The first ever CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 in Johor since its third year of organising, has concluded with more than 1,000 participants, including government agencies, industry experts, investors, and business leaders in attendance, showcasing the readiness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to digitalise, transform, and innovate.
The vibrant gathering reaffirmed CTOS’ role as a key partner and enabler in strengthening Johor’s SME ecosystem.
This comes at a time when Johor’s economic momentum continues to accelerate, attracting RM27.4 billion in investments in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
Organised by CTOS for Business, the Johor edition of SME Biz Day served as a dynamic springboard for business growth and innovation in the Southern region. The event empowers businesses with the practical tools, relevant skills, and strategic networks to scale their operations and stay competitive in a fast-evolving region.
Lee Shin Mei, Chief Operating Officer of CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd shared, “Johor is fast emerging as one of the nation’s most critical economic regions. There’s no better time, and no better place, for CTOS SME Biz Day to make its mark.”
“While CTOS is proud to lead this initiative, the real strength of SME Biz Day lies in the collective effort behind it. Together with our partners, from government agencies to industry leaders, we share one mission: to empower and future-proof Malaysia’s SMEs and unlock their full potential,” she said.
Johor is building its momentum fuelled by major infrastructure investments, vibrant business activity, and a growing reputation as a hub for innovation.
With its strategic location, investor confidence, and rising prominence in sectors like advanced manufacturing, logistics, and green technology, Johor is well-positioned to lead Malaysia’s next wave of economic growth.
To support the state’s ambition, three core themes were highlighted during the event.
The first theme, The Latest in e-Invoicing, raised awareness among SMEs about the importance of aligning with new national policies to ensure smoother business operations and data management. Presented by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) and AutoCount, the session addressed key updates, compliance requirements, and practical guidance on e-invoicing.
The panel discussion projected that physical receipts will be nearly obsolete within a decade, underscoring the urgency for SMEs to understand and adopt e-Invoicing during the current implementation period. Embracing smart digital tools was emphasised as key to streamlining operations and simplifying transactions.
As the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) opens doors to collaboration with larger corporations and access to export markets, CTOS is helping SMEs position themselves for long-term success in this transformative economic landscape.
The second theme, JS-SEZ: What Businesses, Investors & Innovators Must Know, provided SMEs with a starter kit to understand and capitalise on this bilateral initiative.
Featuring expert input from MATRADE, MDEC and SME Corp. Malaysia the session outlined strategic entry points for SMEs to thrive in the evolving business ecosystem.
Experts urged SMEs to begin preparing their operations by leveraging available grants, training, and ecosystem support while awaiting the rollout of the JS-SEZ.
These proactive steps will help SMEs strengthen the three core pillars: Capability, Capacity, and Competitiveness (3Cs). In turn, these steps will boost their industry standing and readiness to scale quickly when the JS-SEZ opens, enabling stronger regional and global market access.
The third theme, Transforming Business with AI, Social Media & Smart Tools, brought real-world success stories from business leaders of Anjoe Skincare MadebyAnjoe, Feruni Ceramiche, Luckin Coffee Malaysia & Hextar Retail, and Poh Sin Studio, proving the power of innovation and digital strategies in scaling business growth.
The panel of successful entrepreneurs agreed that digital data is key to informed decision-making and strategic growth.
They highlighted AI as a tool for boosting business productivity, especially in marketing and branding but are still far from replacing the human touch needed in decision making and creating the core of business and its fundamentals.
Social media was also emphasised as a powerful platform to showcase brands and attract both investors and customers.
In addition to these pillars, attendees were introduced to practical tools and insights on digital transformation, innovation integration, AI adoption, sustainability, and financial wellness—delivered by AWS, Mochi Technologies, POS Malaysia, Samsung, Setlary, Ford, Unifi Business, U Business, and Zoho.
Following the successful events in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor, CTOS SME Biz Day is heading to its final destination at Kuching, Sarawak, a key business hub in East Malaysia.
The event will take place on 19th August at the Imperial Hotel, Boulevard Mall, bringing together local entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business leaders. To reserve a seat, visit https://www.ticketmelon.com/ctos/smebizdaykc
For the latest updates on CTOS events and business solutions, visit http://www.ctoscredit.com.my/
