Philippine DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and SME Association of Malaysia President Dr. Chin Cee Seong hold a plaque during a meeting on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, joined by key officials and representatives from both countries to strengthen SME cooperation.
In photo: National Council Member Dato’ Danny Tan Eng Ching, National Vice President Datuk Ada Poon, SME Association of Malaysia President Dr. Chin Cee Seong, Commercial Counsellor Norjamin G. Delos Reyes, National Vice President Miccele Siow Lee Ching, and National Assistant Secretary General Dato’ Danny Mah Che Beng

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia––On the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during a pivotal meeting with the SME Association of Malaysia on May 26.

The dialogue centered on strategic initiatives to boost trade and investment linkages, with SMEs comprising 97% of businesses in Malaysia and 99.5% in the Philippines. Among the key areas explored were enterprise matching, innovation partnerships, and joint collaborative projects.

In the meeting, Secretary Roque underscored the Philippines’ drive to advance its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become globally competitive through digitalization, innovation, and institutional support. She highlighted crucial reforms and programs designed to expand market access, streamline financing, and integrate Filipino enterprises into regional and global value chains.

“The collaboration between Malaysian and Philippine MSMEs presents a significant opportunity for both countries to tap into each other’s vibrant markets. We are eager to translate this synergy into tangible outcomes, particularly by accelerating digital adoption and expanding market reach for our entrepreneurs,” Secretary Roque highlighted.

In response, the SME Association of Malaysia expressed strong interest in deepening ties with Philippine businesses, welcoming prospects for trade missions, market access dialogues, and networking events designed to foster closer connections between their respective entrepreneurs.

For his part, Association President Dr. Chin Cee Seong emphasized the complementary strengths of both countries, noting significant potential for trade and investment collaboration in sectors such as retail, food, and cross-border e-commerce. Both parties committed to organizing joint trade missions and business events to further strengthen SME cooperation.

Acknowledging their vital role in promoting Philippine trade and investment and linking MSMEs to global opportunities, Secretary Roque also commended the DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) for their professionalism and dedication during the meeting.

Also present at the meeting were Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne P. Layug, Commercial Counsellors Norjamin G. Delos Reyes and Jollan Margaret Llaneza, Foreign Trade Officer Jeremiah C. Reyes, SME Association of Malaysia President Dr. Chin Cee Seong, National Vice Presidents Datuk Ada Poon Yin Hoong, Miccele Siow Lee Ching, National Assistant Secretary General Dato’ Danny Mah Che Beng, and National Council Member Dato’ Danny Tan Eng Ching. ♦

Date of Release: 02 June 2025

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