Malaysia’s SME Bank taps Zulkiflee Hashim as Chairman

The appointment strengthens SME Bank’s push for MSME growth.

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) Group, has appointed Zulkiflee Hashim as its new Chairman, effective 6 March 2026.

In a statement, SME Bank said the appointment is aimed at providing leadership and guidance as the bank continues its focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Hashim has been with SME Bank since March 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director, contributing to the bank’s governance and strategic oversight.

He has over 35 years of experience in banking, having held senior positions at Citibank Malaysia, Deutsche Bank Malaysia, and Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

At Hong Leong Bank, he was Executive Director from 1998 to 2011 and later served as COO, Group Strategic Support, until his retirement in 2015.

Currently, Hashim serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Hong Leong MSIG Takaful Berhad and Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Bhd.

He has also previously been on the boards of GuocoLand (Malaysia) Berhad and Hong Leong Bank Berhad.