CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has announced a landmark commitment of RM10 billion in funding facilities to support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a transformative cross-border initiative aimed at deepening economic integration between Malaysia and Singapore.
As part of its strategy to catalyse regional growth, CIMB has introduced its ASEAN Financial Passport, a one-stop platform offering seamless cross-border banking solutions. The initiative is designed to empower businesses with end-to-end support, including regulatory guidance and tailored financial services at every stage of growth.
“With our strong ASEAN footprint and comprehensive suite of financial offerings, CIMB is uniquely positioned to facilitate business expansion and investment inflows into the JS-SEZ,” said Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Group.
“The JS-SEZ represents a bold step forward in regional collaboration. It enhances connectivity and opens new avenues for sustainable economic growth while strengthening our region’s resilience amid global uncertainties,” he added. “By creating a seamless ecosystem for businesses and talent, the JS-SEZ will enable efficient movement of goods, reduce costs, and improve production efficiency.”
CIMB’s commitment spans both corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supporting swift market entry through initiatives such as:
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Green lane account onboarding for Malaysia-Singapore clients
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Bespoke banking solutions including SMEBizReady, GreenBizReady, HalalBizReady
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Integrated cross-border remittance services
A dedicated team of 30 experienced bankers in Singapore and Malaysia has been assembled to support clients from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR. In Johor, CIMB operates 28 branches, with six branches offering specialised JS-SEZ capabilities. The Bank is also exploring new locations near the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link checkpoints to better serve its growing clientele.
CIMB continues to drive regional connectivity through a series of high-impact initiatives, including:
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FDI and DDI partnerships
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Familiarisation visits to Johor for ASEAN clients
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Investor networking forums with key stakeholders
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Targeted seminars covering economic outlook, legal, tax, regulatory matters, and financing strategies
Further enhancing its value proposition, CIMB offers services beyond traditional banking, such as sustainability advisory and integrated employee payroll solutions via CIMB@WORK, helping businesses align with emerging ESG standards and streamline operations.
“As a leading ASEAN-focused financial institution, CIMB remains committed to being a source of strength for our clients in both good and challenging times,” said Novan. “Through our integrated offerings and collaborative approach, we look forward to enabling meaningful outcomes and advancing the region’s long-term economic and environmental goals.”