26 September 2025
Artober to showcase works from 30 galleries and merchants, and over 100 artists
Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2025 (“CIMB Artober”), the annual flagship arts event organized by CIMB Group Holdings Berhad’s (“CIMB” or “the Group”) returns for its fifth year with a bold vision to be a driving force in Malaysia’s creative economy. As one of the country’s most prominent art events, CIMB Artober reaffirms the Group’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy across ASEAN.
The launch was officiated by Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, alongside Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group and Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group.
Delegates from the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (“AEM”) Meeting also participated in the official launch of CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2025, supporting Malaysia’s position as a hub for creative and cultural exchange in the region. It also signals the growing recognition and importance of Malaysia as a vibrant art scene and a creative and cultural hub in the ASEAN region.
Novan Amirudin said, “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 marginalized 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.”
Since its inception in 2020, CIMB Artober has raised more than RM20 million for the art community and featured approximately 1,000 artworks annually.
Now in its fifth year, CIMB Artober has grown into one of Malaysia’s most prominent arts platforms, showcasing more than 30 galleries and over 100 artists this year, including Taksu, G13 Gallery, Art+ Contemporary, Galeri Sasha, O Sculpture Art Space and Richard Koh Projects will feature their works of art.
Highlights of CIMB Artober 2025 include:
- 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 will also host an art auction on Sunday, 28 September 2025, with proceeds channeled to Gaza, curated by Mercy Malaysia – another clear expression of the Group’s purpose to advance customers and society.
This year also sees CIMB Artober innovating towards digital, through a digital catalogue with multi-dimensional and new approaches to viewing art, including a function to visualise the art pieces in the collectors’ home.
Held from 26-28 September, from 12.00 noon to 8.00 p.m. at Hall 1, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (“MITEC”), Kuala Lumpur, admission to CIMB Artober is free for the public.
CIMB cardholders will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on minimum spending of RM10,000 and a 15% discount for spending above RM25,000 on a single receipt with any CIMB debit, credit or prepaid card at the participating galleries. Terms & Conditions apply.
For more information on CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2025, please visit http://cimb.com.my/artober
