Majority Of MSMEs Still Rely On Personal Savings And Family Support

70% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are using their own personal savings and financial support from family and friends to raise seed money based on a report published by Funding Societies.

The SME Digital Finance and Payments Behaviours: Southeast Asia Report 2023 also found that 23% of SME funding in Southeast Asian countries comes from traditional banking and the remaining 7% use other alternative sources such as FinTech companies.

In an effort to gain a better understanding of businesses, Funding Societies surveyed nearly 1,000 SMEs in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam — countries in which Funding Societies operate.

The report comprises respondents under the SME category, which includes micro (74%) and are business owners themselves (63%).

Chai Kien Poon, Country Head of Funding Societies Malaysia, says that they were able to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia faced through the report.

“It’s evident from the report that the majority of MSMEs in Malaysia still rely on personal savings and family support for startup capital. This underscores the need for innovative financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of Malaysian MSMEs,” he states.

He also highlighted that access to financing was still a major concern for Malaysian MSMEs and reinforced the importance of FinTech platforms in bridging the gap and providing MSMEs the necessary financial support to grow and thrive.

“As we continue to navigate the economic recovery post-pandemic, this report serves as a roadmap for both policymakers and financial institutions to better serve the Malaysian MSME segment, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in an ever-evolving business landscape,” said Chai in an official press release.

Read more: Funding Societies Raises US$27 Mil For SMEs In Debt Funding Round