Juniper
Kellee Kam, Group CEO of Alliance Bank, delivering his opening keynote address at the BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026 launch, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to empowering Malaysian SMEs
Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank” or “the Bank”) has launched the BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026 to once again fast-track the next group of high-potential small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the country. Season 8 of the industry-pioneering challenge reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to continue supporting promising businesses in navigating an economic landscape that is evolving dynamically.
As Malaysian SMEs face a critical stage of growth, the BizSmart® Challenge aims to address this with a comprehensive ecosystem of support. The challenge offers up to RM2 million in cash prizes, brand exposure, and business training, alongside up to RM20 million in preferential-rate financing to propel SMEs forward.
Since its debut in 2013, the challenge has served as a cornerstone of the Bank’s pledge to empower Malaysian SMEs. To date, it has awarded more than RM6.2 million in cash prizes and extensive media exposure. The programme has also fast-tracked over 185 businesses by equipping them with the capital and strategic mentorship needed to scale and compete more effectively in their sectors.
Among its alumni are well-known brands such as Signature Market, BloomThis, Christy Ng, Salad Atelier, BioLoop, Gula Cakery, and Sin Boon Kee, with numerous others becoming trusted names in their respective industries.
Building on a strong legacy of success, the BizSmart® Challenge today is a holistic catalyst for growth that goes beyond traditional banking. Alliance Bank is the first bank to unite venture capital firms and SME ecosystem partners on one platform, synergistically unlocking access to capital and investors actively seeking high-growth businesses while bridging opportunities for the challenge participants.
Kellee Kam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank, said, “The BizSmart® Challenge this year takes place in a climate of uncertainty, making it more relevant than ever for SMEs. These businesses are the engine of our nation’s economy. Through this challenge, we provide the capital, brand and media exposure, networking opportunities, and strategic mentorship required to turn uncertainty into opportunity. As we remain committed to being The Bank For Life, our goal is to empower emerging entrepreneurs to scale confidently and sustainably at every stage of their business journey.”
The platform’s signature real-life elevator pitch challenge also makes a comeback this year. Business owners will pitch their best proposals to judges and investors within a 60-second window for a chance to secure a coveted golden ticket to the finals. This dynamic, highly charged session has delivered significant results for businesses with successful pitches in the past, offering a compelling opportunity for brands to tell their stories.
In 2026, the BizSmart® Challenge welcomes returning partners 1337 Ventures and Cradle alongside new additions Sunway iLabs and Seni Jaya, with each playing an instrumental role.
Sunway iLabs will join the judging panel for the semi-final and grand final pitching rounds, providing participants with entrepreneurial insights, guidance, and potential market access opportunities within Sunway’s ecosystem.
1337 Ventures will lead a structured accelerator programme to prepare businesses to become investor-ready, covering business finance, tactical growth planning, digital marketing and pitching mastery. Through the partnership with Cradle, the BizSmart® Challenge shores up further support and expertise for Malaysia’s rising startups by connecting them with experienced industry leaders as mentors and innovation-driven networks. Seni Jaya will sponsor out-of-home publicity to amplify market visibility for the rising brands.
“At Sunway iLabs, we are passionate about empowering founders who are driven to solve real problems and create meaningful impact. As businesses navigate an increasingly dynamic landscape, access to the right opportunities, networks and support is critical for growth. The BizSmart Challenge helps founders unlock their potential, and we are proud to partner with Alliance Bank to empower ambitious entrepreneurs to scale confidently and build resilient businesses” said Karen Lau, Chief Operations Officer of Sunway iLabs.
“What excites me about BizSmart® is the quality of businesses it surfaces: SMEs with real customers, real revenue, and real ambition. As a judge, what I will be looking for is founders who understand their numbers, know their growth story, and are ready to build something others can trust, fund, and scale. Malaysia has no shortage of great businesses. Programmes like this give them the platform they deserve,” said Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner & CEO of 1337 Ventures.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, said, “Following our involvement in 2024, we are pleased to partner with Alliance Bank again for the BizSmart® Challenge 2026. Initiatives like this are important in helping founders move beyond the early stages of growth by connecting them with the right funding support, market access and industry networks they need to scale. As Malaysia’s focal agency for the startup ecosystem, Cradle remains committed to working closely with partners like Alliance Bank to create more opportunities for startups to grow, compete and contribute to the nation’s economic development.”
Jeff Cheah, Chief Executive Officer of Seni Jaya, said, “At Seni Jaya, we believe great businesses deserve to be seen. Through our partnership with the Alliance Bank BizSmart® Challenge 2026, we are proud to help SMEs amplify their visibility and accelerate their growth journey.”
In conjunction with the Challenge, Alliance Bank will host the third edition of the BizSmart® Business Conference on 6 October 2026. Themed “From Local Champions to National Icons”, this intensive one-day event celebrates homegrown journeys with national impact, uniting entrepreneurs, business owners and decision-makers. Attendees will gain actionable insights on digital disruption, market volatility and brand-building from industry founders, seasoned investors and successful alumni. In celebration of World MSME Day, a limited-time sale offers tickets for RM99 from 22 June 2026 until 28 June 2026. For more information or to secure your seat, please visit www.alliancebank.com.my/bizsmart-business-conference.
The BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026 is open to Malaysian-registered SMEs and startups across all industries and sectors. Eligible businesses must have been operating locally for a minimum of one to 10 years, with an annual sales turnover ranging from RM500,000 to RM40 million. Interested SMEs can submit their applications from now until 2 August 2026.
For more information about the Alliance Bank BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026, please visit www.bizsmart.com.my.
