AFFIN Group Can Contribute to SMJ Initiatives

AFFIN financial group is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking five decades of growth and presence in Malaysia's financial landscape. The Group has supported families, built businesses, and contributed to national development. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the State Government is committed to shape a modern, competitive and inclusive economy for Sabah through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, which focusses on three main pillars: (a) agriculture, industry, and tourism; (b) human resources; and (c) enhancing connectivity with a Green Approach.

The Chief Minister said that economy will thrive with strong financial inclusion. "In Sabah, 98 per cent of all businesses are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are the engine of the economy. But many of these businesses still face challenges including limited access to credit facilities, lack of digital readiness, and difficulty in navigating changing markets," he said. “Hence, banks like AFFIN which has demonstrated robust institutional confidence, fundamentals and credibility, can help bridge this gap, through targeted financing for sectors such as agriculture and eco-tourism, mentoring and advisory support, dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and financial literacy programmes that prepare Sabahans, and especially the youths.

We are building an economy and a shared future, where the benefits of progress reach every district, including here in Inanam," he said on 10 July 2025 at the official opening of the AFFIN Bank, Inanam Branch at Plaza Kolombong. "Our SMJ development roadmap aims to shape an economy that is modern, competitive, and inclusive, one that uplifts every community, both rural and urban. It was crafted to serve as the overarching framework for various sectoral development blueprints.” Meaningful development must have access to capital, financial services, and the tools that enable entrepreneurship and upward mobility, Hajiji said.

AFFIN's comprehensive range of banking products and services will pave the way for youths and businesses, he added. AFFIN Group has won significant awards including the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the second consecutive year and the Group has successfully debut in the USD bond market, with 3.5 times oversubscription.