Budget 2025 - GXBank committed to the vision of an inclusive, empowered, and future-ready nation

Attributed to Pei-Si Lai, CEO, GXBank

We are encouraged by the Prime Minister’s unveiling of the 2025 National Budget: “Ekonomi MADANI, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera” for its focus on inclusive, sustainable growth for the nation where no one is left behind. This aligns with GXBank’s mission to foster financial resilience for all Malaysians, particularly the underserved and MSMEs.

Empowering the Underserved
We welcome the news of the continued cash assistance Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) for nine million Malaysians as a measure to mitigate the immediate cost of living pressures. Digital banks can play a key role in making financial services more accessible, affordable and user-friendly for all Malaysians. The extensive reach of digital banks, coupled with a tech-first posture, offer a promising solution for the efficient, secure and targeted distribution of government aid to those who need it the most. The government’s strong push for comprehensive, nationwide 5G connectivity also allows the scope for a multi- stakeholder partnership with digital banks to offer subsidised device and data packages, hence bridging the digital divide and facilitating access to the funds for underserved communities.

MSMEs: the Cornerstones of Economic Growth
The Budget’s continued emphasis on initiatives and assistance for small businesses is imperative to create a more accessible financing environment for MSMEs to thrive. We applaud the government’s move to widen access to financing facilities for MSMEs, including the increased allocation for stamp duty waiver. In addition to our RM1.5 billion investment over the next five years that includes support for tech-based entrepreneurship, we are also committed to supporting the government with financing schemes that leverage the efficiency of digital banks to distribute financing, thus empowering entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the nation's development. This will also be reflected in the financial products and services for the MSME segment we will launch in the coming months.

Education: Key to Unlocking a Nation’s Potential
The historic proposed RM64.1 billion allocation for the Ministry of Education demonstrates the importance of education in unlocking Malaysia’s potential. At GXBank, we share the same vision through Impian Gigih, our financial inclusion and literacy plan that aims to promote intergenerational social mobility, with education as one of the key pillars. Every Malaysian has the right to education and the opportunity to reach their full potential, especially deserving individuals from underserved communities, hence breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to fully participate in advancing the nation’s digital economy aspirations.

As Malaysia’s first digital bank, GXBank is uniquely positioned to accelerate progress in these critical areas. We will continue to harness our technology advantage, nurture homegrown talent, and empower underserved communities to create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Malaysia.