CIMB will be contributing RM2 to Gaps for every new Visa debit card issued via this campaign. — Bloomberg
PETALING JAYA: CIMB Group
Holdings Bhd remains committed to empowering local communities, in line with enabling economic growth.
CIMB group consumer and digital banking chief executive officer Effendy Shahul Hamid said such efforts have been conducted by the group since decades back.
“As we reflect on this, it has become very clear to us that the purpose of banks, like CIMB, is deeply rooted in its communities.
“We are committed to being a bank that not only drives financial growth but also champions social causes, reinforcing our commitment to advance our customers and society,” he said during his opening remarks at the launch of the new CIMB Visa debit card here, yesterday.
CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd launched its new Visa debit card dedicated to supporting children with cerebral palsy, in partnership with Gabungan Anak-Anak Palsi Serebrum (Gaps).
CIMB will be contributing RM2 to Gaps for every new Visa debit card issued via this campaign.
This is expected to allow Gaps to operate sustainably and remain focused on providing essential help to the children in need through recurring contributions.
While CIMB does not have any specific target on how many cards will be issued, Effendy said funding will be provided to Gaps on a quarterly basis.
On top of that, he said CIMB has also opted to produce the debit card using recycled polyvinyl chloride – “making it extremely environmentally-friendly and in line with the great cause that we are supporting here today”.
Witnessing the launch, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the initiative made by CIMB does not only raise awareness, but also inspires collective action towards building a more compassionate and inclusive society.
“In conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I am pleased to see CIMB stepping forward with initiatives that extend beyond financial services to create a tangible social impact.
“These efforts demonstrate a powerful commitment to fostering inclusion and collaboration, encouraging the wider community to come together in support of undeserved groups,” she added.
Gaps founder and president Rafidah Rafizah Ahmad shared that more than 81% of families with cerebral palsy individuals are within the bottom 40 group.
Gaps, the initiative’s beneficiary, is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that provides vital rehabilitation tools and enrichment activities to children with cerebral palsy.
Hence, Rafidah believes that with the collaboration and support of CIMB, it will significantly ease these challenges by funding rehabilitation equipment and empowerment activities.
“With the right resources, these children can thrive in their areas of interest and lead fulfilling lives, achieving their real potential.”
In line with promoting social causes, CIMB also unveiled its first Community Hub at selected branches.
This will be a cooperative space where NGOs, clients and the general public can gather and propose worthwhile projects that CIMB can fund to meet the demands of the local community.
CIMB also plans to expand this model to selected branches across the country, inspiring more Malaysians to engage and be part of meaningful causes and actively support the communities in which the bank operates.
