CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad has committed RM750,000 to the iTEKAD Melon Manis Terengganu Graduate Agropreneur Programme, empowering 40 students from underserved communities since 2023. The initiative, which focuses on sustainable agropreneurship, has successfully cultivated approximately 12,000 Melon Manis Terengganu plants, known for their high commercial potential.
The programme, in collaboration with Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), aims to provide technical expertise, entrepreneurial skills, and essential resources to young agropreneurs. The launch of the second cohort was officiated by key figures from CIMB Group and UniSZA, marking the expansion of training and production across four greenhouses at UniSZA’s Besut Campus.
Novan Amirudin, Group CEO of CIMB Group, highlighted the programme’s role in leveraging Islamic social finance to foster inclusive and sustainable development. “By thoughtfully integrating financial inclusion with capacity building, we empower students to develop resilient livelihoods whilst strengthening local agro-based value chains,” he stated.
Participants from the inaugural cohort have reported an average income of RM3,000 per harvest season, demonstrating the viability of agropreneurship as a sustainable career path. Bazli Amin Baharin, a 25-year-old participant, expressed gratitude for the hands-on experience, which has bolstered his technical and business skills.
The iTEKAD initiative is part of CIMB Islamic’s broader efforts to support economic empowerment through structured financial support and market access, contributing to long-term resilience and social impact.
