Kuching: Affin Bank Bhd is well-positioned to catalyse the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak by offering targeted financing, digital transformation support, and non-financial capacity building aligned with the state’s strategic economic sectors. Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the bank’s potential role in empowering SMEs through inclusive initiatives and financial literacy programmes, which align with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari emphasized non-financial support through programmes like AFFIN BizChat, which can provide SMEs with access to business resources, market insights, and best practices. This support aims to empower them to innovate and grow sustainably. He noted that Affin Bank can prioritize lending and advisory services for SMEs in sectors central to Sarawak’s diversification, such as agro-based ventures, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and the green economy.
The text of his speech was read by Sarawak Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar at the launch of Affin Bank’s Jalan Satok Branch. Abang Johari stressed that the bank’s continued presence and expansion in the state should be matched with a deeper commitment to supporting the SME ecosystem, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas pivotal to Sarawak’s economic transformation agenda.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari indicated that Affin Bank has the potential to evolve into a leading national bank and a regional financial powerhouse by embracing innovations such as AI-powered financial assistants, automated loan approvals, digital wallets, and open banking platforms.
Meanwhile, Affin Bank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah stated that the branch expansion marks a step forward in broadening the bank’s reach and enhancing its capabilities to better serve retail, SME, and corporate clients. This will be achieved through specialized solutions in trade finance, advisory, and transactional banking. He added that by deepening their presence in this vibrant community, the bank aims to improve accessibility and reinforce its commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses.