CIMB, DBKL bring Festival Ambang Merdeka 2026 to Dataran Merdeka from Aug 29-31

SHAH ALAM – CIMB Bank Berhad (CIMB) and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will host "Festival Ambang Merdeka 2026: Malaysia Madani Kesejahteraan Dinikmati" at Dataran Merdeka from Aug 29 to 31.

The event will bring together music, culture, local businesses and communities in a three-day celebration expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors.

The festival will culminate in "Konsert Kita Bagi Jadi @ Ambang Merdeka 2026" on Aug 30 at 10.30pm, featuring a 90-minute musical leading up to the Merdeka countdown at midnight.

Choreographed by renowned creative director Pat Ibrahim under the theme "Menyusuri Sejarah, Memperkasa Semangat", the concert will feature eight Malaysian artistes – Aina Abdul, Aman RA, Nadia Aqilah, Asmidar, Haziq Rosebi, Mimifly, Izen Kong and Pasya.

They will be joined by 70 dancers and a 60-member Orkestra Kuala Lumpur, with audiences also set to witness the debut of three original songs.

The concert will combine music, dance, immersive storytelling and orchestral performances to celebrate Malaysia's history, cultural heritage and diversity while highlighting the country's creative talents.

The celebration will conclude with the Merdeka countdown and a fireworks display over Dataran Merdeka, bringing Malaysians together in a shared celebration of national pride and unity.

Beyond entertainment, the festival will also provide a platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell food, beverages and local products throughout the three-day event.

The initiative is aimed at giving participating businesses greater visibility, access to new customers and opportunities to expand their businesses through one of the country's major national celebrations.

CIMB will also support participating businesses in their digitalisation efforts through its ecosystem and digital payment solutions, enabling MSMEs to conduct transactions, manage their operations and serve customers more efficiently.

CIMB Group Chief Brand and Marketing Officer Toni Darusman said the festival reflected the bank's efforts to create meaningful experiences while strengthening its connection with communities.

"Our role as a brand is to create meaningful experiences that bring people together in the moments that matter. Konsert Kita Bagi Jadi @ Ambang Merdeka 2026 is an expression of the brand promise of CIMB 'Moving You Forward', creating opportunities for engagements that strengthen how people experience the CIMB brand.

"This festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate shared values, create memories and reinforce connections that will shape a stronger future for all," he said.

The collaboration between CIMB and DBKL also reflects efforts to use a major public celebration to support local entrepreneurs and create a more inclusive business ecosystem.

By providing MSMEs with a platform to engage directly with visitors, the festival is expected to create opportunities for businesses to increase their exposure and connect with new customers, while digital payment solutions can help them improve the way they operate during the event.

Festival Ambang Merdeka 2026 will be open to the public from Aug 29 to 31 at Dataran Merdeka, with free admission throughout the celebration.