CIMB uplifts communities in Sabah through economic empowerment initiatives

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 7): CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad and CIMB Foundation have pledged to support nine economic empowerment initiatives in Sabah, focusing on improving the socio-economic growth and well-being of underserved communities.

With total commitments exceeding RM1.3 million in 2024, these targeted initiatives, which are anchored in economic empowerment, community well-being and education, have positively impacted over 10,000
beneficiaries, reflecting CIMB’s broader purpose of advancing customers and society.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic and CIMB Foundation said, “Economic empowerment and inclusion are core principles that drive our community initiatives as we expand our outreach across Malaysia, including Sabah. Our initiatives are strategically and thoughtfully designed with a holistic approach, recognising the interconnectedness of each community as a unified social structure.”

“By investing in capacity building, financial literacy and community well-being programmes, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that empower individuals and communities to leap forward, fostering resilience and enabling sustainable livelihoods. These will not only help to elevate their quality of life, but also build a ripple effect of lasting positive impact for their families and
community at large. Our commitment to these values remains steadfast, and we continually look at ways to expand our efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path towards a thriving and inclusive future,” he added.

Notable programmes include CIMB Islamic’s flagship Program Keusahawanan series, which recently expanded to Sabah to empower 50 asnaf youth in Kota Belud with essential digital and technical skills in smartphone repair.

In partnership with non-governmental organisation Darul Bakti, Program Keusahawanan Digital Pembaikan Telefon Pintar dan Keusahawanan Belia aims to foster sustainable employment by inspiring Sabahan youth to pursue financial independence through skill-based entrepreneurship. The Sabah chapter of the programme offers participants training in smartphone software and hardware, guidance on financial management and marketing, along with mentorship.

Meanwhile, CIMB Foundation has joined forces with Kembara Kitchen and PACOS Trust, a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting indigenous communities in Sabah, to ensure food security during disaster relief and improve emergency preparedness for vulnerable communities and frontline responders.

Through this partnership, CIMB has sponsored the
production of 5,000 Hero Meals — nutritious, ready-to-eat meals with an extended shelf life in preparation for humanitarian emergencies.

These meals are produced via retort machines contributed by CIMB Foundation to Kembara Kitchen, with one unit placed at PACOS Trust to help expand the production of Hero Meals. These machines enable efficient meal production and distribution, with PACOS Trust serving as the regional hub to supply these essential meals to disaster-affected individuals and frontline responders in Sabah and Sarawak.

Through the CIMB Foundation Be$MART Financial Literacy Education programme, CIMB
promotes financial literacy by providing essential financial management skills to youth entering the workforce. The programme was conducted in Kota Kinabalu for students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah and Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Gaya to provide comprehensive approach to financial literacy. It featured
interactive workshops led by engaging speakers, covering essential topics which include budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt and financial fraud and scam awareness.

To date, the programme has empowered more than 1,800 students, including those from Sabah, with knowledge to make sound financial decisions.