CIMB SHINE empowering SMEs to equip entrepreneurs with 4IR
KUCHING: CIMB Foundation, in partnership with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and knowledge partner, Cheng & Co recently launched CIMB SHINE – Empowering SMEs (CIMB SHINE), a platform for start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs to equip them with the right knowledge in finance, 4IR and e-commerce.
SMEs that fully embrace the new 4IR know-how are the ones that can capitalise on opportunities in the global ecommerce market, currently valued in excess of US$23 trillion.
To bring these points to life, CIMB SHINE’s gamified, interactive curriculum was specially curated to provide SMEs with deeper insights on, among others, e-commerce opportunities, and ensuring successful financing and business management for growth.
Datuk Hamidah Naziadin, CEO of CIMB Foundation, commented, “SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, contributing 37 per cent to Malaysia’s GDP. Knowledge and innovation are key factors to empower SMEs to grow their business in today’s highly digitised and mobile-driven marketplace.
“With CIMB SHINE, we hope to reach out and help SMEs to further strengthen their capabilities to remain competitive and resilient in the gig economy.
“We are indeed encouraged by the enthusiastic response to the inaugural programme in Kuala Lumpur and we look forward to bringing CIMB SHINE to more locations nationwide.”
“MDEC continues to be committed in driving digital transformation in Malaysia as we propel the nation towards embracing 4IR. One such ongoing critical initiative is the eUsahawan programme.
Beyond enabling entrepreneurs to kickstart their digital journey, it also gives them the opportunity to better grasp the benefits of going digital. With this collaboration, we believe more enterprises can fully leverage on the benefits of taking the digital leap”, said Surina Shukri, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC.
CIMB Foundation’s focus on empowering SMEs is also in line with CIMB Group’s support to Malaysia’s newly launched National Entrepreneurship Policy, as well as CIMB’s full commitment to seven of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Thus far, the Foundation has also disbursed RM2.6 million through 59 projects to equip 20,000 members of the community - particularly women and the differently abled – with entrepreneurship skills and resources, a programme that feed into UN’s Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG.
CIMB Group has pledged one per cent of the group’s profit before tax (PBT) towards CSR initiatives across Asean for the period 2018 – 2020. Since its establishment in 2007, CIMB Foundation has disbursed RM140 million to benefit around 750,000 people via more than 1,000 initiatives based on three main pillars i.e., community development, education or sports.