CIMB partners Nicol David Organisation to champion youth resilience with +Play Finance Programme

18 November 2025

Over 750 students from 30 schools to gain holistic development through financial literacy, mental wellbeing and sport

Bayan Lepas: CIMB Bank Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Bank”) has deepened its commitment to empowering Malaysia’s youth and advancing the well-being of customers and society with the launch of the +Play Finance Programme (“the Programme”), a specially curated initiative developed in partnership with the Nicol David Organisation (“NDO”). Introduced at Karnival Celik Kewangan in Penang, a nationwide financial literacy initiative led by Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”), this programme aims to equip young Malaysians, with essential life skills by integrating physical movements, mental wellness, and financial literacy. By fostering physical discipline, emotional resilience and financial capability, it nurtures confident young individuals who are ready to contribute positively to their communities and thrive in a dynamic world.

The +Play Finance Programme aims to benefit over 750 students from 30 schools in Klang Valley. Focusing on holistic youth development through engaging workshops and interactive movement sessions, the Programme’s experiential approach blends physical activities with foundational financial education, encouraging students to stay active while learning essential life skills. 

Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CEO of CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Malaysia said, “CIMB recognises that meaningful progress happens when communities are equipped with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Financial literacy, when nurtured early, becomes a powerful tool for lifelong success, enabling young people to make informed decisions, plan and contribute positively to their communities. The +Play Finance Programme, developed together with the Nicol David Organisation, represents our commitment to delivering learning in a way that is both engaging and impactful. By integrating physical activities, mental wellness and financial education, we aim to instil the mindset and discipline needed for young Malaysians to navigate challenges and pursue sustainable success, while building a more informed, resilient and economically empowered generation, in line with our purpose of advancing customers and society.”

Datuk Nicol David, founder of NDO and former world squash champion said, “Malaysia’s future will be shaped by young people who are confident in their abilities, committed to growth and equipped with the knowledge to make sound decisions. +Play Finance brings together the values forged through sport, resilience, discipline and respect, with the financial awareness needed to navigate life responsibly. Through this collaboration with CIMB, we aspire to inspire a generation of Malaysians who are ready to lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.”

Through interactive lessons and hands-on exercises, students are introduced to fundamental money management concepts such as saving, budgeting, and responsible spending, as well as the importance of setting financial goals and making informed financial decisions from a young age. Recognising that financial literacy is not often openly discussed among younger students, this initiative seeks to break that barrier by embedding financial education within the familiar and enjoyable context of physical movements over four weekly sessions. 

Aligned to CIMB’s ‘Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti’ initiative, this Programme reflects the Bank’s focus on strengthening financial and economic inclusion through meaningful community partnerships, ensuring Malaysians of all backgrounds are empowered with the support and knowledge to build secure and sustainable livelihoods.

(From left) Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation, Datuk Nicol David, founder of Nicol David Organisation (NDO), and Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad, at the launch of +Play Finance – a programme designed to equip young Malaysians with essential life skills through the integration of physical activity, mental wellness and financial literacy.