By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 7: The presence of Sarawak-linked institutions within the country’s main financial ecosystem forms part of a long-term strategy to support purpose-driven, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Menara Affin at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) in Kuala Lumpur today, Abang Johari said that the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Board has also established its office in Kuala Lumpur in the tower and expressed hope for more Sarawak institutions establishing a presence there.
“This reflects confidence in this area and the belief that Sarawak’s aspirations truly belong on the national and regional stage,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report.
He added that the opening of Menara Affin marks a strategic step by Sarawak to strengthen the capacity of local financial institutions to operate more swiftly, in an integrated manner and with greater competitiveness amid an increasingly challenging global economic environment.
He stressed that a corporate headquarters should not be viewed merely as an operational address, but rather as an ‘engine’ of strategic execution that sets governance standards, internal efficiency, and an institution’s ability to adapt to rapid change.
He said the current landscape demands that financial institutions move beyond incremental improvements towards more significant capability leaps, encompassing upgraded systems, faster decision-making processes, and more disciplined execution.
“The question is no longer whether we are moving forward or not, but whether we are moving fast enough and whether we are building the capabilities that allow us to step forward with confidence.
“In a high-speed world, incremental improvements are no longer sufficient to close the gap. What is needed are leaps in capability through enhanced systems, stronger execution and readiness to surge ahead when circumstances demand it,” he said.
The Premier added that Menara Affin at TRX is also aligned with efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional financial hub, particularly in attracting investment, pooling talent, and accelerating financial decision-making at national and regional levels.
Meanwhile, he also welcomed market recognition of Affin’s progress, including the retention of its international A3 credit rating by Moody’s Ratings and the successful issuance of its inaugural US$300 million US dollar bond.
“These achievements elevate Affin’s standing and have a positive impact on the wider ecosystem, including businesses in Sarawak that value strong financial partners as they grow and compete.
“Additionally, Affin’s upgrade in the FTSE4Good rating from three stars to four stars signals stronger sustainability performance and higher standards expected of modern institutions,” he added.
Also present were Affin Bank Berhad chairman Dato’ Agil Natt, Affin Bank Berhad group president and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato’ Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Planning and Economic Development) Dato’ Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and the Sarawak Premier’s political secretary Dato’ Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. — DayakDaily
