CIMB’s Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf to provide further stimulus for SMEs in the creative economy and beyond

4 February 2026            

Platform to spur the preservation of the craft industry for future generations

Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “The Group”) has launched the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB, a new platform which is expected to spur excitement in the craft industry, while actively providing small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) an avenue for development via learning and networking opportunities, benefitting entrepreneurs and business owners in the creative economy and beyond.

The launch was officiated by KDPB Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, accompanied by Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group and Datin Azlina Mahmad, Chairperson of CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad.

Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group said, “Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB reinforces CIMB’s commitment to empowering SMEs by providing a platform that supports capability enhancement, network building and long-term value creation. By supporting entrepreneurship and Malaysian craft in both contemporary and heritage forms, we aim to help future-proof businesses while preserving this artform for generations in line with our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society.”

As part of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB, a series of networking sessions will also feature the Saudagar CIMB programme for SMEs from all sectors to help them burnish their skills as business owners while business matching will provide opportunities in partnerships, financing, and cross-selling. It is anticipated that approximately 300 SMEs will be attending the programme. Successful entrepreneurs hailing from a range of industries including food & beverage, fashion and property management will touch on topics ranging from cash flow versus profit, managing expenses, branding as part of the business journey, leveraging digitalisation and AI, and scaling from small batch production to exports. Yayasan Hasanah will also be on hand to introduce business grants for SMEs, while CIMB’s panel of experts will join in the sessions to provide expert advice on SME business at all stages of their lifecycles. Cake Piknik, a local cake community, will also be on hand to provide fun and engaging workshops.

Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB presents a wide range of artisanal craftworks in various media including textiles, wood, glass, metal as well a host of other materials, complemented by colourful Raya festive fashion from both established and rising talents in the industry. More than 30 fashion and craft boutiques are participating in this month-long celebration as showcases of creative talent, with their best designed and most treasured works highlighted and designated as Masterpieces of the event. Craft houses include Toko Art, La Putri, Cipela, Earth Heir, Hara Makers, Mah Meri Cultural Village, Kakao Origin and Aperture Café TTDI. Specialty Tenun and weave producers include Terengganu Songket, Manang Songket, Samyama by John Ang, Tanoti and MyPride and fashion designers featured include Radzuan Radziwill, Tom Abang Saufi, Pink Jambu, Arun Sayfull, Shanell Harun, Tinta Sutera, and Qudyn Aziz, together with Kekean Wastra Gallery.

CIMB is also partnering with Sime Darby Property to support the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf, a competition to unveil the top talents in craft, with winners in categories including Textile, Metalsmith (includes silver, bronze and copper) and Non-Metal (includes ceramic, glass, wood and pottery). Additionally, there will be the Innovation Award, People’s Choice Award, and Seri-Ibu Special Award, to be selected by KDPB Tengku Ampuan Pahang.

Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB also brings to life the Kita Bagi Jadi spirit, a movement by CIMB to celebrate resilience, optimism and positivity amongst Malaysians, which is embodied by SMEs as they continuously strive to grow their businesses while nurturing their creative instincts.

With the upcoming Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, visitors can look forward to new and enticing selections for Hari Raya wear from the rich and imaginative collections available for sale. From 1 February – 30 April 2026, CIMB cardholders will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on minimum spend of RM1,000 on a single receipt with any CIMB debit, credit or prepaid card at the participating craft houses and boutiques. Terms & Conditions apply.

CIMB’s major partners include Sime Darby Property, operator and owner of the KLGCC Mall which opened in October 2025, and the Serai Group.

Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB will be held from 4 February to 1 March 2026, from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. at Level 3, KLGCC Mall, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free for the public.

Addendum: More on the Participants

Tenun - The intricate, delicate art and time-honoured Malaysian tradition of producing luxurious and highly woven fabrics. Terengganu Songket, a renowned award-winning Songket house founded in 1975, and Manang Songket’s specialty includes the Limar Songket, a revived and rare songket variant while Samyama by John Ang focuses on innovation through tradition, reviving heritage Malay and Asian textiles with contemporary interpretations for modern fashion. Tanoti specialises in custom fabrics, produced by hand by artisan weavers in Sarawak and My Pride produces high-quality, handcrafted apparel - including batik, songket, and woven fabrics -created by prison inmates of the Malaysian Prisons Department. 

Yayasan Hasanah - Features grantee partners Earth Heir and Hara Makers, giving visitors the chance to shop artisan-made crafts, discover local talent, and support community programmes. Earth Heir connects artisans to new markets, turning traditional crafts into sustainable livelihoods, while Hara Makers develops skills, mentors artists, and strengthens communities. 

Toko Art - Artful and colourful art pieces from record covers to furniture inspired by Malaysian personalities.  

La Putri - Bespoke jewellery brand founded in 1973 by Madam Wan Ming Chin, renowned for its high-quality, ethically sourced gemstones and intricate, one-of-a-kind designs that blend classic style with modern, witty touches.

Cipela - A Malaysian premium, handcrafted footwear brand founded by Hidayah Hassan known for its blend of modern, stylish designs with traditional Malaysian elements, such as Batik and Songket. 

Mah Meri Cultural Village - An indigenous cultural center founded in 2011 to preserve and showcase the traditions of the Mah Meri tribe, featuring a large array of ethnic artwork to the public. 

Kakao Origin - A Kuala Lumpur-based company dedicated to crafting chocolate drinks using locally sourced, single-origin cacao from small Malaysian farms.

Aperture Café TTDI - A café which blends rustic, plant-filled, artistic interiors with authentic Thai cuisine and freshly baked, high-quality desserts, bringing their creative culinary mix to the event. 

Photo 1: (From left) Datuk Mohd Najib Abdul Hamid, Managing Director, Serai Group, Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group, KDPB  Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, Amer Harris Jefry, motorsports athlete and CIMB’s brand partner, YAM Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan binti Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, YAM Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah binti Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Dato’ Seri Azmir Merican, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sime Darby Property, at the launch of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB.

Photo 2: KDPB Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj (right) and Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group (centre) visited one of the booths participating in the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB at KLGCC Mall.