Kuala Lumpur, 9 March 2026 – CIMB Bank Berhad is bringing together commerce, community and culture through its festive initiative CIMB OCTOFest, a series of curated events held in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
The initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to its purpose of advancing customers and society by creating meaningful experiences while empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt digital payments and participate in the festive economy.
Through CIMB OCTOFest, the bank is combining festive engagement with financial inclusion by supporting small businesses, rewarding customers and uplifting underserved communities during one of the most important periods of the year for Malaysian households and entrepreneurs.
Celebrating Ramadan and Raya with Community Spirit
Toni Darusman, Group Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of CIMB, said Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri represent a time of compassion, togetherness and meaningful connection.
“With CIMB OCTOFest, our goal is simple, to bring people together, share blessings and celebrate the spirit of the season,” he said.
This year’s theme, “Semua Lebih Hebat dengan CIMB”, highlights how shared experiences can make festive moments more meaningful for families, businesses and communities.
Darusman noted that in a rapidly evolving landscape, traditions can sometimes be overlooked or perceived as inconvenient. CIMB’s approach seeks to preserve these traditions while ensuring they remain relevant and accessible through modern digital solutions and community engagement.
Guided by the bank’s “Kita Bagi Jadi” spirit, CIMB aims to help traditions thrive while also creating tangible economic opportunities for MSMEs preparing for the Hari Raya festive season.
Three-Day Raya Festival at MyTOWN Shopping Centre
One of the highlights of the campaign was a three-day festive Raya event held from 6 to 8 March 2026 at MyTOWN Shopping Centre in collaboration with KL Foodie.
The event brought together more than 50 local vendors alongside cultural showcases and live performances, transforming the venue into a vibrant marketplace celebrating Southeast Asian culture and cuisine.
CIMB OCTOFest was also held at popular Ramadan bazaars in TTDI and Bangsar, two of Kuala Lumpur’s most bustling neighbourhood markets during the fasting month.
Visitors were treated to a wide variety of experiences including festive food tastings, artisan showcases and local brands from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore under the “Rumah ASEAN” concept.
Culture, Creativity and Festive Entertainment
Beyond commerce, the event also celebrated creativity and cultural traditions through interactive workshops and family-friendly activities.
At “Rumah Riang CIMB”, visitors participated in batik tie-dye workshops and sand art sessions while children and families engaged in traditional Malaysian games.
Entertainment highlights included performances by Malaysian singer Bella Astillah alongside rising performers Scha Nuril and Firdaus.
Festival activities also featured the Big Congkak Challenge, a Giant Batu Seremban court, Teng-Teng, Karaoke Raya sessions, and a special Teh Tarik Show, creating a lively celebration of Malaysian culture.
Community activities such as bubur lambuk distribution, Ramadan–Raya workshops and the CIMB Hadiah Raya Challenge further strengthened the festive spirit of sharing and togetherness.
Brand partners including professional golfer Ervin Chang and motorsports athlete Amer Harris Jefry also joined the celebrations alongside social media influencers Pinn Yang and Mad Noor.
Supporting MSMEs Through Digital Payments
A key focus of CIMB OCTOFest is helping micro and small businesses accelerate their adoption of digital payments.
The bank introduced engagement touchpoints that offer QR payment solutions through CIMB OCTO and CIMB OCTO Biz, enabling vendors to process transactions quickly and efficiently.
By encouraging QR payments, CIMB aims to strengthen Malaysia’s transition toward a cashless economy while improving operational efficiency for small businesses during the busy festive season.
Customers who make payments via QR using CIMB OCTO during the event receive special merchandise rewards, while participating entrepreneurs benefit from improved transaction flows and enhanced cash management.
Advancing Financial Inclusion
Beyond festive celebrations, CIMB OCTOFest also provides simple financial education and support for both customers and vendors.
The bank’s initiatives aim to equip MSMEs with digital tools that can help expand their businesses and reach a wider customer base.
By integrating digital solutions with community engagement, CIMB continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing financial inclusion while strengthening economic opportunities within local communities.
As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, CIMB OCTOFest demonstrates how a financial institution can go beyond banking to support cultural traditions, empower entrepreneurs and foster meaningful connections across society.
