Alliance Bank Launches Malaysia’s First SME Business Pitch Film: “The Ultimate Elevator Pitch”
In a groundbreaking fusion of entrepreneurship and storytelling, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad has officially launched The Ultimate Elevator Pitch — Malaysia’s first feature-length film centered around SME business pitching.
Released in conjunction with World MSME Day and premiering exclusively on iQIYI starting 18 July 2025, this inspiring documentary captures the emotional and entrepreneurial journey of 13 bold founders from the 2024 BizSmart® Challenge: Accelerator Edition.
A Cinematic Celebration of Entrepreneurial Grit
More than just a pitch competition, The Ultimate Elevator Pitch offers behind-the-scenes access to Malaysia’s top SME talents as they navigate intense mentorship, high-stakes investor questions, and their own self-doubt.
The film reveals what it truly takes to build a business in today’s high-pressure environment, highlighting the personal sacrifices and determination that often go unseen.
Helmed by multi-award-winning local agency Ampersand Advisory, and directed by co-founder Sandeep Joseph, the film blends powerful storytelling with business acumen.
It provides rare, raw insights into the realities of entrepreneurship — from last-minute pitch rehearsals and emotional mentorship sessions to the triumphs and tears of making it through Malaysia’s top SME development program.
10 Years of Empowering Malaysia’s Entrepreneurs
Launched in 2013, the BizSmart® Challenge has consistently supported small and medium-sized enterprises through funding, mentorship, and market exposure.
The 2024 Accelerator Edition introduced a game-changing twist — the 60-second Elevator Pitch — as a powerful new storytelling platform for entrepreneurs.
A total of RM550,000 in cash prizes was awarded to 13 winners in 2024. Among the top three were BioLoop, Gula Cakery, and HiiVolt — businesses that stood out for innovation, leadership, and potential for growth.
Beyond just financial assistance, Alliance Bank has expanded its support through strategic partnerships with Cradle MYStartup, 1337 Ventures, 5X Capital, and CGC Malaysia, offering everything from venture funding to capacity-building mentorships.
Why a Movie, and Why Now?
According to Alliance Bank’s Group CEO Kellee Kam, the idea for The Ultimate Elevator Pitch was born out of a simple yet powerful realization: entrepreneurship is more than strategy — it’s personal, emotional, and deeply human.
“This film isn’t just about business,” said Kam. “It’s about resilience, vulnerability, and ambition. It’s a portrait of the changemakers shaping Malaysia’s future.”
The goal was to reach a broader audience and inspire the next generation of business leaders — from aspiring entrepreneurs and university students to seasoned SMEs ready to pivot or scale.
Streaming on iQIYI: A Digital-First Milestone
Recognizing the viewing habits of modern audiences, Alliance Bank partnered with iQIYI, one of Asia’s top streaming platforms, to make the film widely accessible.
Starting 18 July 2025, anyone in Malaysia — and beyond — can stream the documentary, gaining intimate access to the real-life experiences of 13 diverse and daring founders.
“This is the first time a bank has turned a business pitch competition into a cinematic experience,” said Evangeline Song, Head of Brand Partnerships at iQIYI Asia Pacific. “It’s about time we celebrate our entrepreneurs on screen.”
A Prelude to the 2025 BizSmart® Business Conference
The launch of The Ultimate Elevator Pitch also marks the countdown to the BizSmart® Business Conference 2025, which will take place on 7 October 2025 at W Kuala Lumpur.
Themed “Boundaries Reimagined”, this second edition of the conference will feature over 35 thought leaders and founders including Timothy Tiah (CEO, Colony), Winnie Loo (Founder, A Cut Above), and other alumni from the BizSmart® Challenge.
The agenda will explore pressing topics such as digital disruption, cross-border growth, business model innovation, and branding under pressure — all designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Early bird tickets are priced at just RM88 until 3 July 2025, reinforcing Alliance Bank’s mission to make high-impact content and opportunities accessible to SMEs at every stage.
Malaysia’s SME Sector, Reimagined
2024 was a record-breaking year for the BizSmart® Challenge, attracting 593 submissions — the most in its 10-year history. Every finalist walked away with a prize, reinforcing Alliance Bank’s commitment to inclusive growth.
As Malaysia’s SME ecosystem matures, initiatives like The Ultimate Elevator Pitch and the BizSmart® Business Conference show how far support for local businesses has evolved — from just funding to ecosystem building, storytelling, and nation-building.
With this bold move into entertainment, Alliance Bank isn’t just shaping businesses — it’s helping shape the cultural perception of entrepreneurship itself.
Watch The Ultimate Elevator Pitch starting 18 July 2025 on iQIYI. To register for the BizSmart® Business Conference 2025, visit www.alliancebank.com.my/abbbc.
Keywords:
SME Malaysia
BizSmart Challenge
Alliance Bank SME
Elevator Pitch film
Malaysian entrepreneurs
SME startup documentary
iQIYI Malaysia streaming
BizSmart Business Conference
