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UOB FinLab Malaysia’s AI Ready Programme Empowers Malaysian SMEs to Embrace the Future
From left to right: Joanna Lim (Microsoft ASEAN), Jonathan How (UOBM), Ho Hui Ming (UOBM), Ts. Nik Naharudin Mohd Nasir (MDEC).
UOB FinLab has officially launched its AI Ready Programme in Malaysia, an initiative aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to demystify the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while equipping businesses with practical tools, expert guidance, and ecosystem support to make AI adoption simple yet impactful.
Malaysian SMEs are poised to play a pivotal role in this digital revolution. But to truly unlock this potential, businesses must first understand how AI can drive efficiency, innovation, and growth. This is where the Bank steps in to provide businesses with the right support.
A Full Journey from Awareness to Acceleration
The AI Ready Programme is designed as a comprehensive roadmap, guiding SMEs from initial exposure to full-scale implementation. The programme is built on four strategic pillars:
- Awareness – Foundational workshops featuring real-world AI use cases.
- Action – Plug-and-play AI tools tailored for SME needs.
- Acceleration Partner with experts to build and test a customisable AI solution through a rapid prototyping process.
- Support – Access to funding, training, and expert advisory from UOB and its ecosystem partners.
To make AI adoption even more accessible, UOB has introduced AI-enabled solutions at preferential pricing, allowing businesses to integrate AI with minimal upfront investment.
Launch Highlights: Kuala Lumpur Edition
Held at UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur on 13 and 14 August 2025, the two-day launch event brought together over 100 SMEs, alongside key partners such as MDEC, Microsoft, and other ecosystem enablers.
The event featured inspiring keynote, immersive workshops led by industry leaders.
Jonathan How, Deputy Head of Channels & Digitalisation, delivered a warm and engaging welcome speech to all attendees at the start of the launch event.
The launch of the UOB FinLab AI Ready Programme was attended by more than 100 forward-thinking business owners and professionals driving conversations on innovation, data, and the future of AI.
During the launch, we delved into the complexities of adopting AI, including key considerations, funding strategies, common challenges, and practical tips for overcoming them. The discussion featured real-life use cases and insights from ecosystem enablers such as MDEC, Microsoft, and business owners.
From left to right: Michael Tan (MDEC), Georgina Tia (UOBM), Wong Yin Pheng (UOBM), Stephen Chan (UOBM), Joanna Lim (Microsoft ASEAN), Jonathan How (UOBM), Ho Hui Ming (UOBM), Ts. Nik Naharudin Mohd Nasir (MDEC), William Heng (UOBM), Shannon Lung (UOB Group), Tracia Kek (UOBM), Mike Foo (UOBM).
From left to right, moderator: Angel Tan, Programme Manager, UOB Malaysia, Speakers: George Ionut Danifeld, Chief Marketing Officer of Trapo Malaysia, Joanna Lim, Small to Medium Sized Business (SMB) Lead, Microsoft ASEAN, John Chai, Chairman, Human Resources Development Committee, KLSCCCI, Michael Tan, Head of Global Market Access & Corporate Innovation Industry & Ecosystem Development, MDEC.
The panel discussion delivered a compelling call to action for SMEs, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt AI to stay competitive and relevant. Experts unpacked the common challenges businesses face during this transition, and more importantly, shared practical, realistic steps to kickstart the AI journey. The conversation also addressed funding opportunities and support mechanisms available to SMEs, making the path to AI integration not only achievable but sustainable. With actionable insights and real-world examples, the panel empowered SMEs to move confidently from exploration to execution.
Expanding to Johor
Following the successful KL launch on August 13–14 at UOB Plaza 1, Kuala Lumpur, the programme continued its momentum in Johor on September 18 at Medini 6, Iskandar Puteri, with strong support from Iskandar Investment Berhad.
The event attracted over 90 participants, including 50 business owners, all eager to explore the transformative potential of AI. Key speakers such as Ahmad Huzaini from Iskandar Investment, shared strategic insights on digital transformation. Solution partners such as iNextLabs and SRKK provided actionable strategies to help SMEs enhance productivity and scale with AI.
The event received an enthusiastic response from the local community, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Southern region champions – Kenny, Rachel and team led by SAC Area Manager Goh Boon Siang.
Goh Boon Siang, UOB Area Manager for South Area Centre, delivered a warm welcome address to kick off the UOB AI Ready Programme in Johor
A full house at the UOB AI Ready Programme: Johor Edition, where over 90 participants from across the region gathered to explore AI-driven solutions and gain practical insights into digital transformation.
The working team who made this event successful, from left to right: Shean Chin, Angel Tan, Goh Boon Siang, Kenny Lee, Rachel Chong, Eelen Lim
Exclusive AI Bundles for UOB Clients
UOB clients now have exclusive access to specially curated AI bundles—designed to simplify and accelerate their digital transformation journey. These packages combine practical tools, and expert guidance, all tailored to meet the unique needs of SMEs. It’s time to empower more Malaysian businesses to thrive in the AI era.
Discover how your clients business can benefit from these exclusive AI bundles by visiting: https://www.uob.com.my/digitalisation/ai-ready-programme.page
UOB FinLab Malaysia’s AI Ready Programme Empowers Malaysian SMEs to Embrace the Future
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