CIMB Group has announced a commitment of RM200 million to support underserved and vulnerable communities across ASEAN. This investment, covering the period from 2026 to 2030, is part of the bank’s long-term strategy to promote inclusive growth. CIMB will focus on three key areas: economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and community wellbeing. 

In addition to financial support, the group’s 33,000 employees across the region will contribute more than 120,000 volunteer hours each year, offering their time and skills to benefit local communities. 

Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group, highlighted the importance of addressing income inequality as a foundation for sustainable economic progress. He explained that enabling financial access helps customers and communities thrive together.

“Countries with high income inequality tend to experience slower, less sustainable growth. In contrast, a thriving, inclusive society which leaves no one behind benefits all its members. By enabling broader financial access, we help our customers succeed, and in turn, help society move forward with us,” he said.

Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti: A Platform for Community-Focused Initiatives

To deliver this commitment effectively, CIMB has launched Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti (KBJK), a platform that consolidates the bank’s community-focused initiatives. Through KBJK, CIMB aims to provide individuals and small businesses with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to succeed, while ensuring these efforts are structured, scalable, and measurable. 

Among the key initiatives under KBJK is Jaga Duit, a financial literacy programme developed with Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK). Jaga Duit has already reached approximately 1,500 low-income employees of CIMB’s corporate and SME clients, equipping them with practical financial knowledge to manage their personal finances. These workshops are being conducted nationwide, extending CIMB’s reach across Malaysia to deliver comprehensive financial inclusion support.

The Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme offers women-led businesses tailored financing solutions, access to professional networks, and financial literacy workshops. This initiative aims to disburse RM250 million in working capital facilities and benefit more than 300 women entrepreneurs over three years.

CIMB is also introducing Let’s Duit by TNG Digital, which promotes digital and financial inclusion for gig workers, micro-SMEs, and senior citizens. By providing simple digital payment tools and training, the programme has empowered around 1,000 senior citizens with the knowledge and confidence to participate safely in the digital economy.

Nearly RM1 Billion in Salary Disbursements to 40k Migrant Workers

CIMB’s support for communities is well established. Between 2021 and 2024, the Group invested nearly RM125 million in community programmes and expects to reach RM150 million by the end of 2025. Over this period, CIMB extended more than RM50 billion in financing to low-income customers and SMEs. Through Touch ’n Go Digital, CIMB also facilitated nearly RM1 billion in salary disbursements to over 40,000 migrant workers, expanding financial access for vulnerable groups.

As part of Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti, CIMB’s commitment also includes equipping youth, the unbanked, and underserved communities with essential digital and financial literacy skills to help them participate meaningfully in the economy. CIMB recently hosted a panel session, “Turning Intent into Impact”, which highlighted the importance of private-NGO partnerships in transforming lives, addressing education gaps, and providing effective disaster relief and food aid during times of crisis.

Supporting Digital Literacy and Financial Inclusion

Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo emphasised that improving access to financing, financial education, and skills development is essential to ensure all Malaysians can participate meaningfully in the economy. He noted that these efforts support both social mobility and the country’s long-term economic resilience.

“By providing greater access to financing, financial education and capacity building initiatives, CIMB is enabling everyone to participate meaningfully in the economy. These efforts not only promote socioeconomic mobility but also support national productivity and long-term resilience.”

He also highlighted that financial institutions have a key role to play in supporting digital and financial literacy, pointing to efforts by CIMB and Touch ’n Go Digital as examples of how the private sector can help communities navigate today’s financial and digital landscape with confidence.

• TAGS:
• AKPK
• CIMB
• Gobind Singh Deo
• Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti
• Let’s Duit
• RM200 million
• SME
• Touch ’n Go
• underserved communities
• Women Empowerment