CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad have channelled more than RM4.2 billion of their RM10 billion dedicated funding commitment into the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with nearly one-third of the amount allocated to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The financing translates into RM1.15 billion in support for SMEs operating across the cross-border economic zone, reaffirming CIMB’s focus on SME expansion and regional growth.
The progress was highlighted during Forward Future SME 2026, a session jointly organised by CIMB in collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). The event marked Johor’s first dedicated SME-focused platform of its kind, bringing together SMEs, investors, policymakers and ecosystem partners from both Malaysia and Singapore. Close to 220 participants attended the session.
CIMB Co-Chief Executive Officer of Group Commercial and Transaction Banking Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to enabling SMEs to scale beyond domestic markets.
“SMEs must be empowered not only to succeed locally, but to scale regionally, integrate into regional and global value chains, and participate confidently in cross-border trade and investment,” he said. “As the backbone of the economy, SMEs play a critical role in driving resilience, competitiveness and inclusive growth, and this requires accelerated access to capital, partnerships and solutions.”
CIMB’s emphasis on Johor aligns closely with national policy priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) and the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP), particularly in advancing high-growth and high-value industries.
From a sectoral perspective, Johor’s economy remains resilient and well-balanced. The services sector is the largest contributor, accounting for 37.2% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), driven by logistics, trade and business services. The manufacturing sector contributes 29%, reinforcing Johor’s position as a key industrial and production hub, especially for manufacturing-based SMEs.
The event took place against the backdrop of Johor’s strong economic performance. In 2024, the state recorded a GDP of RM158 billion, representing 9.6% of Malaysia’s national GDP and making it the third-largest contributor to the country’s economy. Johor also posted a robust GDP growth of 6.4%, outperforming the national average.
Through its RM10 billion funding commitment and ongoing collaboration with key development agencies, CIMB continues to play a catalytic role in advancing sustainable, inclusive and cross-border growth within the JS-SEZ.