14 March 2024
Sponsorship is timely as she reaches new career highs and the inclusion of squash in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB or the Group”) today announced that it has added professional squash player, Sivasangari Subramaniam to its stable of sporting ambassadors, further underscoring its commitment towards contributing to the development of home-grown talent. Sivasangari joins track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and professional golfer Ervin Chang in CIMB’s roster of elite athlete association.
CIMB Group has been a mainstay in Sivasangari’s progress. As a budding junior and teenage star, she was a beneficiary of CIMB’s many programs including the CIMB Junior Squash Development Programme in early 2009 and the CIMB Squash Academic Scholarship by CIMB Foundation, when she was granted a full four-year scholarship in 2018. This enabled her to pursue her tertiary education at Cornell University, New York where she graduated with flying colours holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications whilst receiving top-notch squash coaching.
The partnership signing ceremony was witnessed by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports. CIMB was represented by Effendy Shahul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer, Group Consumer and Digital Banking, CIMB Group.
YB Hannah Yeoh said, “I am pleased to see CIMB reinforcing their commitment towards empowering high potential youth in sports as well as developing world class athletes. CIMB’s support is realised through her achievements thus far, including her enlisting in the Road to Gold Programme Committee’s Fast Track programme. The Group’s continuous efforts certainly set a positive tone towards reinvigorating and stimulating our country as sporting nation and as we know it, sports serve as a platform that unites everyone from all walks of life."
Effendy said, “This is sort of a homecoming for Sivasangari. We have tracked her all of her career, and we are so pleased that she and her family have agreed to continue partnering with us as she sets her sights on the future. She has the mindset and tenacity of a winner, and I expect her to be the source of immense pride for the nation as she progresses."
“CIMB is no stranger to these types of sponsorships and we are so pleased to be able add her to our roster of sporting talent, which today already includes Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Ervin Chang. We expect all three not just to be ambassadors of CIMB, but ambassadors of the country as they pursue excellence in their respective fields globally."
“We are eager to play a role in the development of Malaysia’s sports industry in an effort to elevate our national status as a serious contender in squash especially in view of the inclusion of squash in the Los Angeles Olympics games in 2028,” added Effendy.
Sivasangari said, “I am humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity to partner with CIMB, a brand that is synonymous in playing an active role in supporting many of our great talents today. From the nascent phase of my career until now, CIMB has played an active role in the development of my professional journey. I am grateful to have been given the support to realise and advance my ambitions as a professional squash player, turning my passion into a rewarding career. I will continue to make Malaysia proud and I look forward to a rewarding partnership ahead with CIMB."
Sivasangari who hails from Sungai Petani, Kedah currently holds the top spot in the national ranking and is ranked 15th globally in the world of squash. She has maintained an illustrious career since 2012, emerging champion at many national and international tournaments including the British Junior Open, Asian Junior Individual Championship, Commonwealth Youth Games and recently at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, in both the individual and team categories.
In 2023, Sivasangari was also honoured with the Betty Richey Award by the Collegiate Squash League (CSL), a recognition bestowed upon a senior player who embodies the ideals of squash through her exceptional play, passion for the game, commitment, fair sportsmanship, and high level of skill.
The signing ceremony also hosted participants of CIMB Foundation’s current Junior Squash Development Programme, in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of squash players and aspiring youths to become future champions in sports.
