When you think of cinematic storytelling, business pitches probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.
But Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad has just rewritten the rules, making history with The Ultimate Elevator Pitch™ — Malaysia’s first-ever feature-length SME business pitch film, officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
Premiered on July 18, 2025, the film has already struck a chord with audiences, trending at No.1 on iQIYI for three consecutive weeks and now streaming on YouTube. This milestone isn’t just about cinema — it’s about celebrating the grit, creativity, and resilience of Malaysian entrepreneurs.
From BizSmart® to the Big Screen
The film grew out of Alliance Bank’s BizSmart® Challenge, its flagship programme launched over a decade ago to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In 2024, the challenge introduced the Accelerator Edition, featuring a high-stakes 60-second elevator pitch format. The concept forced participants to condense their big ideas into sharp, impactful stories — much like they would need to do in real-world investor situations.
That energy inspired The Ultimate Elevator Pitch™, a documentary-style feature capturing the behind-the-scenes drama of 13 SME finalists selected from a record-breaking 593 submissions.
The film takes viewers through mentorship sessions, investor discussions, and the emotional highs and lows of chasing entrepreneurial dreams.
Alliance Bank’s Group CEO, Kellee Kam, highlighted that the recognition was not just about the film itself but about the ecosystem of “founders, mentors, partners, and communities” behind it.
“When we launched BizSmart® Challenge over a decade ago, our vision was to support entrepreneurs not just through financing, but through exposure, access, and belief,” he said. “This recognition is a celebration of the dreamers and doers shaping Malaysia’s future.”
The film is more than pitches — it is about human resilience, creativity, and courage. Kam emphasised that by bringing these stories to the public, Alliance Bank hopes to inspire future founders to believe that bold ideas can indeed take flight with the right support.
Storytelling with Purpose
To bring the project to life, Alliance Bank partnered with its long-standing creative collaborator Ampersand Advisory.
Together, they envisioned a format that would slow audiences down, away from quick bites of social media, and immerse them in the authentic struggles and triumphs of local entrepreneurs.
Sandeep Joseph, CEO and Co-founder of Ampersand Advisory, explained:
“It’s not every day you get to say you’ve made Malaysia’s first feature-length SME business pitch film. We wanted to capture raw, unscripted emotion — and prove that even a business pitch can move hearts.”
The result is a unique blend of cinematic storytelling and real-life drama that showcases the human side of entrepreneurship: unguarded reflections, tough investor debates, and the mentorship that fuels growth.
Beyond Film: Real Support for SMEs
While the film is inspiring audiences, Alliance Bank is also doubling down on real-world solutions for SMEs. Under its Alliance Digital SME proposition, the Bank has rolled out digital-first offerings that simplify processing and documentation, giving businesses quicker access to funds.
Key highlights include:
- Digital SME Financing: Same-day conditional approval for businesses as young as six months.
- SME Financial Health Check: A complimentary report offering insights into financial resilience and helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions.
These initiatives reflect Alliance Bank’s belief that supporting SMEs requires more than funding — it’s about providing timely opportunities, mentorship, and insights to ensure long-term growth.
A Record Year of Recognition
The Malaysia Book of Records milestone adds to Alliance Bank’s string of achievements in 2025. Just this year, the Bank has picked up:
- 3 wins at the MARKies Award 2025, including Most Creative Experiential.
- 14 wins at the Marketing Events Awards 2025 in Singapore, where it was named Event Marketer of the Year.
- 3 APPIES 2025 wins, including Gold for Best in Innovation.
- 7 Loyalty and Engagement Awards 2025 wins, including Gold for Best Loyalty Strategy in Finance.
- These accolades reinforce the Bank’s momentum and creativity in championing both business and community causes.
Looking Ahead: BizSmart® Business Conference 2025
Alliance Bank isn’t slowing down. On October 7, 2025, the Bank will host the BizSmart® Business Conference at W Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Themed “Boundaries Reimagined”, the conference will bring together over 25 visionary speakers, investors, and BizSmart® alumni to explore new growth frontiers for Malaysian SMEs.
It’s clear that The Ultimate Elevator Pitch™ is just the beginning. By merging storytelling, innovation, and support, Alliance Bank continues to inspire Malaysia’s entrepreneurs — proving that even a 60-second pitch can spark dreams big enough for the big screen.
To watch The Ultimate Elevator Pitch™ movie on YouTube.
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