08 September 2025
Through its CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Programme, CIMB has empowered 144 high-potential youths across the region
Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Foundation (“CIMB” or “the Bank”) has pledged RM50 million towards implementing education initiatives across the ASEAN region over the next five years (2026-2030), reinforcing its purpose of advancing customers and society. This commitment includes supporting youths with scholarships and capacity-building programmes, enabling underprivileged students to access quality education and driving financial literacy especially among the low-income communities.
Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation said, “Education is one of the most powerful enablers of progress. With our largest commitment thus far in education, we are deeply committed to empowering the next generation of ASEAN leaders through widening the access to quality education. This renewed commitment is a reflection of just that, elevating the young lives by providing equitable access to impactful learning opportunities. CIMB will continue to implement education-based programmes that equip individuals and communities with essential skills to make informed decisions, strengthen financial well-being, reduce educational disparities, and fostering sustainable community growth.”
Over the years, CIMB has consistently invested in education, youth development and financial literacy empowerment programmes, positively impacting young talents across the region. Through scholarships, capacity-building efforts and collaborative partnerships, the Bank has helped nurture high-potential talents, expand access to quality education and build financial awareness among youth, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders.
“As part of our broader commitment to creating lasting positive impact for the communities through education, we are proud to continue our CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Programme this year. We take pride in witnessing bright young talents thrive in their academic journeys, uplift their families and contribute to their communities, in line with CIMB’s purpose of advancing customers and society. More than financial support, this Programme nurtures a future-ready, purpose-driven generation equipped to adapt to ASEAN’s evolving landscape. Our aspiration is to continue nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, today,” he added.
11 scholars were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 6,000 applicants, recognised for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, resilience and grit including individuals from the B40 and underserved communities. This reaffirms CIMB’s commitment in providing high-potential youth across ASEAN with access to tertiary education at top-tier institutions of their choice, among which include University of Sydney, King’s College London, University of Leeds, University of Southampton, London School of Economics, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Singapore Management University. To date, the scholarship programme has benefitted 144 scholars with an investment of RM82.4 million.
The scholars’ fields of study span a wide range of disciplines such as Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Actuarial Mathematics, Law, Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, Psychology, Business Administration, Information Technology, and Computer Science. In addition to financial support, each scholar will be paired with a CIMB career mentor throughout their academic journey, and will be offered internship opportunities during study breaks to gain first-hand experience of working at CIMB. Upon graduation, scholars will also have the opportunity to enter CIMB’s structured management trainee programme called The Complete Banker™ programme. It is designed to cultivate their skills, and provide holistic and strong foundation to thrive as well-rounded professionals.
