CIMB accelerates SME and cross-border expansion with over RM4.2 billion deployed across Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone

6 February 2026

Johor Bahru: CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Bank”) reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing customers and society via cross-border growth and SME expansion within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (“JS-SEZ”), with over RM4.2 billion of CIMB’s RM10 billion dedicated funding already achieved to date. Of this amount, almost one-third has been extended to small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”), translating into RM1.15 billion in financing support to SMEs across the zone. 

The progress was highlighted in conjunction with Forward Future SME 2026, a session jointly organised by CIMB in collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (“MIDA”) and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (“IRDA”). The session marked the first dedicated SME-focused platform of its kind in Johor, bringing together SMEs, investors, policymakers and ecosystem partners and attracting close to 220 participants from across the JS-SEZ and Singapore.

Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Group Commercial and Transaction Banking said, “Forward Future SME 2026 reflects our commitment that SMEs must be empowered not only to succeed locally, but to scale regionally, integrate into regional and global value chains, and participate confidently in cross-border trade and investment. With SMEs as the backbone of the economy and key drivers of resilience, competitiveness and inclusive growth, the urgency of today’s economic imperatives requires us to fast-forward access to capital, partnerships and solutions that enable SMEs to future-proof their businesses and capture opportunities across the JS-SEZ."

CIMB’s focus on Johor this year is closely aligned with the 13^th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) and the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (“NIMP”), particularly in propelling high-growth, high-value industries and high-impact strategic sectors. From a sectoral perspective, Johor’s economy remains well-balanced and resilient. The services sector is the largest contributor, accounting for 37.2% of Johor’s GDP, supported by logistics, trade and business services, while the manufacturing sector contributes 29%, underscoring Johor’s strength as a key industrial and production hub especially relevant for the manufacturing SMEs gathered at the event.

The event took place against the backdrop of Johor’s strong economic performance. In 2024, Johor recorded a Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) of RM158 billion, accounting for 9.6% of Malaysia’s national GDP, making it the third-largest contributor to the country’s economy. More importantly, Johor achieved a robust GDP growth of 6.4%, outperforming the national average and reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s most dynamic growth engines. Through its RM10 billion dedicated funding commitment and continued collaboration with key development authorities, CIMB continues to play a catalytic role in advancing sustainable, inclusive and cross-border growth across the JS-SEZ.

For more information about CIMB’s proposition for JS-SEZ, please visit https://www.cimb.com.my/en/business/business-solutions/solutions/cross-border-solutions.html.