iglesia Ni Cristo's Care for Humanity Provides Support to International Students and Newcomers in Nine Canadian Cities

TORONTO, CANADA - ACCESS Newswire - September 16, 2025 - The Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, the charitable arm of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church of Christ, expanded its global outreach ...

DL Holdings x Bitmain/Antalpha Miner: Hong Kong's First Bitcoin Hashrate Stock

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - After trading hours on 15 September 2025, DL Holdings Group Limited (HKEX: 1709) announced a major strategic cooperation with Fortune ...

Green SM expands all-electric taxi service to Bekasi, supporting the city’s smart mobility vision

BEKASI, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - Green SM, the pioneering all-electric taxi service under GSM, has officially launched in Bekasi. From today, residents and visitor...

Why it’s time telcos rethink location and put customer experience first

Maurice Zicman, Vice President - CX Strategy at TP in Australia unpacks why the telco industry must rethink old assumptions and focus on digital-f...

Manny Shah: Is your business disappearing from Google? You’re not alone

Small business owners across Australia are panicking as their websites vanish from Google’s front pages overnight. According to Manny Shah, cofounde...

MR Roads named Queensland Finalist in the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards

MR Roads, co-founded by Daniel Mikus and James Rolph, has been announced as a Queensland finalist in the prestigious 2025 Telstra Best of Business...

AWS research shows strong AI adoption momentum in Australia, with startups outpacing large enterprises in innovation

Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, released new research revealing that while artificial intelligence (AI) adoption continues to acce...

Changing the World One Bite At a Time: IKU Turns 40

One of Australia’s first plant-based, chef-led eateries and now ready meal provider IKU is celebrating its 40 year anniversary with the business e...

Three generations marking 45 years in hot-air balloons

Australia’s leading hot-air balloon company is celebrating 45 years in the sky and its 700,000th passenger, driven by the passion of father-son du...

Sell by LayBy