SME Bank Partners with Autism Cafe Project to Drive Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has teamed up with The Autism Cafe Project (ACP), a local social enterprise backed by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), to champion inclusive entrepreneurship and empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative coincides with World Autism Month 2025.
Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President and CEO of SME Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable SME ecosystem in line with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MEDC)’s “Kumpulan Fokus Khas” agenda.
“Our collaboration with ACP reflects SME Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, especially for underserved communities like individuals with autism. Beyond banking, we aim to provide tools, guidance, and support to help them achieve financial independence and unlock their entrepreneurial potential,” he said.
As part of the initiative, SME Bank hosted a two-day programme beginning with an awareness session led by ACP and NASOM for its employees, focused on better understanding autism across age groups.
This was followed by a one-day bazaar at Menara SME Bank, where autistic entrepreneurs showcased food, crafts, art, and fashion. The event served both as a marketplace and a platform for long-term business growth and empowerment.
ACP founder Mohd Adli Yahya praised SME Bank’s proactive stance on inclusion. “Entrepreneurship empowers autistic individuals not just economically, but socially—promoting dignity, integration, and participation in everyday life. This partnership is helping dismantle barriers and reshape perceptions,” he said.
In Malaysia, MSMEs make up 96.9% of all registered businesses and employ nearly half of the workforce. At the same time, autism diagnoses have surged by over 663% from 2013 to 2023, according to the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, underscoring the urgency for initiatives that provide skills, jobs, and business opportunities for those on the spectrum.
From empowering autistic entrepreneurs to advancing sustainability and education, SME Bank continues to make meaningful impact across the nation. Follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
