UOB Malaysia Partners ABS To Launch Executive Certification Programme For SME Bankers

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- United Overseas Bank (M) Bhd has partnered the Asian Banking School (ABS) to launch the finance industry's first executive certification programme designed for small and medium enterprise (SME) bankers in Malaysia. The ABS is an affiliate institute of Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia's Central Bank). UOB Malaysia said in a statement Tuesday that as Malaysian SMEs expand into new markets, they may face challenges such as international trade risk, gaining access to bank financing or adapting to unfamiliar business environments. "Taking into account these difficulties, the UOB-ABS SME Banking Executive Certificate will impart specialist skills and knowledge necessary for bankers to cater to the financial needs of small businesses," it said. The three-month programme combines classroom-based, experiential training in the areas of credit and risk management, SME business models and client management. It includes cultivating stronger issue-resolution and collaboration skills, which will enable them to help customers overcome financial challenges and in turn, build long-term relationships. Upon completion of the programme, UOB Malaysia's business banking officers will have a deeper understanding of the characteristics of SMEs, business trends as well as the challenges companies face in Malaysia. "With greater regional economic integration and more foreign products entering Malaysia's market, there is a growing need for Malaysian companies to embark on regional expansion to tap into new market opportunities," UOB Malaysia said. Business Banking Head Raymond Chui said many SMEs are looking for cross-border opportunities and UOB Malaysia is well-placed to help its customers expand their reach and realise growth ambitions. "We expect a greater number of our SME customers to seize opportunities abroad and increase their export and import volume. "SMEs need bankers with specialist skills and who understand what it takes to do business across borders, whether it is managing foreign exchange risk or navigating the regulatory landscape in different markets," he added. --BERNAMA