CIMB awards RM7.6 million in scholarships to 14 youths across key ASEAN countries

30 October 2023

The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Programme is a Group-wide initiative aimed at empowering ASEAN youth to realise their ambitions

Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) today announced the conferment of RM7.6 million in scholarships to 14 students, under the 2023 CIMB ASEAN Scholarship programme (“the Programme”). Since its inception in 2016, this Group-wide initiative has positively impacted 120 recipients with total scholarships of up to RM70 million to-date. This initiative reaffirms the Group’s commitment in providing high-potential youth from ASEAN countries with the opportunity to realise their ambition of pursuing tertiary education at a top tier institution of their choice. In Malaysia, the scholarships are being granted through CIMB Foundation, whilst in other countries they will be granted by the Group’s respective local banking entities. 

A scholarship presentation ceremony was held recently in the presence of Dato’ Abdul Rahman Ahmad, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group; Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Group Chief Operating & People Officer of CIMB Group and Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation.

Returning for the eighth consecutive year, recipients of the 2023 Programme comprise of dynamic and diverse candidates from key ASEAN countries CIMB operates in, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowance, insurance and other related expenses throughout the course of their study. Scholarship recipients will also be provided with a career mentor from CIMB throughout their study period, prior to entering full-time employment with CIMB upon graduation.

The CIMB ASEAN scholars may undergo internships during study breaks which will provide them first-hand experience of working in CIMB. The scholars will also have the opportunity to enter CIMB’s structured management trainee programmes such as The Complete Banker™ (“TCB”) programme, TCB Digital and the sustainability-focused TCB programme. These programmes are designed specifically to provide scholars with the ability to harness their skills, whilst at the same time equipping them with a holistic and solid foundation to thrive as well-rounded professionals.

Recipients of the scholarship will be taking up their studies abroad at prestigious universities such as University College London, Imperial College London, University of Warwick, Monash University, University of Melbourne as well as one of Malaysia’s leading universities, Universiti Malaya, to name a few. The students will be embarking on academic journeys in a diverse range of fields, including Accounting & Finance, Commerce, Management, International Economics, Mathematics & Statistics, Engineering, Law and Computer Science with an emphasis on cybersecurity, as well as systems and networks. Candidates underwent a thorough five-stage selection process comprising an online assessment, pre-screening, in-country interview, regional virtual assessment and a final regional interview.

Gurdip Singh Sidhu said, “Since the onset of the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Programme in 2016, we have made great strides in catalysing the growth of future leaders. This is a testament to CIMB’s ongoing commitment to empower the next generation of leaders with an education pathway to advance their tertiary education at leading universities globally. I know how life changing such an opportunity can be and CIMB is humbled to be in a position to fulfil the key funding need that enables one to attain their true potential. The Programme will nurture these bright young minds, transforming them to become future leaders across ASEAN. On behalf of the Group, we congratulate our 2023 CIMB ASEAN scholars, and we look forward to help realise their ambitions."

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff said, “As an active contributor, helping to improve the wellbeing of the communities we operate in, CIMB Foundation has always been at the forefront of promoting education, aligned to one of the Foundation’s key impact areas. We are pleased to continue building on our legacy of shaping the leaders of tomorrow by funding the scholarship recipients from Malaysia who will be pursuing their tertiary education locally and abroad. This bodes well for our long-term objective which is to provide equal access to quality education for high potential youth as we believe that education is pivotal in securing a better life ahead. Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s scholarship."

Scholars from the programme’s eighth cohort have expressed excitement ahead of embarking on the next stage of their careers.

Muhammad Naim Bin Mazlan (20, Malaysia, MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics with Economics), University of Warwick) said, “The CIMB ASEAN Scholarship is a huge help for me as it addresses my concerns on the anticipated financial challenges of studying abroad. With this, I am now able to realise my ambition of pursuing a career in the financial sector, specifically within the banking industry. What makes it even more worthwhile is the internship experience and mentorship with senior leaders that this scholarship provides, which I am confident will help me acquire the necessary skills and know-how to build a successful and impactful career with CIMB."

Ratima Thongoumyai (25, Thailand, MSc, Management, University of Warwick) said, “I am deeply grateful that not only does the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship provide much needed financial aid for my studies and living expenses, but it will also provide me with the mentorship and support from existing CIMB senior leaders. The guidance and support that I will obtain will help me gain better insights on the banking industry and help me navigate academic challenges with confidence,” she said.

Sok Keo Darapich (19, Cambodia, Bachelor of Business Administration, Monash University, Australia) added, “The world is full of possibilities, and being one of the proud recipients of the 2023 CIMB ASEAN Scholarship gives me a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue my education abroad at the university of my dreams. This is highly important to me as I truly believe this experience will open my mind up to new horizons giving me the wealth of experience and exposure that will be invaluable in contributing to my personal, academic and career growth.

The Programme is open to ASEAN candidates from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and those who have a minimum of one academic year left in their course of study. For Malaysia, the B40 and M40 groups represent 91% of this year’s scholarship recipients with approximately 36% representing the Bumiputera group.

For more information about the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship, please visit:

https://www.cimb.com/en/careers/students/cimb-asean-scholarship.html