Discover the highlights of MATRADE’s Special Malaysian Pavilion at the 16th Philippine SME Business Expo 2025, featuring Malaysian innovations in tech, food, and cross-border business partnerships. A hopeful look into what’s next for Filipino SMEs.
The 16th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME 2025) happened last May 9–10, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex is a much-anticipated B2B trade show gathered thousands of entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry professionals—all eager to discover new tools, forge partnerships, and fuel the growth of their enterprises. One of the most impressive parts of the event was exploring the Malaysian Pavilion by MATRADE. It stood out as a hub of innovation and practical business solutions tailored for the growing needs of SMEs, not just in Malaysia but with strong potential for businesses here in the Philippines as well.
The event kicked off with a strong message from Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, CEO of PHILSME Business Expo and Network, highlighting this year’s theme: “Driving Momentum: Pursuing Ingenuity, Resiliency, and Customer-Centricity.” MATRADE’s presence aligned perfectly with that direction. The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) showcased several promising companies and innovations aimed at supporting digital transformation, operational efficiency, and cross-border collaborations.
The Pavilion was officially introduced by H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines. His presence gave added weight to the occasion, emphasizing the importance of Malaysia-Philippines partnerships and the potential for shared growth between our SMEs. His speech focused on how MATRADE continues to push Malaysian products and services onto the global stage, reinforcing the message that “Made-in-Malaysia” is quickly becoming a mark of reliability and quality.
Innovative Tech Solutions for Filipino SMEs
The MATRADE Pavilion wasn’t just about introducing Malaysian products—it was about offering real, actionable tools that Filipino SMEs can use to grow and compete more effectively. As the business landscape continues to shift toward digitalization, the need for affordable and efficient tech solutions has never been more urgent. What made MATRADE’s showcase stand out was the variety and relevance of the solutions presented—ranging from cloud-based accounting platforms and contactless payment systems to advanced retail tools and business applications.
Here are some of the tech innovations that particularly stood out:
1. Autocount
Another standout was Autocount, a name well-known in the Malaysian software space. I had the chance to speak with Vanadium Ho, the Country Manager for Autocount, who shared valuable insights on how their tools can support business owners here in the Philippines. With 29 years of experience and over 240,000 clients globally, Autocount offers a full suite of business applications—including Accounting, POS, Cloud Payroll, and OneSales. Vanadium emphasized that the platform is both efficient and easy to use, especially for startups and growing businesses. He also mentioned that it’s BIR-accredited, which is crucial for local compliance. The system’s user-friendly interface helps reduce learning curves and boosts workflow efficiency, making it an ideal partner for businesses at any stage.
2. QNE AI Cloud Accounting
QNE showcased their new AI Cloud Accounting Software, and it caught the attention of many tech-savvy entrepreneurs. Designed with SMEs in mind, this software is SST-ready, user-friendly, and built for accessibility in the cloud—perfect for businesses transitioning from traditional bookkeeping to more streamlined and digital accounting methods. What stood out was how adaptive it is to the fast-changing business environment, allowing users to manage finances on-the-go, with AI-powered insights that make reporting and forecasting easier and smarter. For Filipino SMEs, this kind of tool could mean spending less time on manual tasks and more time growing the business.
3. CoherentPlus
CoherentPlus brought something different to the table with their contactless payment solutions. Their terminals are designed for various settings—from retail counters and handheld units to vending machines and transit systems. What’s notable is that all their products are developed in Malaysia, tailored to specific industry needs. With the rise of cashless transactions in the Philippines, having a localized, adaptable, and affordable solution like CoherentPlus could help small businesses keep up with modern consumer expectations. Their range shows how much thought has gone into accessibility and integration, especially for SMEs looking to digitize without major investment.
A Taste of Malaysian Flavors
Aside from tech, the MATRADE Pavilion also showcased food and beverage products that were just as exciting—and delicious. These businesses introduced unique flavors that I genuinely hope to see in local stores or cafes soon.
1. NIMS ADELICIOUSZ SDN BHD
Their Chocotub snacks were a fun surprise. Made with quality cereals and generously coated with rich chocolate sauce, they delivered a crunchy, indulgent experience. The concept is trendy and appealing, especially to younger markets. It’s a snack that not only tastes good but feels like a treat—something that could definitely catch on in the Philippines.
2. Saigon Coffee
This was one of my favorite stops. Saigon Coffee uses traditional Vietnamese Phin Filters to brew their coffee, delivering a strong, rich flavor that you don’t often find in commercial brews. Their menu includes both classic and creative coffee drinks, and the authenticity was easy to taste. Filipino coffee lovers would appreciate this blend of tradition and flavor innovation—it’s a brand that could easily thrive in our café culture.
What makes MATRADE’s participation in PHILSME 2025 so impactful is the hopeful outlook it brings. These companies aren’t just showcasing their capabilities—they’re actively looking to expand into the Philippine market, and that’s a win-win opportunity. For local SMEs, partnering with or adopting these Malaysian solutions could help drive digital transformation, boost productivity, and even enhance customer experience.
The Malaysian Pavilion was more than just a booth—it was a window into new possibilities. It showed that innovation, whether in tech or food, doesn’t have to come from the West or from large corporations. It can come from regional neighbors who understand the shared challenges and potentials in our markets.
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