CIMB-DBKL’s strategic collaboration aims to boost inclusive economic growth

The ‘Moving KL Forward – Kita Bagi Jadi’ bersama DBKL x CIMB MoC, aims to support local businesses through accelerated digital adoption while empowering the local creative economy 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- CIMB Bank Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Bank”) has entered into a Memorandum of Collaboration (“MoC”) with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (“DBKL”), committing RM5 million over three years to drive inclusive economic growth under the Moving KL Forward – Kita Bagi Jadi bersama DBKL x CIMB initiative. 

Anchored on CIMB’s purpose of Advancing Customers and Society, the collaboration reflects how the Bank catalyses economic participation – raising the floor by enabling communities and businesses to participate more actively in the economy, while raising the ceiling by positioning Kuala Lumpur as a dynamic regional hub for business, investment and tourism across ASEAN. 

Over the next three years, the collaboration will roll out targeted programmes focused on two key areas. First, enabling MSMEs to adopt digital solutions to drive efficiency and competitiveness, through exclusive cashback and rebate incentives via CIMB OCTO and OCTOBiz. Secondly, activating the local creative economy through cultural events, festivals and public art initiatives – creating income opportunities while strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a cultural hub. 

The signatories present at the MoC were Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun Mak Ujud, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group, with Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) and Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group as the witnesses. 

Hannah Yeoh said, “This collaboration reflects how government and the private sector such as CIMB, can work together to deliver meaningful economic outcomes for the people. Beyond physical development, our priority is to ensure that growth is inclusive, people-centric and sustainable. Initiatives under this collaboration will help create opportunities for communities and local businesses, strengthen livelihoods, and ensure more Malaysians benefit from the city’s progress – helping to develop a Kuala Lumpur that is more livable, resilient and inclusive in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.” 

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun said, “DBKL welcomes the collaboration with CIMB, bringing together the strengths of both organisations to provide opportunities for local talents and entrepreneurs to grow while creating a more vibrant and economically inclusive city. This collaboration will also help position Kuala Lumpur as a city that not only attracts visitors but also uplift its people through sustainable economic opportunities.”

The ‘Move KL Forward’ initiative reflects CIMB’s role as a financial intermediary in mobilising capital, enabling transactions and supporting ecosystem growth – demonstrating how banks can translate financial capabilities into broader economic outcomes. 

Novan said, “This MoC reflects how CIMB translates our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society into tangible outcomes. As a bank deeply rooted in Malaysia, we enable businesses to grow, facilitate transactions and support the development of local ecosystems for sustainable economic participation. Through this collaboration with DBKL, we aim to unlock opportunities for businesses, elevate local creative talent and inspire civic pride among Malaysians, while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub - attracting greater investment, economic opportunities and tourism from across ASEAN, in line with the Ekonomi MADANI framework.”

“Through CIMB OCTO Fest events held over Chinese New Year and Ramadan, the Bank supported 360 local vendors in generating approximately RM17 million in sales – demonstrating how targeted initiatives can drive business activity while accelerating digital payment adoption through CIMB OCTO and OCTOBiz. Ultimately, this collaboration is about ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful outcomes across the broader community.”

The collaboration will focus on four key focus areas – Culture, Civic Mindedness, Wellness, and Commerce – with CIMB supporting selected DBKL flagship events, including the Festival Orkestra Kuala Lumpur, Ambang Merdeka Concert, Rockestra Legenda and KUL Design Festival. Collectively, these activations are expected to engage over 100,000 attendees annually, contributing to economic activity and reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a leading arts and cultural destination. 

To kick off the collaboration, CIMB will organise the Moving KL Forward – Kita Bagi Jadi bersama DBKL x CIMB concert on 16 and 17 May at Panggung Anniversari, with admission open to the public.  

The collaboration will also extend across key urban touchpoints in Kuala Lumpur, including citywide art installations, building wraps on prominent landmarks, commissioned murals along the Sungai Gombak River embankment, and other key DBKL digital assets – further embedding creativity in the city’s urban landscape.  

Beyond this collaboration, CIMB continues to support economic participation nationwide through targeted programmes that strengthen financial resilience and income generation. The Bank has pledged RM3.6 million to support 9,000 residents across four Projek Perumahan Rakyat (“PPR”) through the Santuni MADANI initiative to enhance community well-being. In parallel, CIMB continues to drive income and productivity improvement through the iTEKAD programme - equipping delivery riders, paddy farmers, and agropreneurs with essential assets and training, while CIMB Foundation supports Komuniti Tukang Jahit (“KTJ”) to create sustainable income pathways for single mothers. Together, these initiatives reflect CIMB’s role in supporting economic mobility and enabling broader participation in Malaysia’s growth.   

About CIMB 

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM89.0 billion as at 31 December 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. 

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 573 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 December 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its awardwinning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.45% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.  

SOURCE: CIMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications 
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA