CIMB Artober 2025 marks the fifth year of empowering Malaysia's creative economy

KUALA LUMPUR - CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2025 (CIMB Artober), the flagship arts initiative by CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, returned for its fifth edition with a bold mission to elevate Malaysia’s role as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange in Asean.

Launched in 2020, the annual festival has grown into one of the country’s most prominent arts platforms, raising more than RM20 million for the arts community and showcasing around 1,000 artworks each year.

This year’s edition will feature over 30 galleries and merchants, with works from more than 100 artists across disciplines.

The launch was officiated by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, CIMB Group Chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar and CIMB Group Chief of Executive Novan Amirudin.

Delegates from the Asean Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting also attended the ceremony, highlighting the event’s role in positioning Malaysia as a regional arts and cultural hub.

Its CEO, Novan Amirudin, said Artober is a platform of inspiration that promotes diversity, inclusion and community through art.

"Artober is about art for everyone. Art that inspires how we think, that challenges us to take a stand and that compels us to reimagine the world rather than simply inherit it.

"Art that amplifies marginalised voices, builds empathy and strengthens community. Like art, CIMB is about diversity and making sure everyone wins. Our purpose is to advance customers and society, to foster inclusion and to make a meaningful difference across ASEAN.

"That is why Artober is much more than an art fair. It is a platform of inspiration," he said in the launch of CIMB x Artober held in Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

This year’s programme is rich with highlights, including:

• A rare showcase of seven masterpieces from the private collection of Malaysia’s legendary artist, the late Datuk Ibrahim Hussein.

• Solo exhibitions by Prof. Zulkifli Yusoff titled “Transparency”, Daud Rahim titled “The Mirror Within, The Soul of My True Self” and Tan Kai Sheuan titled “Nothing Exists Alone”.

• A showcase of hand-woven crafts and textiles from the Mah Meri Cultural Village and the Malaysian Prison Department.

• The Pahang Pavilion, an initiative by Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, returns with Songtik® shawls combining tenun and batik traditions, alongside Iban textiles of ikat and pua karap from Sarawak.

• Art Talks by distinguished guests, including Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah, joined by international guests.

• An art-meets-costumer showcase of Aina Abdul’s iconic outfits designed by renowned fashion artist Melinda Looi.

CIMB Artober 2025 will also host a charity art auction on Sunday, Sept 28, with proceeds going to Gaza relief efforts through Mercy Malaysia.

Tengku Zafrul praised the festival’s impact over the years, noting its role in nurturing young talent while connecting Malaysian creativity to the wider ASEAN region.

“This is already the fourth year of Artober, so congratulations to CIMB for your vision. This programme is not just about supporting Malaysian artists; it’s about giving back to society.

"As we walked through the exhibition today, we saw how many young Malaysian artists have grown into successful names. Without the support of the people in this room, we would not be witnessing such incredible talent," he said.

CIMB Artober 2025 is also embracing digital innovation, with a new interactive catalogue allowing collectors to visualise artworks in their own spaces before purchasing.

The event runs from Sept 26 to 28, from 12 pm to 8 pm daily at Hall 1, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free.

CIMB cardholders can also enjoy exclusive benefits: a 10 per cent discount for purchases of RM10,000 and above and a 15 per cent discount for purchases above RM25,000 on a single receipt at participating galleries.