Latest news with #WomenEntrepreneurEmpowermentProgramme
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
CIMB allocates RM200mil to drive inclusion, wellbeing and empowerment
From left: CIMB Malaysia chief executive officer Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and CIMB group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin. PETALING JAYA: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd is committing RM200mil over the next five years as the bank aims to advance customers and society via its 'Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti' movement. In a statement, the bank said the commitment will primarily focus on three key areas, namely driving long term economic empowerment, community wellbeing and financial inclusion. CIMB group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said the group will be able to provide support to the underserved and vulnerable communities across Asean. 'In parallel, our 33,000 employees across the region will contribute over 120,000 volunteer hours every year, giving their time and skills to support impact on the ground,' he added. Also present, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo applauded the bank's effort, stating that he encourages more industry players to emulate CIMB's commitment and work collaboratively to ensure all Malaysians are part of the country's digital transformation. As part of the 'Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti' platform, CIMB also launched other targeted programmes, including the Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, Jaga Duit financial literacy workshops, and Let's Duit in collaboration with TNG Digital Sdn Bhd.
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
CIMB commits RM200mil to empower communities over five years
KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (CIMB) has pledged RM200 million over the next five years under its new "Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti" platform, marking a major commitment to uplift customers and society. Running from 2026 to 2030, the initiative aims to drive long-term economic empowerment, improve community wellbeing, and expand financial inclusion. It will focus on equipping underserved groups with critical skills, including digital capabilities and financial literacy, to help them thrive in a changing economy. The launch event saw the presence of the Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, CIMB group chief executive officer (CEO) Novan Amirudin, CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Bhd CEO Gurdip Singh Sidhu, and TNG Digital Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Mohd Herman Sarbini. Gobind commended CIMB's proactive role in empowering communities, noting that the initiative provides greater access to financing, financial education, and capacity-building opportunities. He said that such efforts support socioeconomic mobility, national productivity, and long-term resilience while encouraging other industry players to follow CIMB's lead in fostering inclusivity. Novan underscored the company's commitment to regional impact, with its 33,000 employees set to contribute over 120,000 volunteer hours annually to support initiatives on the ground. The "Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti" platform introduces several impactful programmes designed to address specific community needs; among these is the Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, which offers tailored financing and networking opportunities for women-led businesses and is projected to benefit 300 women entrepreneurs over three years. Another key initiative is the Jaga Duit financial literacy workshops, developed in collaboration with Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), which have already benefited 1,500 employees of CIMB's corporate and SME clients. Meanwhile, the Let's Duit programme by TNG Digital focuses on empowering senior citizens with digital payment tools, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital economy. To date, around 1,000 senior citizens have benefited from the programme. CIMB's efforts build on a strong foundation of community investment, as from 2021 to 2024, the company disbursed over RM125 million to community initiatives, placing it on track to achieve its RM150 million target by the end of 2025. Over the same period, it extended more than RM50 billion in financing to low-income customers and SMEs, cementing its role as a responsible financial intermediary. Through TNG Digital, CIMB has facilitated nearly RM1 billion in salary disbursements for over 40,000 migrant workers while expanding financial services to refugees and gig workers.
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
6,600 Sabah women gained from financing, says Mara
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: Asyraf said the loan repayment rate among women is among the highest across Mara's financing schemes. Kota Kinabalu: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has recorded a commendable achievement, with over 6,600 women in Sabah successfully registering with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and receiving initial financing through various entrepreneurship schemes under the agency. Mara Chairman Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said they were among a total of 10,700 women participants who have taken part in 67 series of the Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme since its inception more than two decades ago. 'Of the figure, I am pleased to announce that 6,654 women – approximately 30 per cent – have officially registered their businesses with SSM and received financing. 'Among the most active are women entrepreneurs who are also managing households and families,' he said during the Sabah Women Empowerment Programme 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Tuesday. The programme was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister cum Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Asyraf said the loan repayment rate among women is among the highest across Mara's financing schemes. 'Out of the 17 active financing schemes involving women, the repayment rate has never fallen below 93 per cent. This clearly demonstrates that women are the true 'paymasters' – capable of managing businesses with discipline and accountability,' he said. He also praised the strong motivation and entrepreneurial spirit shown by women in Sabah, particularly through their active participation in Mara-led programmes. 'Sabah is among the states with the highest participation in these programmes. While I couldn't attend every session, the programmes with the largest turnout were here in this State – especially from rural areas. This proves that women in Sabah are truly driven to succeed,' he said. Asyraf said Mara has allocated RM31.2 million specifically for financing women entrepreneurs in Sabah this year, making it one of the highest state allocations to date. 'However, this amount is still insufficient. Given the significant impact of these programmes, we hope that with the support of the Deputy Prime Minister (Zahid), the Prime Minister and Cabinet will consider increasing the funds to expand financing for women entrepreneurs across the State, including rural areas,' he said, confident that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will continue to prioritise the women's empowerment agenda. Asyraf hopes such programmes can be continued and expanded in the future to provide more women with opportunities and benefits in the field of entrepreneurship. 'God willing, all the aspirations and proposals raised in today's programme will be conveyed and championed for future implementation,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
