KUALA LUMPUR: The official opening of AFFIN Tower at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) on Saturday marks a strategic step by Sarawak in strengthening the capacity of local financial institutions to operate more swiftly, cohesively and competitively in an increasingly challenging global economic environment.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg emphasised that a corporate headquarters should not be viewed merely as an operational address, but rather as an ‘engine’ for strategic execution that sets governance standards, enhances internal efficiency and determines an institution’s ability to adapt to rapid change.

According to him, the current landscape demands that financial institutions move beyond incremental improvements towards more significant capability leaps, encompassing enhanced systems, faster decision-making processes and more disciplined execution.

“The question is no longer whether we are moving forward, but whether we are moving fast enough and whether we are building the capabilities that allow us to step forward with confidence.

“This is because in a high-speed world, incremental improvements are no longer sufficient to close the gap. What is needed are leaps in capability through improved systems, stronger execution and readiness to surge ahead when circumstances demand it,” he said.

He was speaking at the AFFIN Tower Opening Ceremony at TRX, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday.

The Sarawak Premier added that AFFIN Tower 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 both national and regional levels.

In the context of Sarawak, he stressed that the presence of state-linked institutions within the country’s primary financial ecosystem forms part of a long-term strategy to support purpose-driven, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“The Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Board has established its office in Kuala Lumpur in this tower as an initial step, and we look forward to more Sarawak institutions establishing a presence here in the future.

“This reflects confidence in this area, as well as the belief that Sarawak’s aspirations truly belong on the national and regional stage,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier 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 dollar bond worth US$300 million.

“These achievements elevate AFFIN’s standing and have a positive impact on the broader ecosystem, including businesses in Sarawak that value strong financial partners as they grow and compete.

“In addition, AFFIN’s upgrade in the FTSE4Good rating from three stars to four stars signals stronger sustainability performance and higher standards expected of a modern institution,” he said.

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. -UKASnews

Reporter: Muller Asen
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Ameerul Syafiq