Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Forward Asia Strategic Transformation (FAST) movement under Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM) is making its latest stop at Penang, continuing its objective of championing the importance of embedding ESG and AI into the core strategies of SMEs to ensure long-term relevance in today’s competitive landscape.
In its latest stop in Penang, FAST featured a session titled “Unleashing the Untapped Potential of Business to 10x with AI & the Right Strategy,” delivered by Jaff Low, founder of AdsHelper.
“AI is no longer something for tech giants alone,” Jaff said. “It’s now the key enabler for everyday businesses to automate smarter, reduce inefficiencies, and scale faster with the right tools, especially in marketing to the right person. With the right approach, even a traditional SME can have 10x its reach and revenue.”
The FAST movement is built on the belief that ESG is not just for large corporations, and AI is not just about technology, it’s about transformation. PUMM President Dato’ Dr. Teh emphasised that embracing these elements is no longer optional.
“AI and ESG have risen to a level where businesses simply can’t ignore them. They are the new standards of responsible and scalable growth. Those who don’t adapt will risk being left behind, both locally and globally,” he said.
With AI rapidly changing business norms, leaders must not only adopt technology but develop the agility to reimagine their business in a digital-first world.
Yens Chong Yen Kai, the organising chairman of the event and visionary who initiated the FAST movement, reminded attendees that in today’s business world, simplicity can be deceptive.
“Doing business today has become so easy—it’s also become harder to stand out. That’s where ESG comes in. It helps businesses rediscover their purpose and responsibility. And AI? It’s the force multiplier. But even with both, you still need Adaptability Quotient(AQ) to navigate constant change. That’s the true competitive edge today.”
Through PUMM, FAST has positioned itself not just as a campaign, but a nationwide transformation movement, designed to help business owners upgrade their strategies, align with global standards, and contribute to national economic resilience.
With 15 sessions planned across Malaysia and a flagship summit scheduled for November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, the FAST movement is gaining momentum as a beacon of change for ASEAN’s SME ecosystem. Each session builds toward a larger goal: equipping business leaders with the tools, mindset, and connections to transform, compete, and lead.
