BSN Celebrates 69 Micro Entrepreneur Stories in Merdeka Campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — The stories of 69 micro entrepreneurs from across Malaysia have become the heart of a special Merdeka campaign titled “Cerita Mereka, Jiwa Malaysia”, launched in conjunction with the country’s 69th National Day celebration.

Through the campaign, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) is highlighting the journeys of entrepreneurs from different backgrounds and cultures who have built better lives through business. The initiative also reflects the spirit of Malaysians who continue to rise, become self-reliant and contribute to their communities.

BSN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin said the selection of 69 entrepreneurs was made in line with the 69th National Day celebration. Symbolically, the stories also represent nearly 180,000 micro entrepreneurs who have received BSN support through access to financing.

According to him, the campaign is not only about celebrating business success, but also about recognising the struggles and determination behind every entrepreneurial journey.

Awang Adek said many of the entrepreneurs featured in the campaign had gone through difficult life challenges before starting their businesses. Their stories show how micro enterprises can become a source of strength, income and hope for families and local communities.

He said BSN’s support for micro entrepreneurs goes beyond financing. The bank also provides guidance in financial management and business digitalisation to help entrepreneurs adapt to changing market conditions.

This support is important because many small entrepreneurs require more than capital to grow. They also need knowledge, discipline and digital tools to manage their businesses more efficiently and remain competitive.

The campaign was featured during the Karnival BSN Mikro MADANI, which was officiated by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan at Wisma BSN in Kuala Lumpur.

The carnival provided a platform for micro entrepreneurs to introduce their products to the public. It also included financial literacy programmes for entrepreneurs with disabilities under MyOKU Preneur, as well as rural entrepreneurs under KEMAS, Khadijah Artisans and USAHANITA.

In conjunction with the same campaign, students from Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Shah Alam, which is BSN’s Sekolah Angkat MADANI 2025, produced 5,000 special-edition batik cup sleeves inspired by the batik motif on BSN teller uniforms.

The cup sleeves were distributed through the 69 micro entrepreneurs to their customers nationwide. This connected entrepreneurs, students with special needs and local communities in one meaningful National Day initiative.

For BSN, the involvement of students with special needs reflects the aspiration that no Malaysian should be left behind. The initiative gives them space to showcase their talent while contributing to a wider community campaign.

The “Cerita Mereka, Jiwa Malaysia” campaign presents entrepreneurship as part of Malaysia’s national story. It recognises how small businesses help families earn income, create job opportunities and strengthen local communities.

Beyond the celebration of Merdeka, the campaign also sends a broader message about inclusion and economic empowerment. It shows that micro entrepreneurs play an important role in shaping Malaysia’s social and economic resilience.

For many entrepreneurs, access to financing is only the beginning. Continuous guidance, exposure to customers and digital readiness are equally important in helping small businesses survive and expand.

By featuring 69 real entrepreneurial stories, the campaign places ordinary Malaysians at the centre of the National Day celebration. It highlights the courage of individuals who continue building their businesses despite challenges and changing market pressures.

The initiative also strengthens the visibility of micro entrepreneurs, especially those from rural areas, persons with disabilities, women-led businesses and community-based enterprises.

As Malaysia celebrates its 69th National Day, the campaign serves as a reminder that the spirit of independence is also reflected in the determination of everyday entrepreneurs.

Through their products, services and personal stories, these micro entrepreneurs continue to show the meaning of resilience, self-belief and contribution to the nation.