KUCHING: The strategic partnership between Affin Group and Kuching City FC is set to strengthen Sarawak’s presence on the regional stage, with both organisations sharing ambitions of achieving greater success.
The partnership was formalised today bringing together the banking and football sectors in a collaboration aimed at raising the profile of Sarawak.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the partnership could help bring Sarawak’s name to a higher level, likening its potential to AirBorneo in carrying the State’s colours.
He said Kuching City FC’s ambition to become champions in football aligned with Affin’s aspiration to be a champion in banking.
“The two organisations will play their part in bringing the name of Sarawak to a higher level,” he said when attending the strategic partnership signing ceremony between Affin Group and Kuching City FC here today at Affin Bank Regional and Corporate Office.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s stake in Affin Bank also provided an opportunity for the two organisations to move forward together.
He said success depended on willpower and strategy, adding that the same principles were being applied across Sarawak’s development, including in biotechnology, energy and finance.
On football, he said the standard of the game in Kuching had improved significantly compared with the early 2000s, when Sarawak’s matches attracted relatively few spectators.
He said the establishment of the Kuching Football League was aimed at developing a credible team capable of competing in Malaysian football.
“Alhamdulillah, our football has now improved. Kuching FC can now compete with Johor,” he said.
Abang Johari said Kuching City FC’s progress was evident from its ability to reach the final against Johor Darul Ta’zim, despite eventually losing in the final minute.
He said the team’s next step should be to compete at the ASEAN level.
“We are no longer just champions at home. We can compete and potentially become ASEAN champions,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Kuching City FC could achieve success in the AFC Champions League in 2026 or 2027.
Turning to Sarawak’s economic development, Abang Johari said energy remained an important sector, with the State already making significant progress in renewable energy.
He said Sarawak should also advance in sectors arising from its energy development, particularly banking and finance.
“Banking and finance are very strategic tools for us to move forward and spread our economic value throughout the region,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted discussions with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce on the possibility of establishing a Borneo Business Community.
He said Borneo could serve as a platform for contributing to ASEAN’s economic development, particularly through Sarawak’s role in supplying electricity to the region via the ASEAN grid.
He said this would open up further opportunities for Sarawak, including in football.
He expressed hope that the Affin Group and Kuching City FC partnership would achieve success both on the football field and in banking.
“Hopefully, they will fly just like AirBorneo in the sky, bringing the colours of Sarawak,” he said.
