Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Alliance Bank launches first business pitch documentary to celebrate SME changemakers

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(From left) Kam, Natalie Tan (Partner 5X Capital), Bikesh Lakhmichand (CEO & Founding Partner, 1337 Ventures).

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KUCHING: The Alliance Bank Malaysia has recently made history by launching the country’s first-ever business pitch documentary film, The Ultimate Elevator Pitch, in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (June 26).

Released in conjunction with World MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Day, the feature-length film, focuses on SME entrepreneurship and will premieres exclusively on iQIYI on July 18.

According to statement issued by Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad on Monday (June 30), the film offers behind-the-scenes access to the 2024 Accelerator Edition of the BizSmart Challenge, marking the programme’s 10th anniversary since its launch in 2013.

Group chief executive officer of Alliance Bank, Kellee Kam, said the film presents an authentic portrait of Malaysia’s SME founders, showcasing their resilience, vulnerability, and drive.

“It’s a celebration of changemakers who are building our future. The 2024 Alliance BizSmart Challenge awarded RM550,000 in cash prizes to 13 winners.

“BioLoop, Gula Cakery, and HiiVolt emerged as the top three for their innovation, business potential, and perseverance which reflect the creativity, perseverance, and ambition that define Malaysia’s SME sector.

“We’ve gone beyond just providing bank funds — together with our esteemed partners CGC, Cradle’s MYStartup, 1337 Ventures, and 5X Capital, we now offer a range of financial solutions from loans to venture funding.”

Kam reaffirmed the bank’s continued commitment to supporting SMEs across Malaysia through comprehensive financial solutions and development opportunities.

The film was developed with local creative agency Ampersand Advisory and its CEO and director, Sandeep Joseph, said the movie captures raw and emotional moments often unseen in business media.

“You’ll see the unguarded moments, the investor debates, and the mentorship that shapes growth. It’s raw, relatable relevant and a visual archive and story of what it takes to build a business in today’s Malaysia.

“We’re delighted that a local home-grown bank wanted to make a heartwarming film about local entrepreneurs, and picked a local agency like ours to do so.

“As an entrepreneur I can resonate with the journey of these courageous and diverse founders.”

For the record, the 2024 Challenge drew a record 593 submissions, and for the first time, every finalist walked away with a prize — underlining Alliance Bank’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurial growth.

Looking ahead, the bank will host the 2025 BizSmart Business Conference (ABBBC) on Oct 7 at W Kuala Lumpur.

Themed “Boundaries Reimagined”, the conference will feature over 35 speakers including investors, founders, and BizSmart alumni. Early bird tickets are available at RM88 until July 3.

Those interested can find more information about the Alliance Bank BizSmart Challenge at www.bizsmart.com.my, and details or ticketing for the 2025 BizSmart Business Conference (ABBBC) at www.alliancebank.com.my/abbbc.

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