Kuala lumpur: Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah officiated the CIMB Seri-Ibu Craft Week, which runs from today until March 1, at KLGCC Mall here. On arrival at 3pm, Tunku Azizah was welcomed by CIMB Group chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event aims to celebrate Malaysian crafts and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the creative industry. It features more than 30 fashion boutiques by established and emerging designers, as well as artisanal craft products made from textiles, wood, glass, and metal.

In a statement, CIMB Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said the event reflects CIMB's commitment to empowering SMEs by providing a platform for skills development, networking, and long-term value creation. 'CIMB supports Malaysian entrepreneurship and crafts in both contemporary and heritage forms to help businesses grow sustainably while preserving these art forms for future generations, in line with the group's goal of advancing customers and society,' Novan said.

Among the participating craft entrepreneurs are songket and weaving producers like Terengganu Songket, Manang Songket, Samyama by John Ang, Tanoti, and MyPride. Fashion designers taking part include Radzuan Radziwill, Tom Abang Saufi, Pink Jambu, Arun Sayfull, Shanell Harun, Tinta Sutera, Qudyn Aziz, and Kekean Wastra Gallery.

Novan mentioned that the CIMB Saudagar Programme is also being held alongside the event to help SME owners strengthen their business skills. Business matching sessions will provide opportunities for collaboration, financing, and cross-selling. He added that the programme targets 300 SMEs from different sectors, including food and beverage, fashion, and property management. Topics covered include managing cash flow and profits, controlling expenses, branding, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, as well as strategies to scale businesses from small-scale production to export markets.