CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad has allocated RM2.4 million to enhance its flagship iTEKAD Programme, designed to empower up to 220 micro-entrepreneurs, gig workers, and agropreneurs. This initiative will be supported through financial assistance, entrepreneurship training, and capacity-building efforts.

Expanded programme to provide income enhancement opportunities for up to 220 microentrepreneurs, gig workers, and agropreneurs

The Programme aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and bolster long-term economic resilience through three key initiatives: iTEKAD Program Keusahawanan CIMB Islamic–Taylor’s, iTEKAD CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneurship Programme, and iTEKAD CIMB Islamic Melon Manis Terengganu Graduate Agropreneur Programme. These initiatives utilize a blended funding model that combines matching grants from Bank Negara Malaysia with allocations from CIMB Islamic’s Zakat Wakalah funds, ensuring targeted capital for income growth.

Commitment to Empowerment

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, the Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic, emphasized that financial empowerment transcends immediate challenges. It is about fostering long-term economic mobility and resilience. The iTEKAD Programme aims to equip underserved communities not only with financial resources but also with knowledge, tools, and networks necessary for self-sufficiency and business growth.

Shahriman stated, “We are committed to continuing our collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia and our programme partners, including Yayasan Belia Malaysia, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, Lembaga Zakat Selangor, Taylor’s Community, and Foodpanda, to empower communities and create sustainable income opportunities.”

Recently, 60 gig workers received motorcycles through the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneurship Programme at the Projek Perumahan Rakyat in Bukit Jalil. This programme has already assisted over 200 gig workers in transitioning to business ownership, expanding its reach from Klang Valley to various other states.

Impact and Future Plans

The broader suite of iTEKAD initiatives continues to enhance economic participation among underserved communities. The iTEKAD Program Keusahawanan CIMB Islamic–Taylor’s has supported over 500 micro-entrepreneurs from the Asnaf and B40 communities through business grants and structured training opportunities.

In Terengganu, the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic Melon Manis Terengganu Graduate Agropreneur Programme is paving the way for young individuals in modern agriculture, offering entrepreneurship training and providing four greenhouses to empower 40 young agropreneurs who cultivate over 1,500 melon plants each season.

Collectively, these initiatives align with Bank Negara Malaysia’s iTEKAD umbrella programme, which promotes blended social financing, including Waqaf, Zakat, and impact investments, alongside microfinancing and entrepreneurship development to support sustainable income generation and long-term economic resilience.

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