Key Takeaways on Surviving Trump’s Tariff Turbulence
Petaling Jaya, 24 June 2025, The PEN SME Emergency Forum brought together entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and policy experts to address one of the most pressing issues for Malaysian businesses today: the impact of Trump’s tariff policies.
Held at Crystal Crown Hotel, PJ, the half-day forum (9:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.) offered practical strategies and real-world insights to help SMEs adapt, survive, and thrive amidst global trade uncertainty.
The Fireside Chat: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
The forum opened with a powerful Fireside Chat featuring Tan Sri Rebecca Sta Maria, Director of IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs), former Executive Director of APEC, and Board Director of several PLCs.
Her session, “Tariffs – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly”, unpacked:
- The hidden opportunities within tariff turbulence
- The broader implications for Malaysian SMEs
- Key focus areas to stay competitive despite policy shifts
Her message was clear: tariffs are not just obstacles, but catalysts for innovation and resilience if SMEs respond strategically.
Expert Insights from Diverse Perspectives
The program continued with a lineup of distinguished speakers who shared actionable advice:
- Dato Dr. Munirah Looi (Regional CEO, BlueOnion SEA | Board Member, MyDIGITAL Corporation) emphasized the importance of digital readiness and agility in facing trade disruptions.
- Datuk William Ng (National President, SAMENTA) highlighted the need for collective advocacy to ensure SME voices are heard at policymaking levels.
- Dato Sri Roger Tan Chai Wha (Entrepreneur and Founder of Proice Holdings Sdn Bhd)
- Richard Ker (Entrepreneur & Digital Storyteller) shared how SMEs can leverage branding and digital storytelling to reach global audiences.
- Prof. Ts. Dr. Murali Raman (Deputy Vice Chancellor, APU) discussed how technology and innovation can drive competitive advantage.
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid (Economic Analyst, UniKL) provided a macro-economic outlook, breaking down potential ripple effects for SMEs.
- Kelvin Chin (Head, SME Business Development, RHB Banking Group) explained how banks can be strategic partners for SMEs navigating volatility.
Together, these experts equipped participants with a toolkit of strategies spanning policy, finance, technology, and storytelling.
Collaboration at the Core
This forum underscored PEN’s belief in collaboration and community-driven resilience. With strong support from Affin Bank as partner, the event became more than just a knowledge-sharing platform. It was a collective effort to empower SMEs.
Behind the Scenes & What’s Next
The PEN Core Team worked relentlessly behind the scenes to deliver a seamless experience. A Zoom prep meeting the week before not only finalized forum details but also set the Q3 calendar (July–September 2025) and planned the August PEN Social activity.
Special thanks to Terence Wong, Carol Ng, Foo Jong Wee, Laura L Low, and SR. KC Law for their dedication. A final sound-check and rehearsal on 23 June at Crystal Crown Hotel ensured the forum ran smoothly.
As always, PEN remains committed to creating spaces where knowledge meets action for the SME community.
Capturing the Moments
Final Takeaway
The PEN SME Emergency Forum proved that while tariffs bring turbulence, they also spark opportunities for growth, transformation, and resilience.
For SMEs, the path forward is clear: adapt quickly, innovate boldly, and collaborate widely.
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