Latest news with #AffinBankBerhad
Daily Express
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Educating the public against scams
Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 Text Size: Mohd Agil presenting a souvenir to Musa. Kota Kinabalu: Affin Bank Berhad and the Sabah State Education Department are set to collaborate on financial literacy initiatives, aimed at preventing financial scams. Affin Bank Malaysia Group Chairman, Datuk Mohd Agil Mohd Natt, said the collaboration through financial literacy briefings would enhance understanding of financial management among educators and school staff, while also promoting the bank's new products. 'We held discussions with the State Education Department on how we can assist with personal financing for teachers and department staff. This is one of the initiatives we are offering, alongside financial literacy efforts to help them avoid scams and fraud. 'We are also providing financial briefings to help educators better understand money management, which is crucial for them,' he told reporters after paying a courtesy visit to the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu, last Thursday. According to him, the visit was to inform Musa about several upcoming plans and new products that will benefit Sabah. Further elaborating, Affin Bank's Group Community Banking Officer, Fairuz Radi, said they also intend to expand such collaborations to other agencies and CEOs of government-linked companies (GLCs) in Sabah. 'Affin has many programmes for financing and opening accounts for companies and individuals in Sabah. We're actively engaging and meeting with these companies. 'During today's visit, we also met with CEOs of several GLCs in Sabah to offer support. 'We have also introduced new products. While we continue to offer our traditional services, we are now focusing more on wealth products, personal financing, and several other new initiatives that will soon be rolled out in the Sabah market,' he said. Following the opening of its seventh branch in Inanam, the commercial bank also listed four more districts – Keningau, Tuaran, Papar, and Penampang – as locations for its upcoming branches next year. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak taps Affin Bank to manage EFS 2.0 for newborns
Fatimah (seated, fourth right) and other dignitaries in a photo-call, taken during the signing of the MoA. KUCHING (June 23): Affin Bank Berhad has been officially appointed to manage the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) 2.0, a long-term savings initiative for newborns in the state. The appointment was finalised through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and Affin Bank during a ceremony here today. This five-year mandate, effective Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2029, reflects a shared commitment to inclusive economic participation and long-term community empowerment. 'EFS 2.0 enhances the state's pioneering endowment initiative by offering each eligible newborn with a structured savings package totalling RM1,000.00 ― comprising RM550 placed in the Affin Islamic Term Deposit-i (AITD-i) with an annual profit rate of 3.40 per cent, and RM450 placed in the Affin Emas Account-i, which offers an indicative average return of 8.98 per cent per annum. 'This structured approach supports sustainable wealth accumulation over 18 years, reinforcing long-term financial well-being and enhancing the financial preparedness of the next generation,' read the statement. In addition, each beneficiary will receive a complimentary Takaful Protection Plan, which provides RM10,000 coverage for one parent in the event of accidental death or permanent disability during the child's first year ― reflecting a holistic approach to family security and financial well-being. Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said EFS 2.0 reflects Sarawak's continued commitment to invest in the future of Sarawakians from the earliest stage of life. 'With the introduction of a revamped structure and enhanced features, Affin Bank has been appointed as the new strategic partner to manage this next phase of the programme. 'The benefits projects a total value of RM2,442.12 at maturity. With over 132,000 accounts opened since inception, this next chapter with Affin Bank strengthens our commitment to ensuring that every eligible child ― regardless of background ― has access to long-term financial opportunity and a fair start in life,' she said. Affin Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the bank is honoured to be entrusted by the Sarawak government to support EFS 2.0, a meaningful initiative that promotes financial resilience for future generations. 'This reinforces our role in advancing national priorities that promote digital empowerment, responsible finance and economic resilience. 'Guided by our Affin Axelerate 2028 Plan ― anchored on three strategic pillars of unrivalled customer service, digital leadership, and responsible banking with impact ― we aim to foster a savings culture and encourage financial literacy from an early age,' he said. 'With a growing network nationwide, including nine branches across Sarawak, we continue to expand our reach to communities. In all our efforts, we are committed to creating meaningful impact ― ensuring that whatever we touch is left in a better state than when we found it.' Affin Bank Endowment Fund Sarawak fatimah abdullah newborns
Malaysiakini
20-05-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
For Sarawakians, the right hornbill matters
COMMENT | In Sarawak, the hornbill isn't just a bird - it's an emblem of the soul. It soars in their myths, crowns their state crest, and gives the land of the Dayaks their moniker: Bumi Kenyalang - Land of the Hornbills. So when Affin Bank Berhad rolled out its new Kenyalang Card, claiming it was a tribute to Sarawak's identity, one would assume they knew what bird they were featuring. They didn't. Instead of the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), which is the official state bird of Sarawak, the card showcases the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) - a non-native species. That's not just a design error. That's a failure of cultural due diligence.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Affin Bank says bank card's artistic design a ‘symbolic creation' inspired by Sarawak coat of arms, Ibu Pertiwi flag
