SME Corp. Malaysia has allocated RM230,000 to fund the certification audit costs for the National Mark of Malaysian Brand (NMMB) for 40 selected companies, covering applications for the years 2025 and 2026. Through the Programme, a total of 180 Malaysian companies have received this prestigious recognition. Nine (9) of these were awarded the Malaysian Brand Heritage Award during the BrandQuest 2026 Programme and NMMB Appreciation Ceremony, officiated today by YB Encik Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
The award recognises companies that have maintained NMMB certification for 15 years or more. The recipients are Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn. Bhd., Fire Fighter Industry Sdn. Bhd., Goodnite Sdn. Bhd., Halagel (M) Sdn. Bhd., K.H.H. Double Lion Fruit Juice Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., Tomei Signature Sdn. Bhd., Passive Fire Protection Sdn. Bhd., Sydney Cake House Sdn. Bhd., and Seasonings Specialties Sdn. Bhd.
According to YB Steven Sim, Malaysian brands must reflect value, not just low prices; safety and health; and innovation rather than imitation, to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global environment. These three attributes are becoming more critical as the world faces rapid technological change, intensifying economic competition, and global uncertainty. “Malaysian brands should reflect value, not just price. We no longer have the advantage of competing solely on low cost.
“In an uncertain world, Malaysia also has the advantage of being a safe and trusted nation. Malaysian products and brands must convey confidence in terms of safety, cleanliness, and health. Additionally, we must move from imitation to innovation. We must always stay ahead with our own ideas and innovations,” he added.
Meanwhile, YBhg. Dato’ Teng Chang Khim, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia, said, “We want to move beyond just ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘Chosen from Malaysia’ – building brands that are not only produced in Malaysia but are sought after, chosen, and trusted by consumers worldwide. The Malaysian Brand is not merely a form of recognition; it is part of an ecosystem that connects branding with market access, business development, and internationalisation.”
YBrs. Encik Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, in a statement to the media, said, “Through BrandQuest 2026 and the NMMB Certification Programme, SME Corp. Malaysia provides a platform for SMEs to enhance their branding capabilities and elevate Malaysian brands to greater trustworthiness. Since its introduction in 2009, the Malaysian Brand trademark under the NMMB Programme has been registered in 12 countries , namely the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Turkey, South Korea, Georgia, Hungary, Brunei, Indonesia, and Cambodia – thereby strengthening the recognition of Malaysian brands on the global stage.”
The BrandQuest 2026 programme, themed “The Power of Branding: Elevating Malaysian Enterprises to Global Standards,” was organised in collaboration with the Malaysia Design Development Centre (DDEC). A total of 350 participants from various industry sectors took part in a series of masterclasses and knowledge-sharing sessions with industry leaders, covering branding strategies, innovation, business development experiences, and practical approaches to enhancing customer engagement and strengthening brand positioning in the market.
Also present at the event were YBrs. Tuan Haji Rahman bin Mohd Din, Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and Monitoring), Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP); YBhg. Dato’ Teng Chang Khim, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia; YBhg. Dato’ Haji Aznel bin Ibrahim, Chairman of DDEC; YBrs. Encik Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia; YBrs. Tuan Ts. Md Adha bin Rahmat, Chief Executive Officer of SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd.; and YBrs. Puan Wan Mohalina binti Wan Mohammad, Chief Executive Officer of DDEC.
