The initiative was launched as part of CIMB’s efforts to support entrepreneurs and business owners in the creative economy and beyond. The opening ceremony was officiated by KDPB Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, accompanied by Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group, and Datin Azlina Mahmad, Chairperson of CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad.
“Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB reinforces CIMB’s commitment to empowering SMEs by providing a platform that supports capability enhancement, network building and long-term value creation. By supporting entrepreneurship and Malaysian craft in both contemporary and heritage forms, we aim to help future-proof businesses while preserving this art form for generations in line with our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society,” said Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group.
As part of the programme, a series of networking sessions featured the Saudagar CIMB programme for SMEs from all sectors, with business matching opportunities in partnerships, financing and cross-selling. Approximately 300 SMEs participated, engaging in discussions led by successful entrepreneurs from industries including food and beverage, fashion and property management. Topics included cash flow versus profit, managing expenses, branding, leveraging digitalisation and AI, and scaling from small-batch production to exports.
Yayasan Hasanah introduced business grants for SMEs, while CIMB’s panel of experts guided SME business matters across different stages of the business lifecycle. Workshops were also conducted by Cake Piknik, a local cake community.
Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB showcased a wide range of artisanal craftworks across textiles, wood, glass and metal, complemented by Raya festive fashion from established and emerging designers. More than 30 fashion and craft boutiques took part, with selected works designated as Masterpieces of the event. Participating craft houses included Toko Art, La Putri, Cipela, Earth Heir, Hara Makers, Mah Meri Cultural Village, Kakao Origin and Aperture Café TTDI, while featured designers included Radzuan Radziwill, Tom Abang Saufi, Pink Jambu, Arun Sayfull, Shanell Harun, Tinta Sutera and Qudyn Aziz.
CIMB also partnered with Sime Darby Property to support the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf competition, recognising top talents in Textile, Metalsmith and Non-Metal categories, alongside the Innovation Award, People’s Choice Award and Seri-Ibu Special Award, selected by KDPB Tengku Ampuan Pahang.
The event also reflected CIMB’s Kita Bagi Jadi spirit, celebrating resilience, optimism and positivity among Malaysian SMEs. In conjunction with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, visitors were offered special promotions, including a 10% discount for CIMB cardholders at participating boutiques.
Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB was held at Level 3, KLGCC Mall, Kuala Lumpur, with major partners including Sime Darby Property and the Serai Group, marking another step in CIMB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening SMEs and Malaysia’s creative ecosystem.
