Maybank plays leading role in nation's progress
Beyond banking, Maybank continues to play a leading role in Malaysia's progress in the regional and global arena. From fuelling the economic growth of the then newly independent country in 1960, the bank now leads the financial services sector towards economic transformation by 2020.
"Maybank's early exposure in global banking honed its ability to offer best-in-class financial services wherever it operates," says president and CEO Abdul Wahid Omar.
"With an asset size exceeding HK$1.14 trillion, Maybank Group has the ability to fund large-scale infrastructure projects. This puts it in good stead to support Malaysia's ETP, for which Maybank aims to be among the largest financiers."
The bank's focus areas include the oil and gas, oil palm and construction sectors, in line with the ETP. By providing financing and equity and debt capital raising, Maybank is helping the nation transform into a
high-income economy.
Attesting to Maybank's strength is a network of 2,200 offices in 18 countries, which offers a full suite of innovative products for individuals, corporates and small and medium enterprises. Amid the rapid globalisation, the bank is tapping new markets and segments including Islamic banking, project financing, wealth management and capital markets.
Bank Negara Malaysia's financial sector blueprint will also offer numerous opportunities for the conventional and Islamic banking sectors, Wahid says. He believes these will complement the ETP in liberalising the financial sector for enhanced strength, diversity and competitiveness.
Another challenge that Maybank is ready to face is the impending creation of the Asean common market similar to the European Union.
"The Asean common market will need strong regional banks such as Maybank," Wahid says. "Our vision is becoming a regional financial services leader by 2015 - a global Islamic bank and a leading Asean wholesale bank, expanding further into the Middle East, China and India."
