Sharing What We Know, Empowering Business Growth: Nihon M&A Center Malaysia’s First Participation at SME Venture ASEAN 2025

Nihon M&A Center Malaysia recently wrapped up an eventful week at SME Venture ASEAN 2025, marking the team’s first-ever offline exhibition in Malaysia. The event, held from 16 to 18 October 2025 at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, with the theme focused on “Bringing ASEAN Closer to You” has brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, industry leaders, and investors from across the region with all sharing the same goal – which is to celebrate and advance the growth of ASEAN’s SMEs.

Organized by SME Corporation Malaysia and the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year, SME Venture ASEAN 2025 served as a dynamic platform to promote innovation, inclusivity, and cross-border collaboration among ASEAN member regions. The event united government agencies, investors, and business communities to showcase success stories, exchanged knowledge, and strengthen trade partnerships across the region.

Empowering SME Growth through Experience, Knowledge-Sharing, and Collaboration

As part of our commitment to supporting SME growth and regional collaboration, Nihon M&A Center Malaysia participated as a Gold Sponsor of the ASEAN SME Forum 2025, one of the flagship programs under the SME Venture ASEAN 2025.

The forum, organized by Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA) and SME Corporation Malaysia, gathered policymakers, business leaders, and industry experts to address challenges and opportunities shaping the SME landscape, from digitalization and competitiveness to financing and cross-border expansion. It provides a space where forward-thinking entrepreneurs and thought leaders exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore actionable solutions to strengthen the SME ecosystem in ASEAN.

Within this broader context, one of the forum’s key panel discussions “Alternative Financing for SME Growth” – explored the various financing options available to SMEs in addition to the traditional bank lending. The session aimed to shed light on how different avenues such as Initial Public Offering (IPO), guarantee schemes, venture capital, and cross-border M&A, can help bridge the funding gap and empower SMEs to grow, innovate, and expand.

And we are proud to share that our Regional Head for Southeast Asia, Mr. Yusuke Ojima, joined the discussion alongside other distinguished speakers including Mr. Kien Poon Chai, Country Head at Funding Societies Malaysia, Mr. Leong See Meng, Director at Bursa Malaysia, and Mr. Sean Tan, Chief Business Officer at Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) Malaysia. The session was moderated by Mr. Yeoh Seng Hooi, Secretary General of SAMENTA.

Representing the M&A perspective, Mr. Yusuke Ojima shared how cross-border transactions can serve as a powerful pathway for business growth and succession, enabling SMEs to find strategic partners, access new markets and technologies, expand products and services, and most importantly, ensure long-term business continuity. He also highlighted several key DOs and DON’Ts for business owners considering M&A, for example, preparing financial records early and approaching the process with a strategic, rather than purely transactional, mindset.

“For many SMEs, M&A should not be seen as only selling the business or raising funds for a quick exit. It is also about how we ensure business continuity and growth, so that the effort and value each founder has built over the years does not just end it there. When done right, M&A can be a streamlined and effective path to connect strong local companies with international partners and investors who share the same vision, helping them take the business to the next level,” – said Mr. Yusuke Ojima.

The discussion offered insightful perspectives on how a more diversified and collaborative financing ecosystem as well as regional partnerships can help bridge ASEAN’s persistent funding gap and how M&A plays a vital role in supporting sustainable SME growth across borders.

Showcasing Expertise at SME Venture ASEAN Exhibition and SME100 Awards

Beyond the forum, we also hosted our first exhibition booth at the SME Venture ASEAN 2025. The booth drew strong interest from visitors curious about business succession and cross-border opportunities, particularly in connecting with Japanese investors. It was a valuable opportunity to introduce Nihon M&A Center Malaysia’s advisory expertise and share how we help SMEs achieve smooth and successful business transitions.

On the evening of 16 October, the team was also invited to attend the SME100 Awards ASEAN 2025, a night where we celebrated the achievements of top-performing SMEs across the region. During the event, we also set up a tabletop display to showcase our services and engage directly with award-winning entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Advancing a Shared ASEAN Vision

As ASEAN continues to position itself as a strategic gateway to the global economy, events like SME Venture ASEAN 2025 highlight the region’s growing importance as a hub of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration. For Nihon M&A Center Malaysia, this platform represents more than just visibility. It reflects our shared goal of building a sustainable, inclusive, and collaborative regional economy.

Aligning with this vision, we remain deeply committed to supporting businesses, especially SMEs, to grow, scale, and sustain their operations, ensuring that they continue to contribute to national and regional economic resilience.

Participating in this notable event was a meaningful milestone us, representing a step forward in strengthening connections, expanding awareness, and continuing our mission to help good businesses grow and thrive beyond borders.

Thinking about expanding into new markets or planning a smooth business exit?
M&A could be the right path for you. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.