Rebecca PY MALAYSIA, 7 JULY 2026 – CIMB Group Holdings Berhad officially launched the inaugural CIMB Advancing Societies 2026 – Recognising Impactful Partners on 15 June 2026, a regional initiative celebrating partners and non-governmental organisations that have created positive social impact across ASEAN.
The awards, aligned with CIMB’s core purpose of Advancing Customers and Society, honoured 11 NGOs, social activists and community partners from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Winners were recognised across five categories: Community & Economic Empowerment, Education & Financial Literacy, Health & Community Wellbeing, Environment & Climate Impact, and Social Inclusion & Equity.
From Singapore, CIMB recognised two partners. Halogen Singapore was honoured in the Social Inclusion & Equity category for empowering underserved youth through entrepreneurship education, mentorship and leadership development, including its NFTE programme that equips vulnerable youth with practical business skills. Ivy Tse, CEO of Halogen Singapore, said the organisation’s partnership with CIMB Singapore has gone beyond resources to active involvement, helping create pathways for youths who may lack similar exposure or networks.
Lions Befrienders was recognised in the Health & Community Wellbeing category for its work supporting seniors through active-ageing programmes across 10 Active Ageing Centres in Singapore. Karen Wee, Executive Director of Lions Befrienders, said the recognition reflects the dedication of staff and volunteers, adding that the partnership with CIMB Singapore is built on shared values and a commitment to helping seniors avoid isolation.
In Indonesia, the Berdaya Bareng Foundation was honoured for empowering MSMEs in Eastern Indonesia through entrepreneurship training and digital literacy since 2022, having supported nearly 1,000 MSMEs. The KEHATI Foundation was recognised for combining bamboo conservation with community empowerment, having planted over 115,000 bamboo trees and absorbed more than 15,000 tons of CO₂ since partnering with CIMB Niaga in 2012. Sinergi Mahakarya, founded by Sandra Talogo, was honoured for empowering children with special needs through creative entrepreneurship.
In Malaysia, honourees included Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman scholar Ong Yong Xun, founder of edtech platform JomStudy, which surpassed 500,000 downloads in 2025. Thrive Well’s Safe Space Programme was recognised for providing community-based mental health support for youth and parents, while WWF-Malaysia was honoured for its conservation work protecting the Ulu Muda Forest Complex, a water catchment supporting over 4.2 million people.
From the Philippines, Empower and Transform founder Salve Ibañez was recognised for delivering financial literacy education to Overseas Filipino Workers, single mothers and underserved communities through her platform SalveSays. PAVE Philippines, led by survivor advocate Phoebe Fructuoso, was honoured for its advocacy and counselling work supporting victims of sexual violence.
CIMB also presented a special recognition, Kita Bagi Jadi Hero, to Malaysian track cyclist and CIMB Brand Ambassador Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang, celebrating his journey and dedication to empowering others beyond sport.
CIMB said the honourees reflect the spirit of resilience, empowerment and inclusion across ASEAN, and that recognising these partners highlights how collective action can strengthen communities and create lasting change.