CIMB launches Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf to support SMEs and preserve Malaysian craft

At the heart of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB is a vibrant showcase of Malaysian artisanal craftworks.

SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
By  SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
05 Feb 2026 05:45pm
From left: Serai Group managing director Datuk Mohd Najib Abdul Hamid, CIMB chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah; motorsports athlete and CIMB brand partner Amer Harris Jefry; Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan and Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah and Sime Darby Property Datuk Seri Azmir Merican at the launch of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB. - Photo courtesy of CIMB
From left: Serai Group managing director Datuk Mohd Najib Abdul Hamid, CIMB chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah; motorsports athlete and CIMB brand partner Amer Harris Jefry; Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan and Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah and Sime Darby Property Datuk Seri Azmir Merican at the launch of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB. - Photo courtesy of CIMB

KUALA LUMPUR — CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (CIMB) has launched Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB, a new month-long platform aimed at energising Malaysia’s craft industry while providing meaningful support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the creative economy and beyond.

The launch was officiated by Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah accompanied by CIMB Group chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad chairperson Datin Azlina Mahmad.

The launch marked a significant step in CIMB’s efforts to champion entrepreneurship, heritage and innovation within Malaysia’s growing creative sector.

CIMB Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to empowering SMEs through platforms that enhance capabilities, strengthen networks and create long-term value.

"By supporting entrepreneurship and Malaysian craft in both contemporary and heritage forms, we aim to help future-proof businesses while preserving this artform for generations in line with our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society," he said.

Beyond showcasing craftsmanship, Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB is designed as a holistic business development ecosystem.

The programme includes a series of networking sessions featuring the Saudagar CIMB initiative, open to SMEs from all sectors.

These sessions focus on sharpening entrepreneurial skills, facilitating business matching and creating opportunities for partnerships, financing and cross-selling. Approximately 300 SMEs are expected to take part.

Entrepreneurs from industries such as food and beverage, fashion and property management will share practical insights on topics including cash flow versus profit, managing expenses, branding as part of the business journey, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, as well as scaling from small-batch production to export markets.

Yayasan Hasanah will also introduce available business grants for SMEs, while CIMB’s panel of experts will provide guidance tailored to businesses at different stages of their growth. Adding a creative touch to the programme, Cake Piknik, a local cake community, will host interactive workshops for visitors.

At the heart of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB is a vibrant showcase of Malaysian artisanal craftworks. Visitors can explore creations across textiles, wood, glass and metal, alongside festive Raya fashion collections by both established designers and rising talents.

Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB

More than 30 fashion and craft boutiques are participating, with their