CYBERJAYA, Malaysia, 8 September 2025 – The SME HR Conference 2025, jointly organised by IHR Consulting and The EMKAY Group, was officially launched today, drawing over 200 SME founders, HR leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders. Held under the theme “HR, People & Business Strategy: Empowering Malaysian SMEs to Success”, the event underscores the pivotal role of human capital in propelling Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) toward sustainable growth and innovation.
In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof hailed SMEs as the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, contributing 40% to the nation’s GDP and employing nearly half of its workforce. He emphasized that human resource (HR) management is no longer just a support function but a strategic driver of business success.
“Studies reveal that SMEs with structured HR practices grow 2.5 times faster and scale operations three times more effectively,” said Dato’ Sri Fadillah. “Investing in our people is an investment in the future of our businesses and our nation.”
The two-day conference will feature discussions on transformative strategies, including AI-powered recruitment tools, government-supported upskilling programs, and innovative approaches to talent retention and employee wellbeing. These initiatives reflect the evolving demands of a digital and globally connected business landscape.
Dato’ Sri Fadillah urged SME leaders to adopt agile, data-driven, and people-centric strategies, viewing their workforce as the heart and soul of their organizations. “This conference is a platform for bold ideas, meaningful collaborations, and decisive actions to empower SMEs and shape Malaysia’s growth story for years to come,” he added.