KUCHING: Sarawak is paving the way for a more financially inclusive society where opportunity reaches all, with the support of AFFIN’s comprehensive range of banking products and services.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said as Sarawak charts a bold course toward becoming a high-income and innovation-led economy by 2030, financial institutions must do more than manage capital.
“We believe that every Sarawakian, regardless of background or location, should be empowered with the financial tools and support to grow, save, build, and contribute to our economy. Whether it is a small business in Miri or a tech-driven startup in Kuching, banking must be a bridge to opportunity.
“We recognise that meaningful development must begin with access: access to capital, financial services, and the tools that enable entrepreneurship and upward mobility.
“For our rural communities, small businesses, and youth stepping into the digital economy, banking must be not only accessible but empowering,” he said.
He said this in his speech read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the opening of AFFIN’S eighth branch at iCom Square here, today (Apr 27).
Abang Johari praised AFFIN’s role in supporting Sarawak’s development goals, highlighting the Bank’s integrated structure, which combines AFFIN BANK, AFFIN ISLAMIC, and AFFIN HWANG Investment Bank to provide a seamless platform for individuals, businesses, and investors alike.
“We value AFFIN’s support for SMEs, green financing, and digital solutions tailored to our regional context. But more importantly, we also recognise AFFIN’s role as a capital partner in our strategic transformation-one capable of backing catalytic infrastructure, powering Sarawak’s next growth frontier.
“Projects like the Tanjung Embang deep-sea port, the new international airport, the integrated and the Borneo Renewable Energy Corridor will require financing models rooted in long-term value creation.
“AFFIN’s ability to provide financial solutions and support are key to bridging that vision with the capital to make it a reality,” he said.
Abang Johari also underlined the vital contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Sarawak’s economy, describing them as the heartbeat that powers local innovation and 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.
“I am encouraged to see AFFIN play a key role in this ecosystem. From facilitating access to working capital and trade finance, to enabling operational efficiency and digitalisation, the Bank has taken deliberate steps to meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs in Sarawak,” said Abang Johari.
He also called on financial institutions to be more responsive, locally attuned, and digitally enabled to match Sarawak’s ambitions across sectors such as hydrogen, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and digital services.
The opening of AFFIN’s iCom Square branch marks a significant milestone in the Bank’s expansion plan, with a target of 14 branches across Sarawak by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, President and Group CEO AFFIN Bank Berhad Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said that the AFFIN iCom Square branch is now fully equipped to offer a dynamic range of financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses, SMEs, and the broader community.
“We believe this positioning will enable us to better serve the community and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s continued growth,” he said.
