KUALA LUMPUR, 22 May – Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) honoured leading Financial Institutions (FIs) as well as its outstanding customers for their significant contribution towards SME financing in 2016 and the projection of excellent track records, respectively, at its annual SME Awards ceremony that was held this afternoon.

CGC honoured leading FIs in four (4) different categories namely the ‘Top FI Partner (overall category)’, ‘Best Financial Partner’, ‘Top Bumiputera FI Partner’ and the ‘Top FI Partner (Islamic Banks)’. The winners of the Top FI Partner Award (overall category) were Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), Maybank Islamic Berhad, CIMB Bank Berhad and Standard Chartered Bank Berhad. The awards were presented to the respective banks for their significant contributions towards CGC’s overall SME financing, through its guarantee schemes.

Maybank also bagged the ‘Best Financial Partner Award’ whilst Maybank Islamic Berhad; on the other hand, received an addition of two (2) other awards; namely, the ‘Top Bumiputera FI Partner Award’ for having contributed the most financing assistance towards the Bumiputera SMEs; as well as, the ‘Top FI Partner Award (Islamic Banks)’.

The award recipients were selected based on a set of criteria which include amongst others, the number and value of financing guaranteed, the total financing amount that was guaranteed to the Bumiputera customers; net income growth and rate of default.

In terms of contributions to SME financing, the four (4) award recipients contributed about RM2.1 billion, representing 50% of the total financing amount and 4,151 financing, representing 55% from the total number of financing that was approved by CGC in 2016, respectively.

In 2016, CGC has approved a total of 7,568 guarantees and financing valued at RM4.2 billion.

In his welcoming speech, CGC’s Chairman, Dato’ Agil Natt said that CGC’s SME Awards is aimed at celebrating our partnership with financial institutions in facilitating the access to financing by SMEs.

CGC’s President / Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak said “We truly value the continued support and confidence of the FIs towards CGC, in achieving our common objectives. The various strategic partnerships that have been forged between CGC and the FIs has resulted in a notable impact on our SME outreach initiatives.”

In 2017, CGC targets to approve 9,500 guarantees and financing valued at RM4.7 billion through its array of guarantee and financing products.

“We will explore new avenues and financing options to further enhance our financial and advisory services in Powering Malaysian SMEs,” added Zamree.


CGC’s Recognition for its Customers

Apart from the Top FI Partner Awards Program, CGC went one step further in recognizing their valued customers who have ‘graduated’ from CGC’s guarantee schemes and demonstrated excellent credit track record. CGC’s customers with good repayment track record on their financing facilities and were offered rebates for their guarantee fees, received the ‘Exemplary Customer Award’ whilst those who were once dependent on CGC’s guarantee to gain access to financing but now no longer require it due to their creditable credit track record and success in business, were awarded the ‘Excellent Customer Award’.

“These recognitions were given to our customers to demonstrate our appreciation and to value their trust and confidence in doing business with CGC,” said Zamree.

“It is also our responsibility to nurture good credit culture amongst the SMEs. This practice would illustrate our conscious effort that is being undertaken to improve their credit track record, credit ratings and bankability,” added Zamree.

Launch of CGC’s New Logo

CGC also launched its new logo as part of its initiatives in enhancing its brand presence amongst the public, particularly the SME community.

“The new logo with its striking simplicity, embodies our progressive corporate spirit. We aim to elevate the level of awareness on CGC among the SME community with the launch of our new logo.” clarified Dato’ Agil.

Zamree further added that the concept behind the introduction of the new logo is in line with CGC’s core business, with the emphasise on the letter ‘G’ – which signifies ‘Guarantee’, to further assist the SMEs in gaining access to financing.

*Note : The details, design and info pack of CGC’s new logo is available as per the link – https://app.box.com/v/cgc-new-logo

CGC’s New Logo Launch and 22nd SME Awards ceremony were held in conjunction with CGC’s 44th Annual General Meeting. The event was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Finance II, at Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur. Also present at the awards ceremony were CGC’s Chairman, Dato’ Agil Natt, CGC Board Members, CGC’s President / Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak, officials from Bank Negara Malaysia and the various representatives from the financial institutions, agencies, business associations and chambers.