CIMB Artober marks sixth year of championing artists and Malaysia’s creative economy

27 October 2026

Artober will feature 15 galleries and creative entrepreneurs at Ombak KLCC from 28 October – 1 November 2026; admission is free

Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Artober 2026 (“Artober”), the annual flagship arts event of CIMB Group Holdings Berhad’s (“CIMB” or “the Group”), returns for its sixth year to champion artists, strengthen communities and advance Malaysia’s creative economy. Artober continues to champion art as a platform for inclusion, creating opportunities for emerging artists and artists with disabilities while supporting humanitarian causes. This year, the event expands to five days and will be held at Kuala Lumpur’s newest architectural landmark, Ombak KLCC.

As part of CIMB’s commitment to creating meaningful community impact, an art auction curated by MERCY Malaysia will be held on 1 November 2026, with proceeds going towards MERCY Malaysia’s General Humanitarian Fund. The event will also feature Frienden Arts, a Malaysian art platform and gallery founded by Branden Lim, an artist living with spinal muscular atrophy (“SMA”). The platform showcases artworks by artists with disabilities and rare conditions, helping them reach wider audiences and generate income through their art.

The premier event was officiated by HRH The Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj accompanied by Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group and Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group.

Novan said, “The value of art goes beyond what we see. It lies in its ability to open doors, connect people and create opportunities. Through Artober, we want to give emerging artists and artists with disabilities a platform to thrive, while building stronger connections between the arts, businesses and communities. This reflects CIMB’s purpose of Advancing Customers and Society, ensuring that the impact of art extends well beyond the exhibition.” 

Since its inception in 2020, CIMB Artober has raised more than RM23 million for the art community.  

Throughout the five-day event, visitors can explore curated exhibitions, art appreciation programmes and knowledge-sharing sessions, while engaging directly with artists, galleries, collectors and art experts. The programme offers both seasoned collectors and first-time art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience Malaysia's diverse artistic talent.

Featured artists include Mohd Al- Khuzairie, Fawwaz Sukri, Najib Bamadhaj, Eiffel Chong, Khabir Roslan, Haafiz Shahimi, James Seet and Bayu Utomo Radjikin. Participating galleries and creative entrepreneurs include Art Plus Contemporary, The Bauhaus Gallery, Capital Fine Art, Core Design Gallery, Frienden Art, G13 Gallery, Kakao Origins, Pahang Pavilion, Rovski, O Sculpture Art Space, TAG, Taksu, Tokö, Wei-Ling Gallery and Yayasan Hasanah. 

CIMB Artober 2026 will take place at Level 1, Ombak KLCC, Kuala Lumpur from 28 October to 1 November, from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m daily. Admission is free. 

CIMB cardholders will be able to enjoy discounts starting from 10% on artwork purchases at participating galleries, when paying with CIMB debit, credit or prepaid cards from 20 October 2026 to 30 June 2027. Terms and conditions apply.

For the full catalogue of participating artists and works, visit artemisiatech.com or the official CIMB Artober 2026 website at www.cimb.com.my/artober.