Company Secretary for Startup Malaysia
Just incorporated your Sdn Bhd? Every new company must appoint a qualified secretary within 30 days. As your company secretary for startup Malaysia founders can rely on, we keep your SSM filings, registers and resolutions in order, so you can focus on building the business.
The basics
Why does my startup need a company secretary?
Under the Companies Act 2016, every Sdn Bhd must have at least one company secretary, appointed within 30 days of incorporation. The secretary is an officer of the company and makes sure it meets its filing and record-keeping duties with SSM.
Not just anyone can take the role. Most founders, especially in their first year, appoint a professional firm rather than trying to qualify themselves.
- An individual, aged 18 or overA company can't be appointed as secretary
- Based in MalaysiaThe secretary's principal place of residence must be in Malaysia
- Licensed or a member of a prescribed bodyPlus a practising certificate issued by SSM
First-year checklist
Your startup's first-year compliance timeline
These are the key SSM deadlines a new Sdn Bhd faces. We track every one of them for you.
Incorporation
Your company is registered with SSM and receives its registration number.
Day 1Appoint a secretary
A qualified company secretary is appointed and SSM is notified.
Within 30 daysBeneficial owners
Who ultimately owns or controls the company is recorded in a register and lodged with SSM.
Within 60 days of appointing the secretaryAnnual return
Your company's annual return is lodged with SSM every year.
Within 30 days of each anniversaryFinancial statements
Accounts circulated to shareholders, then lodged with SSM.
Within 6 months of year-end + 30 days
Startup milestones
Growing fast? We handle the paperwork
Most startup milestones need a resolution, an SSM filing or both. Here's what your secretary takes care of at each stage.
What your company secretary handles
| When you're | What we prepare |
|---|---|
| Opening a company bank account | Board resolution and certified company documents for the bank |
| Bringing in a co-founder or investor | Share allotment resolutions, updated register of members and the SSM lodgement |
| Adding or changing a director | Consent and resolutions, and notifying SSM of the change |
| Moving office | Resolution and notice of the new address to SSM |
| Changing the company name | Name search, special resolution and SSM application |
| Hiring foreign talent | Company documents needed for employment pass applications |
Changes in your company's officers or particulars generally need to be notified to SSM within a set number of days, so tell us as soon as something changes.
Already have a secretary from your incorporation package? Switching is simple. We coordinate the handover of your company records and notify SSM of the change. Talk to us about moving over.
What's included
What's included in our company secretary for startup Malaysia package
As your company secretary, we're an officer of your company. Our job is to keep it compliant with the Companies Act 2016 at all times.
SSM lodgements
Preparing and submitting the forms the Act requires, such as changes in directors, address or shares.
Board and shareholder resolutions
Drafting resolutions and minutes, from opening a bank account to approving accounts.
Statutory registers
Keeping your registers of members, directors and beneficial owners up to date.
Share allotments and transfers
Issuing new shares to co-founders and investors, and recording share transfers.
Annual return and accounts
Lodging your annual return and financial statements with SSM on time.
Deadline reminders
Advance notice of every filing date, so nothing is missed in a busy launch year.
FAQ
Company secretary for startups: frequently asked questions
Is a company secretary compulsory for a new Sdn Bhd?
Can I be my own company secretary?
How much does a company secretary for startup Malaysia companies cost?
Can a foreign-owned startup appoint a company secretary?
What does the beneficial ownership register involve?
Can I change my company secretary later?
Just incorporated?
Send us your company name and incorporation date, and we'll act as your company secretary for startup Malaysia compliance from your first 30 days.
Information on this page is a general guide as of October 2026, based on the Companies Act 2016 and SSM guidance on beneficial ownership. Requirements may change. Contact us to confirm what applies to your company.