KUALA LUMPUR: OCBC Malaysia has rolled out a new programme to support women entrepreneurs nationwide by providing financing, networking and knowledge-sharing avenues.
Under the initiative, women-led businesses can obtain collateral-free financing of up to RM600,000 at preferential rates, giving them access to more affordable capital for expansion and innovation.
The programme is backed by a RM100 million Islamic Portfolio Guarantee-i (PG-i) arrangement between OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd, the bank’s Islamic arm, and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC).
OCBC Malaysia chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen said one of the biggest hurdles women entrepreneurs face is obtaining financing, often because of limited collateral.
“This restricts their ability to expand or innovate. Through this programme, we are addressing the issue directly by offering collateral-free financing to unlock new growth opportunities,” he said.
Tan noted that women now make up about 21 per cent of the bank’s small and medium enterprise portfolio, compared with 13 per cent in 2020.
“We’re also seeing a shift toward technology-driven ventures among women-led businesses, beyond traditional sectors like retail and healthcare.
“These developments underscore the growing role of women in shaping Malaysia’s economic future,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
