A conceptual KiraBot business model: WhatsApp-based micro-SaaS for B40 financial inclusion

Azhary, Muhammad Zulnazmi Rafiqi and Mat Sukri, Ali Karami and Jeffry, Muhammad Syamil and Jafar, Mohamad Imad Addin and Ahmad Dahlan, Abdul Rahman (2026) A conceptual KiraBot business model: WhatsApp-based micro-SaaS for B40 financial inclusion. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology Research, 14 (2). pp. 169-187. ISSN 2348-1196 E-ISSN 2348-120X

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Abstract

The paper puts forward a hypothetical multi-sided digital platform, KiraBot, a WhatsApp-based micro-SaaS application that will help to solve financial management issues among B40 micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The platform is focused on both seeking micro-finance (e.g., MSMEs and informal vendors), and providing microfinance (e.g., financial institutions and government agencies including Bank Simpanan Nasional, TEKUN, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia). Manual bookkeeping practices have led to poor financial tracking, minimal visibility of profits, and access to formal financing by many micro-entrepreneurs. Such problems lead to cash blindness which makes it difficult to sustain and grow the business. The current research is based on the Design Thinking (DT) approach, which includes literature review, study of existing solutions (e.g., POS systems, accounting software, and messaging platforms) benchmarking, and complementation by national projects including Budget 2026 and MyDigital. Results suggest that existing solutions are usually expensive, complicated, and inappropriate with informal micro-vendors. To overcome this gap, KiraBot uses WhatsApp and AI-based chatbots to allow users to record transactions, track their financial performance, and automatically create reports using natural language communication. The business model proposed is created based on Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value Proposition Canvas (VPC) and tested on user level. KiraBot fits the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and digital economy agenda of Malaysia and the Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth). The platform has a great potential of increasing financial inclusion and empowering B40 micro-entrepreneurs in a digital form.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	KiraBot, B40 micro-entrepreneurs (MSMEs), micro-finance seekers, micro-finance providers, WhatsApp chatbot, artificial intelligence, financial tracking, financial inclusion, digital economy, 4IR
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) > T55.4 Industrial engineering.Management engineering. > T58.6 Management information systems
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
Depositing User:	Ts. Abdul Rahman Ahmad Dahlan
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2026 12:05
Last Update:	30 Jul 2026 12:05
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q4306
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130254

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