The announcement was made at an event attended by Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, along with Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group, Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CEO of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad, and Mohd Herman Sarbini, COO of TNG Digital Sdn Bhd.
“The Ministry of Digital commends CIMB for its proactive role in empowering communities through targeted financing, education, and capacity-building,” said Gobind Singh Deo. “These efforts support national productivity and long-term resilience. We urge more industry players to follow CIMB’s lead.”
Novan Amirudin added: “Inclusive societies thrive. By broadening financial access, CIMB helps customers succeed while moving society forward.”
He added: “Whether it’s digital literacy, access to financing, or practical skills, providing the right tools empowers individuals and small businesses to participate meaningfully in the economy. Our RM200 million investment will directly benefit underserved and vulnerable communities across ASEAN. Additionally, 33,000 CIMB employees will contribute over 120,000 volunteer hours annually, driving community impact on the ground.”
Empowering Target Groups Through Tailored Programmes
As part of the “Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti” platform, CIMB has introduced several new targeted initiatives:
- Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme: Offers tailored financing and networking for women-led businesses. Over three years, it aims to support 300 women entrepreneurs.
- Jaga Duit Financial Literacy Workshops (in partnership with AKPK): Aims to help low-income employees of CIMB’s corporate and SME clients improve financial literacy. So far, nearly 1,500 participants have benefited.
- Let’s Duit by TNG Digital: A nationwide initiative equipping 1,000 senior citizens with hands-on training in digital payment tools and knowledge to navigate the digital economy securely.
Strong Track Record and Commitment to Impact
From 2021 to 2024, CIMB has already disbursed over RM125 million in community investments, well on track to meet its RM150 million target by the end of 2025. In the same period, CIMB extended more than RM50 billion in financing to low-income customers and SMEs, reinforcing its role in advancing economic participation.
Through TNG Digital, CIMB has also facilitated nearly RM1 billion in salary disbursements to over 40,000 migrant workers, while improving financial access for refugees and gig economy workers.
Transforming Intent into Action
A panel discussion titled “Turning Intent into Impact” featured voices from the private and NGO sectors, highlighting the role of partnerships in tackling gaps in education, disaster relief, and food aid. Moderated by Gurdip Singh Sidhu, the panel included:
- William Cheah, Co-Founder, Kembara Kitchen
- Fam Li Ying, Head of Growth, Teach for Malaysia
- Yap Sue Yii, Founder & CEO, Komuniti Tukang Jahit
- Mohd Herman Sarbini, COO, TNG Digital
CIMB continues to solidify its position as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth in Malaysia and across ASEAN.
