KUALA LUMPUR: As Affin Group celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, with a positive economic outlook for Malaysia, the corporation is confident in focusing on delivering financial excellence while building meaningful, long-term relationships with the people of the country and enjoying shared success.
President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Affin Group, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, said: "The positive outlook of Malaysia for the coming year reinforces why Affin's role today is more important than ever. At Affin, we go beyond traditional banking. We focus on delivering financial excellence while building meaningful, long-term relationships… grounded in trust, relevance, and shared success.
Wan Razly was speaking at Affin’s 50th Anniversary Gala and Chinese New Year Dinner held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
He added: "Malaysia’s economy is projected to maintain strong momentum, with GDP growth forecast at 4.3% in 2026, building on the 4.6% growth achieved in 2025. At the same time, recent global developments have once again underscored the importance of energy security.
"Following the crisis in Venezuela, oil prices have remained elevated — rising from above USD56 per barrel in early January to US$63 per barrel as of today (The price as at Feb 6 was at US$68-plus). Against this backdrop, we remain very bullish on the Malaysian ringgit.
"While our initial target for 2026 was RM4.05 against the US Dollar, the Ringgit has already strengthened to RM3.90, supported by strong foreign inflows and growing investor confidence.
Wan Razly went on saying, "Over the past year, the ringgit has emerged as South-East Asia’s best-performing currency… a clear reflection of Malaysia’s
strong economic fundamentals.
"This positive momentum, driven by robust FDI inflows and fiscal reforms, is expected to translate into stronger market performance. We anticipate the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index to reach 1,780 in 2026, up from 1,680 in 2025, and to outperform many top markets in Asia."
Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the same event, added that the state's government’s strategic investment in Affin is aimed at building long-term financial synergies and strengthening a sustainable financing ecosystem to support the state’s development agenda and economic growth, said
He said Sarawak made a strategic move in 2024 by becoming Affin’s single largest shareholder, marking the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia and underscoring the state’s commitment to strengthening its financial capacity.
According to him, the move aims to build a stronger financial platform and create synergies with a well-established and capable banking institution, in line with Sarawak’s efforts to unlock its economic potential.
“This step was taken because development is not merely about aspirations, but requires reliable financing capacity, timely access to capital, clear decision-making, and resilient implementation under any circumstances,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He added that Sarawak’s development agenda does not depend on a single financing mechanism, but instead requires a comprehensive spectrum of funding to support growth across multiple sectors.
“The market has also recognised Affin’s strengthening position, with Moody’s affirming the Group’s strong international credit rating at A3 and upgrading its standalone rating to Baa2.
“This recognition reflects strong confidence in Affin and opens pathways to more competitive financing, further strengthening its role in supporting the economy and driving future growth,” Abang Johari said.
Abang Johari also noted that Affin’s growing regional standing was evident after being listed in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the second consecutive year, proving that Affin is an increasingly relevant Malaysian institution in a competitive regional landscape.
“This recognition is important because a stronger position enhances the ability to provide better services to customers, support productive sectors, and expand access to responsible financing,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Second Finance Minister Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan; Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, and Deputy State Secretary (Planning and Economic Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.