Affin Bank has clarified that the card's design was inspired by the Jata Negeri. KUCHING (May 19): The design of the Kenyalang Card is a 'symbolic creation' inspired by Sarawak's Jata Negeri (Coat of Arms) as well as the state flag Ibu Pertiwi, said Affin Bank Berhad. In a statement today, the bank said the artistic adaptation seeks to symbolise the spirit and unity of Sarawak. 'The design featured is a symbolic creation, thoughtfully blending elements of Jata Negeri as a tribute to Sarawak's rich cultural legacy,' said Affin Bank. 'Inspired by the Jata Negeri Sarawak, the Kenyalang Card stands as a proud symbol of strength, heritage, and identity, reflected in its bold black and white design.' In an infographic shared on Facebook, the bank said the card's colour palette of black, white, and yellow gold 'mirrors the state flag, blending modern elegance with traditional values'. According to the bank, to harmonise the bold black background of the card, yellow gold stripes were incorporated as a visual adaptation of the hornbill's graceful wings, adding contrast and balance to the design. 'The artistic motifs are influenced by Sarawak's rich cultural artistry, paying homage to its legacy while embracing a contemporary aesthetic,' said the bank. The bank also said that the design is rooted in culture and inspired by legacy, as a tribute to tradition through contemporary design. Affin Bank thanked the public for their support and interest in the Kenyalang Card. 'Our priority is to ensure that our creativity and designs genuinely reflect what matters to the communities we serve. 'Your feedback guides us, and we remain committed to celebrating Sarawak with authenticity, pride, and respect,' said the bank. The card's design has come under fire from Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who stated during a Democratic Action Party fundraiser last week that the hornbill used is not the Rhinoceros Hornbill, which is the state bird. Yong claimed that the card actually features a Great Hornbill, which is not found in Sarawak. Affin Bank Bhd ibu pertiwi Jata Negeri Kenyalang Card lead
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SMEs to benefit as Affin Bank expands footprint in Sarawak with new branch
Uggah signs the plaque during the launch of Affin Bank iCOM Square Branch while Muhammad Abdullah (third left), Agil (second left), Wan Razly (fourth left) and others look on. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (April 27): Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from stronger financial support with the launch of Affin Bank Berhad's latest branch at iCOM Square here today. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the opening of the new branch signals not only the expansion of Affin's footprint in Sarawak but also the bank's commitment to empowering local businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. 'SMEs are not just contributors to the GDP – they are the heartbeat of Sarawak's economy. They create jobs, power local innovation, and serve as the primary engine of inclusive growth. 'To unlock their full potential, we must continue building an environment where local enterprises can thrive, through better access to financing, business support services, and digital capabilities,' he said in his speech which was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the official launch of Affin iCOM Square Branch here today. Abang Johari commended Affin Bank for playing a key role in this ecosystem. 'From facilitating access to working capital and trade finance, to enabling operational efficiency and digitalisation, Affin has taken deliberate steps to meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs in Sarawak. 'These efforts go beyond products. They reflect Affin's commitment to building real value by empowering local businesses to compete, scale, and lead,' he said. The Premier emphasised that meaningful development must begin with access to capital, financial services, and tools that enable entrepreneurship and upward mobility. 'For our rural communities, small businesses, and youth stepping into the digital economy, banking must not only be accessible but empowering as well. 'With Affin's comprehensive range of banking products and services, Sarawak is paving the way for a more financially inclusive society where opportunity reaches all,' he said. He also said that a robust financial system is essential for a thriving economy. 'Affin plays a crucial role in this transformation. Its integrated structure combining Affin Bank, Affin Islamic, and Affin Hwang Investment Bank provides a seamless platform for individuals, businesses, and investors alike.' With plans to expand its branch network in Sarawak from eight to 14 by the end of the year, Affin is making strides in bringing financial services closer to communities across the state, ensuring no one is left behind, he added. In highlighting that Sarawak's major projects such as the Tanjung Embang deep-sea port, the new international airport, and the Borneo Renewable Energy Corridor would require financial models rooted in long-term value creation, Abang Johari said Affin's ability to provide financial solutions and support are key to bridging that vision with the capital to make it a reality. He stressed that banking must be responsive, locally attuned, and digitally enabled to meet the demands of a modern, connected Sarawak. 'The launch of this branch reflects our collective journey — a journey toward a more financially inclusive, economically competitive, and socially resilient Sarawak,' he said. Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Affin Bank Berhad chairman Dato Agil Natt, Affin Bank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah.
