NextLevel CEO Programme

Build a 5-Year Strategy in 9 Days.

A government-funded executive programme for Malaysian SME leaders ready to scale.

Location: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (Putrajaya)

Duration: 9 days (over three months)

Delivery: Fully face-to-face in English (with translators if required)

Cost: Valued at RM22,500 | 80% funded | Your investment: RM4,500

Scaling a business requires more than operational excellence. It requires strategic clarity, leadership discipline, and the ability to make confident, high-stakes decisions. The NextLevel CEO Programme, delivered by Heriot-Watt University in partnership with SME Corp. Malaysia, is a high-impact executive development experience designed specifically for CEOs and senior decision-makers of high-growth SMEs. This is not a traditional training course. It is a board-level, applied programme where you will step back from day-to-day operations and build a clear, actionable 5-Year Strategic Scale-Up Plan for your business.

Why this programme?

A Different Kind of Programme

Unlike conventional training, this programme is designed as a strategic intervention, not a classroom experience. You will:

• Work directly on your own business throughout
• Be challenged by peers and faculty at CEO level
• Test decisions through board simulations
• Receive targeted executive coaching
• Leave with a board-ready strategy — not just ideas

What you will gain

By the end of the programme, you will have:

• A 5-Year Strategic Scale-Up Plan tailored to your business
• Clear strategic priorities and growth opportunities
• A practical digital, data and AI roadmap
• Stronger governance and leadership capability
• A structured approach to ESG, sustainability and risk
• Confidence in board-level decision making

Programme structure

The programme is delivered over nine days across four blocks, combining intensive face-to-face learning with time to reflect and apply insights to your business.

Block 1 (7-9 August 2026)

Leading the Enterprise: Strategy, Leadership and Governance

• Programme induction and cohort formation
• Strategic intent and growth ambition
• Leadership and governance for scale

Block 2 (11-13 September 2026)

Strategy, Innovation and Digital Transformation

• Competitive strategy and positioning
• Innovation and growth opportunities
• Digital transformation, data and AI

Block 3 (10-11 October 2026)

ESG, Risk, Law and Board-Level Decision Making

• ESG and sustainability strategy
• Strategic risk and resilience
• Business law and contracts
• Board simulation and case studies

Block 4 (7 November 2026)

Capstone and Graduation

• Presentation of your 5-Year Strategic Plan
• Peer and faculty challenge
• Graduation ceremony

Coaching

Executive coaching is embedded into the programme to ensure real business impact. You will receive:

• Two one-to-one coaching sessions
• Support to refine your strategy at key stages
• Guidance on leadership, decision-making and execution

Who should apply?

This programme is designed for:

• CEOs, Founders and Managing Directors
• Senior leaders in high-growth SMEs
• Decision-makers responsible for strategy and growth
• The following have been identified as priority sectors: Electrical and Electronics, Drone and Aerospace, Oil and Gas, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Halal Technology and Smart Agriculture, Mobility and Green Economy

Investment

• A government backed investment in your growth
• Programme value: RM22,500
• Government funding (80%): RM18,000
• Your investment: RM4,500
• Payment plans and bursaries are available
• Places are limited and subject to eligibility criteria set by SME Corp. Malaysia.