Citi Malaysia chief executive officer Vikram Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian social enterprise Biji-biji Initiative has been named one of 50 global recipients of the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, receiving a US$500,000 grant to advance employment opportunities for low-income youth.
In a statement, the bank said the initiative is part of Citi Foundation’s commitment to drive innovative workforce solutions that improve economic prospects for young people around the world.
Each selected organisation will develop programmes aimed at enhancing job readiness and financial stability among underserved youth communities.
In Malaysia, Biji-biji Initiative will channel the grant into a skills training and job placement programme designed to prepare low-income youth for higher-income sales careers. The project aims to foster economic mobility while serving as a model for youth development programmes across Malaysia.
Biji-biji Initiative, known for its sustainability and social innovation efforts, said the funding will enable it to scale impact through partnerships with local employers and training providers, equipping participants with essential communication, digital, and sales skills relevant to Malaysia’s evolving job market.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the youth unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24 stood at 10.2% in June 2025, translating to 297,500 unemployed youths.
Biji-biji Initiative partner Ambika Sangaran said many young Malaysians from underserved backgrounds often face limited opportunities due to socioeconomic barriers, leaving them confined to low-income jobs and unable to fully pursue their aspirations.
“Through this partnership with the Citi Foundation, we’re piloting a new approach, testing how sales and digital skills can position them for higher-income, performance-driven careers that can change life trajectories.
“The NextGen Sellers program is a structured six-month training and job placement initiative, combining financial literacy, English language support, and AI-enhanced sales techniques,” Ambika said.
Citi Malaysia chief executive officer Vikram Singh said the collaboration reflects the bank’s strong commitment to driving economic progress and addressing youth unemployment in Malaysia.
He added that through the partnership with Biji-biji Initiative, Citi is helping to promote both economic and social mobility among low-income youth.
“This aligns perfectly with the Madani framework to 'raise the floor' to ensure inclusive growth for all. By building a future-ready workforce, we are driving the sustainable growth of Malaysia's economy. It speaks to our dedication to creating impactful and lasting change in the communities where we live and work.”
Meanwhile, Citi’s head of enterprise services and public affairs Edward Skyler said that as young people continue to face significant barriers to employment, it is crucial to equip the next generation with relevant skills and meaningful opportunities to help them build sustainable careers.
“Citi and the Citi Foundation have an established track record of investing in our youth to help them access job opportunities and unlock economic growth more broadly. I look forward to seeing the work of our grantees in action as we work together to help close the job-skills mismatch.”
