Gobind Calls On Banks To Help Uplift Communities Via Digital Empowerment
KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) — Banks today must not only be financial enablers but also help in uplifting communities by being digital advocates as well, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
He emphasised that digitalisation is key to nation-building.
“While digitalisation continues to accelerate growth in all aspects of the economy especially in banking and finance, it is imperative that the government and financial institutions ensure that no Malaysian is left behind in the digital economy,” he said in his keynote speech at the launching ceremony of CIMB’s ‘Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti’ (KBJK) programme here today.
He said digital empowerment uplifts communities by providing access to information, fostering collaboration, and enabling community-led development. “By improving digital skills and knowledge, communities can leverage technology to address local challenges, adapt to change, and improve their overall wellbeing,” he added.
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd today announced a commitment of RM200 million over the next five years (2026 to 2030) to advance customers and society under its “Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti” platform. The commitment will primarily focus on three key areas - driving long term economic empowerment, community wellbeing and financial inclusion, including equipping the youth, the unbanked, and the underserved with important life skills such as digital and financial literacy.
Gobind congratulated CIMB for its commitment and expressed hope that more industry players would do the same, working collaboratively to ensure all Malaysians are part of the country’s digital transformation. “I am pleased to note that CIMB and its subsidiary Touch N Go Digital are providing not just banking convenience but also education and awareness about digital literacy that can uplift communities in navigating today’s financial landscape with confidence and ease,” he added.
In April, the Ministry of Digital launched the Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the skills and tools needed for digital transformation. The BDI is supported by a mixed fund totalling RM1.5 billion and includes freemium digital solutions to reduce business operation costs, as well as access to an integrated ecosystem involving collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The government also have the “AI Untuk Rakyat” programme that introduces AI to Malaysians. Over 1.3 million Malaysians have completed the programme thus far, and the number is growing, he said.
According to Gobind, Malaysia attracted digital investments totalling RM310.7 billion from 2021 to March 2025, an indication that the country is a rapidly growing digital infrastructure hub in the region.
-- BERNAMA