Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM), in partnership with SME Corp. Malaysia, has launched the NextLevel CEO Programme, a high-impact executive development initiative designed to support Malaysian SME leaders in scaling their businesses through strategic leadership, innovation and transformation.
The programme, developed under SME Corp. Malaysia’s PRESTIGE 2.0 initiative, offers a RM22,500 executive education experience, with 80% funding provided by the Malaysian Government, reducing the participant investment to RM4,500 (payment plans and bursaries are available).
Designed specifically for CEOs, founders and senior decision-makers of high-growth SMEs (with Electrical & Electronics; Drone & Aerospace; Oil & Gas; Medical Devices; Biotechnology; Halal Technology & Smart Agriculture; Mobility; and Green Economy identified as priority sectors), the programme moves beyond traditional training to deliver a board-level, applied learning experience focused on real business outcomes.
A Strategic Intervention for SME Leaders
The NextLevel CEO Programme is structured as a 9-day, fully face-to-face executive journey, delivered over three months in four intensive blocks. Participants will step away from day-to-day operations to focus on building a clear, board-ready 5-Year Strategic Scale-Up Plan tailored to their business.
The programme combines:
• Strategic leadership and corporate governance
• Innovation, digital transformation and AI
• ESG, sustainability and future energy strategy
• Business law and contracts for CEOs
• Board simulation and applied case studies
Participants will also benefit from targeted executive coaching, peer learning and facilitated challenge, ensuring that insights are translated into practical, actionable strategies.
Addressing the Challenges of Scaling SMEs
As Malaysian SMEs navigate increasing complexity from digital disruption to evolving regulatory and sustainability expectations, the need for structured, strategic leadership has never been greater.
The NextLevel CEO Programme has been designed to help leaders:
• Move from operational to strategic leadership
• Identify and prioritise growth opportunities
• Strengthen governance and decision-making
• Build resilience through risk and ESG integration
• Develop a clear roadmap for long-term, sustainable growth
Delivered by Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University brings extensive experience in executive education and SME leadership development, including its role as a delivery partner for the UK Government’s Help to Grow: Management programme, through which it has supported over 350 SME leaders. The programme will be delivered at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s Putrajaya campus.
Head of School, Edinburgh Business School, HWUM, Dr Jimmy Tam, said, “This programme is designed to give SME leaders the space, structure and challenge they need to step back from daily operations and think strategically about growth. It’s not about theory, it’s about building a clear, actionable plan that can take their business to the next level.”
The recognition reaffirms the University’s focus on equipping students with practical skills and relevant knowledge. More than 95 percent of its graduates secure employment or continue their studies within six months of graduating, highlighting strong outcomes in career readiness.
Programme Details
• Duration: 9 days (7–9 August, 11–13 September, 10–11 October, 7 November)
• Format: Fully face-to-face in English (with translation available)
• Location: Putrajaya
• Programme Value: RM22,500
• Government Funding: 80%
• Participant Investment: RM4,500
Places are limited and subject to eligibility criteria set by SME Corp. Malaysia.
Applications Now Open
Applications for the NextLevel CEO Programme are now open.
SME leaders interested in participating can find out more and apply:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988753435060?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, kindly visit:
https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/
For any enquiries on the programme, kindly contact Louisa Osmond, Head of Executive Education, Edinburgh Business School at [email protected]
