KUALA LUMPUR: From helping nearly 1,000 small businesses in Eastern Indonesia to supporting a Malaysian education platform with more than 500,000 downloads, 11 individuals and organisations across ASEAN have been recognised by CIMB for creating measurable social impact.
The honourees from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines were recognised for initiatives spanning enterprise development, education, healthcare, environmental conservation and social inclusion.
Among the achievements highlighted were a programme that strengthened 979 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a mental health initiative that reached more than 500 families, a bamboo conservation project that planted 115,400 trees, and a forest protection effort linked to a water catchment serving over 4.2 million people.
The recognition took place during the CIMB Advancing Societies 2026: Recognising Impactful Partners programme at Menara CIMB on Monday. The regional initiative honoured non-governmental organisations, community groups, social advocates and development partners whose work has delivered tangible benefits across ASEAN.
CIMB Foundation and CIMB Islamic chief executive officer Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff said the recognition celebrated efforts that had improved lives and expanded opportunities for communities.
“Real progress is not defined by programmes or numbers alone, it is seen in how lives have improved, opportunities are created and the confidence communities gain to move forward.
“Across ASEAN, we are seeing individuals and organisations doing exactly that, often in ways that are deeply local but with impact that can be felt far beyond their communities,” he said.
The programme forms part of CIMB’s broader RM200 million commitment for 2026-2030 to support community development initiatives throughout ASEAN.
Ahmad Shahriman said CIMB’s focus was on enabling communities to drive sustainable change independently.
“Our approach focuses on enabling individuals and communities to initiate and lead initiatives that are sustainable in the long term, building the capability and resilience needed for them to thrive independently.
“Through CIMB Advancing Societies 2026, we are proud to celebrate these individuals and organisations whose efforts are creating meaningful impact on the ground,” he said.
For community and economic empowerment, Indonesia’s Berdaya Bareng Foundation was recognised for its Community Link #JadiBerkelanjutan initiative in Eastern Indonesia.
Supported by CIMB Niaga since 2022, the programme provides entrepreneurship training, digital literacy support and interest-free financing, particularly for women and persons with disabilities.
To date, it has strengthened 979 MSMEs, provided funding support to 150 businesses and established three MSME communities as long-term growth hubs. Malaysia’s Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman was recognised through JomStudy, founded by scholarship recipient Ong Yong Xun.
The education technology platform provides free study resources and AI-powered learning tools for students and surpassed 500,000 downloads in 2025.
Ong was also named a finalist for the Global Student Prize 2024.
Also recognised was the Philippines-based Empower and Transform organisation for its “From Puhunan to Profit” initiative.
Founded by veteran financial journalist Salve Ibañez, the programme uses the SalveSays multimedia platform to deliver financial education to overseas Filipino workers, single mothers and underserved communities.
The platform reaches more than one million followers. Malaysia’s Thrive Well was recognised for its K.A.M.I. Safe Space Programme, developed with Teach For Malaysia.
Since 2021, the initiative has graduated 69 participants, trained 15 community ambassadors and supported more than 500 families through emotional wellbeing workshops and peer-support programmes.
Singapore’s Lions Befrienders was also recognised for promoting active and healthy ageing through care, companionship and community engagement.
The organisation operates 10 Active Ageing Centres and collaborates with CIMB Singapore on programmes including Seniors Day Out.
Indonesia’s KEHATI Foundation was recognised for its “Bamboo for a Better Future: Conserving Nature, Empowering Communities” initiative.
Working with CIMB Niaga since 2012, the programme combines conservation with community development through sustainable planting and training activities.
By 2025, it had planted 115,400 bamboo trees and 6,430 economically valuable plants while absorbing more than 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and providing training to over 2,000 community members.
WWF-Malaysia was recognised for its conservation work in Ulu Muda, supported by CIMB Islamic.
The Ulu Muda Forest Complex is a critical water catchment supporting more than 4.2 million people and 40 per cent of the country’s rice production.
The programme helped expand ecological linkages by 4,227 hectares and strengthened longterm conservation policies. Indonesia’s Sinergi Mahakarya was recognised for empowering children with special needs through its Community Link #JadiNyata initiative.
Founded by Sandra Talogo, the programme promotes creative entrepreneurship while helping challenge stigma surrounding disability.
The Philippines’ PAVE Philippines was recognised for supporting survivors of sexual violence through advocacy, counselling and awareness campaigns. Led by survivor advocate Phoebe Fructuoso, the organisation helps survivors heal while seeking justice.
Singapore’s Halogen was also recognised for its Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship programme, which equips underserved youth with business skills, mentorship and leadership opportunities.
Meanwhile, national track cyclist and CIMB brand ambassador Datuk Azizulhasni Awang received the special “Kita Bagi Jadi Hero” recognition for his sporting achievements and commitment to inspiring communities beyond athletics.
“CIMB’s recognition of the honourees showed that the group was not only focused on profit, but also on giving back to communities across Malaysia and ASEAN,” Azizulhasni said.
