20 September 2021
In support of Bank Negara’s iTEKAD initiative, first successful cohort of 33 participants receive motorcycles and employment with foodpanda
Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic”) recently organised a motorcycle handover ceremony for the first batch of 33 participants of the CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme. Supporting Bank Negara Malaysia’s iTEKAD umbrella of initiatives aimed at contributing to the economic empowerment of the asnaf and B40 communities, the programme was run in collaboration with Yayasan Belia Malaysia (“YBM”), Taylor’s Community (“Taylor’s”) and online food delivery service provider foodpanda.
At a virtual ceremony, Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Islamic was joined by Dato’ Dr Suhaimi Ibrahim, Chairman, YBM; May Wong, Head, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Taylor’s and Kelvin Chan, Director of Operations, foodpanda to congratulate the group and deliver the vehicles for the next stage of the programme, which is immediate employment with Foodpanda as a food delivery rider. All 33 candidates were presented with a brand-new motorcycle each, complete with helmet and rain coat. foodpanda registration fees of RM150 and the first year’s motorcycle registration were also covered as part and parcel of the programme.
Through CIMB Islamic’s sponsorship commitment of RM300,000, the CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme aims to give back to the community by providing quality training and job opportunities, especially to youth who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme is coordinated by YBM with training provided by Taylor’s and foodpanda as the work placement partner of the programme. Once the riders successfully complete their one-year work placement with foodpanda, they have the choice of either continuing their employment with foodpanda or setting up their own enterprise. Meanwhile, CIMB’s MicroBizReady entrepreneurship training programme, with a special microfinancing facility, as well as the Program Keusahawanan Taylor’s-CIMB Islamic, which offers business grants, are available to support those who opt to start a business after their one-year commitment.
Ahmad Shahriman said, “The CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme represents another key milestone in our efforts to uplift communities such as the asnaf and B40 who are impacted by the current challenging environment. Through providing an opportunity to gain entrepreneurial skills and improving livelihoods, this initiative demonstrates our actions in looking for avenues to positively impact the communities in which we operate, reflecting our commitment to Value-Based Intermediation. We would also like to join our partners, Yayasan Belia Malaysia, Taylor’s Community and foodpanda in congratulating these 33 success stories from this programme and wish them all the best in their newfound opportunity.”
The participants previously successfully navigated an interview as well as a four-day bootcamp where they learnt various aspects of entrepreneurship, financial management, technical skills and emotional wellbeing. The group was also judged in a pitching session where they were required to present their business ideas to a panel of judges.
