MARKING A MILESTONE

The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (sixth from right) and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (fifth from right) with (from left) Standard Chartered (StanChart) Malaysia independent non-executive director (INED) Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan; Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo; Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad; StanChart Plc group chairperson Maria Ramos; Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, StanChart Malaysia chairperson Datuk Yvonne Chia, former StanChart Plc group chairman Dr Jose Vinals, StanChart Plc group chief executive Bill Winters, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and StanChart Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien officially mark the bank’s 150th anniversary milestone in Malaysia.

STANDARD Chartered (StanChart) Malaysia celebrated its 150th anniversary recently with its group board and management team, in a series of engagements that reflected its enduring legacy and future-forward vision over the course of a week.

The highlight was the grand gala dinner in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, attended by nearly 600 distinguished guests that represented 60% of Malaysia’s GDP.

StanChart Plc group chief executive Bill Winters in his speech said that the bank started its journey in Malaysia with a mission to enable trade, drive economic growth, and empower individuals and businesses – values that still hold true today.

Winters (left) with StanChart GBS global head and GBS Malaysia chief executive officer Matthew Norris during his visit to GBS at Wisma StanChart.

“Whether it is pioneering financial solutions, supporting businesses to expand their horizons or driving financial inclusion, our story has always been about progress with purpose,” Winters said.

Commenting on the milestone, StanChart Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien added, “We’re proud of Standard Chartered’s 150-year legacy in Malaysia, and it’s a great honour to be marking this momentous achievement with our esteemed guests and clients.

(From left) Mak, Winters, Ramos, Chia and Vinals engage in a discussion before the gala dinner.

“Our story is deeply entwined with the nation’s history, as we’ve stood by her throughout her struggles, triumphs and transformation into the thriving nation it is today.

“We’re celebrating this long-standing partnership as well as the people and moments that have shaped our journey.

Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (left) with StanChart Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien at a re-creation of the bank’s first branch in Penang.

“It’s a milestone that’s made even more meaningful as it coincides with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the nation as we look forward to the continuation of our partnership for the next 150 years and more.”

During the commemorative week, the group board members and management team also visited the bank’s Global Business Services (GBS) Centre in Malaysia, which highlighted the importance of GBS as a vital part of StanChart’s global operations, given its strategic positioning in Asean.

(From left) StanChart Plc group chief financial officer Diego De Giorgi, with INEDs David Tang, Robin Lawther (CBE) and Benjamin Hung.

Part of the activities included a skills-based volunteering session that was led by StanChart Saadiq Malaysia chief executive officer and Futuremakers champion Bilal Parvaiz.

The group board and management team also took the opportunity to share updates on the Bank’s direction and strengthen bonds with local colleagues at a special townhall.