Bank Rakyat Expands Malaysia-Japan Business Links Through Tokyo BizMatch Initiative

TOKYO: Bank Rakyat has strengthened efforts to internationalise Malaysian businesses by hosting the “Bank Rakyat BizMatch: Make Malaysian Businesses Great” programme in Tokyo, creating new opportunities for local companies to expand into regional and global markets.

Held in conjunction with the Nikkei Forum of Asia 2026, the business matching initiative brought together seven Malaysian companies alongside Japanese investors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic partners from across Asia to explore cross-border collaborations and investment opportunities.

The event was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim Chee Keong, Bank Rakyat Chairman Mohd Irwan Mohd Mubarak and Bank Rakyat Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Shahril Mohd Shariff.

In his address, Steven Sim said the initiative aligns closely with the government’s vision of helping Malaysian businesses expand beyond domestic markets and compete more effectively on the global stage.

He noted that Malaysian entrepreneurs possess strong potential, creativity and resilience but require access to strategic partnerships, international networks and global business ecosystems to unlock further growth.

Sim also encouraged Japanese companies to view Malaysian technology startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as long-term strategic partners capable of driving innovation and creating mutual business value.

The programme provided a platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to connect directly with potential Japanese investors, buyers and business partners while facilitating knowledge-sharing and long-term commercial cooperation.

Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat Chairman Mohd Irwan said the participating companies represented sectors with significant future growth potential, including food security, aquaculture, renewable energy, green technology, palm oil, retail and manufacturing.

“These are industries that will play a vital role in strengthening economic resilience not only for Malaysia but also for the wider region,” he said.

He added that the initiative reflects Bank Rakyat’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes by providing greater access to international networks, markets and growth opportunities.

According to Mohd Irwan, today’s rapidly changing global economy requires businesses to be adaptive, innovative and internationally connected. Financial institutions therefore have an important role in helping entrepreneurs expand beyond traditional geographical boundaries.

Beyond financing, Bank Rakyat continues to strengthen its support ecosystem through business advisory services, market facilitation, digital solutions and international networking platforms designed to accelerate the growth of Malaysian enterprises.

The BizMatch programme forms part of Bank Rakyat’s broader efforts to support government initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, expanding international trade opportunities and enhancing the global competitiveness of Malaysian businesses under the “Make Malaysian Businesses Great” agenda.