Over 200 entrepreneurs gather in Kuching as CIMB pledges to accelerate SME growth, digitalisation, and sustainability by 2028
CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad have launched the SME Community Outreach Programme (SCOP) in Sarawak, in collaboration with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), pledging RM500 million in financing by 2028 to accelerate SME growth.
The programme aims to provide Sarawak’s small and medium enterprises with end-to-end solutions under CIMB’s SMEBizReady proposition, supporting digitalisation, automation, and sustainable practices. More than 200 entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry players attended the launch for knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building.
Officiating the event, YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted that Sarawak’s approved investments of over RM102 billion since 2021 have created significant opportunities for SMEs across supporting industries.
“When SMEs thrive, they attract investment, drive exports, and create high-value jobs, ensuring prosperity is shared inclusively across Sarawak,” he said.
CIMB’s CEO of Islamic Banking, Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment:
“With SCOP and our RM500 million financing pledge, we aim to enable businesses to capture opportunities in digitalisation, automation, and sustainability while contributing to long-term progress across Sarawak and the wider region.”
Sarawak is one of CIMB’s top five SME markets nationwide, with RM5.3 billion approved for over 1,500 SMEs as of June 2025. The SCOP initiative builds on CIMB’s prior outreach efforts in NCIA and IRDA regions, but this marks the first programme of its kind in East Malaysia.
Supported by Bank Negara Malaysia schemes and partners including MINTRED, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, SEDC, T-Robot, Akar Indah Engineering, and DHL Malaysia, the initiative showcased financing, grants, and technology solutions to help SMEs scale and compete in regional and global markets.
RECODA CEO Datuk Haji Ismawi Haji Ismuni stressed the shared mission of empowering entrepreneurs and rural communities through SCORE initiatives, ranging from agriculture to socio-economic development. With Sarawak’s strong base in hydropower, agro-industries, manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital transformation, SCOP is poised to strengthen the state’s role as a hub for inclusive and sustainable growth within ASEAN.
