KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has launched Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB, a new platform which is expected to generate renewed interest in the craft industry.
The financial institution believes this initiative will provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a vital avenue for development through learning and networking opportunities, benefitting entrepreneurs and business owners within the creative economy and beyond.
The launch, held earlier today at KLGCC Mall, was officiated by the Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Also in attendance were CIMB group chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad chairperson Datin Azlina Mahmad.
Novan Amirudin, group chief executive officer of CIMB Group, said: “Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB reinforces CIMB’s commitment to empowering SMEs by providing a platform that supports capability enhancement, network building and long-term value creation.”
“By supporting entrepreneurship and Malaysian craft in both contemporary and heritage forms, we aim to help future-proof businesses while preserving this art form for generations, in line with our purpose of advancing customers and society.”
As part of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB, a series of networking sessions will feature the Saudagar CIMB programme for SMEs from all sectors. This aims to help them refine their skills as business owners, while business matching will provide opportunities for partnerships, financing and cross-selling.
It is anticipated that approximately 300 SMEs will attend the programme. Successful entrepreneurs from a range of industries— including food and beverage, fashion and property management — will discuss topics ranging from cash flow versus profit and managing expenses to branding, leveraging digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and scaling from small-batch production to exports.
Yayasan Hasanah will also be present to introduce business grants for SMEs, while CIMB’s panel of experts will participate in sessions to provide professional advice on SME business at all stages of their life cycles. Cake Piknik, a local cake community, will also carry out workshops.
Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB presents a wide range of artisanal craftworks in various media, including textiles, wood, glass and metal, complemented by colourful Raya festive fashion from both established and rising talents. More than 30 fashion and craft boutiques are participating in this month-long celebration of creative talent, with their most treasured works highlighted as "Masterpieces" of the event.
Participating craft houses include Toko Art, La Putri, Cipela, Earth Heir, Hara Makers, Mah Meri Cultural Village, Kakao Origin and Aperture Café TTDI.
Speciality Tenun and weave producers include Terengganu Songket, Manang Songket, Samyama by John Ang, Tanoti and MyPride. Featured fashion designers include Radzuan Radziwill, Tom Abang Saufi, Pink Jambu, Arun Sayfull, Shanell Harun, Tinta Sutera and Qudyn Aziz, together with Kekean Wastra Gallery.
CIMB is also partnering with Sime Darby Property to support the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf, a competition to unveil top talents in craft. Winners will be recognised in categories including textiles, metalsmithing (silver, bronze and copper) and non-metal crafts (ceramics, glass, wood and pottery). Additionally, there will be an Innovation Award, People’s Choice Award, and the Seri-Ibu Special Award, to be selected by Tunku Azizah.