KUALA LUMPUR, SME Bank Malaysia and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide enhanced support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tailored financial solutions and comprehensive capacity-building programmes. SME Bank chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim said the partnership significantly impacts the MSME sector by bridging the bank's shariah-compliant financing solutions and TH's network. 'By expanding our reach, we aim to foster sustainable MSMEs' economic growth by enhancing their opportunities and success in alignment with shariah principles,' he said in a statement today. Under the MoU, TH will promote the bank's programmes to potential vendors, while the bank's subsidiary, the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn Bhd (CEDAR), will develop and promote capacity-building programmes for eligible TH registered vendors. Mohammad Hardee noted that CEDAR, which has trained over 82,000 entrepreneurs, will provi de comprehensive entrepreneurship and capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen MSMEs. 'These programmes will also incorporate environmental, social, and governance practices through specialised coaching and advisory services,' he said. The statement said both organisations will explore and propose structured financing schemes tailored to the specific needs of TH-registered vendors. They will also collaborate on organising conferences, seminars, talks, marketing activities, and participate in joint training and development programmes. Meanwhile, TH group managing director and CEO Syed Hamadah Syed Othman said the MoU is about providing financial support and building a comprehensive ecosystem to foster MSMEs' growth. 'We are committed to leveraging our extensive network and capabilities to ensure our registered vendors gain the necessary skills and opportunities to expand and continue their long-term support for TH and its business operations,' he added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency