PETALING JAYA – Hong Leong Bank (HLB) has expressed the view that the newly – emerged global trade order, while bringing forth a series of challenges, also harbors significant opportunities for businesses that are ready to embrace transformation and strategically realign their positions in the market. This perspective was shared by the bank as it analyzed the current state of the global economic landscape.
Group managing director and chief executive officer Kevin Lam made these remarks at a recent forum titled “Beyond the Headlines on US Tariffs: What’s Next for Malaysian Businesses and the Global Economy,” which was hosted by HLB. Lam pointed out that although there was initial uncertainty when the “new trade world order” commenced on April 2, 2025, it was swiftly replaced by the remarkable dynamism and adaptability of Malaysian entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs have been actively exploring new channels and coming up with innovative solutions to navigate the changing trade environment.
Lam emphasized the importance of strong leadership and strategic vision during such challenging times. “During periods of such challenges, decisive leadership and strategic foresight become indispensable for fostering resilience and entrepreneurial responses to potentially significant shifts in the global environment,” he stated. He also highlighted the crucial role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Malaysian economy. “SMEs are more than just a sector within our economy; they represent a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, job creation and sustained growth,” Lam added.
In addition, Lam elaborated on HLB’s approach to helping its clients. He said that HLB understands that simply providing financial products is not enough to help businesses navigate the complex global trade situation. Instead, a comprehensive partnership is required. “We are committed to empowering our clients through a multi – faceted approach that combines sophisticated financial tools with proactive knowledge dissemination,” Lam affirmed. Moreover, he noted the supportive measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, such as the increased Government Guarantees under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme and enhanced soft loan facilities, which clearly show the government’s dedication to assisting affected SME exporters.
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