KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) should preserve a legacy of integrity and professionalism while embracing advanced technologies and expanding access to financial services to all Malaysians, says the Prime Minister.
Launching the banking group’s new headquarters Menara Merdeka Maybank here yesterday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the bank’s initiatives reflected its commitment to serving the people.
“Democracy means ensuring democratisation of access to quality services, financial services and quality education.
“Otherwise, it becomes little more than a tool for elites, while ordinary people are left behind,” he said in his address.
Anwar said unequal access to financial services could erode the fabric of society, cautioning that many risk being left behind and excluded from mainstream development simply because they were born into poverty.
He said financial institutions have long grappled with issues of integrity, good governance, efficient management and trust, noting that these principles were far easier to champion than to uphold.
He called on the financial sector to provide real meaning to humanising financial services by embracing humanity and compassion.
Anwar, who is the Finance Minister, said this could be achieved with the right focus, citing the bank’s performance and Malaysia’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty arising from the prolonged Middle East conflict.
“We recorded 5.8% economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, a remarkable achievement as we continue to attract the highest level of investments in our history, while unemployment is at record lows and inflation remains under control.”
The Prime Minister said Malaysia’s pursuit of emerging technologies must also match the commitment to remain grounded in the needs of the people, as well as the nation’s values, ethics and cultural identity.
Anwar explained the country must “reach for the skies” through embracing advanced technologies such as AI and quantum computing while remaining grounded in the realities of people’s lives, in addition to the nation’s values, ethics and culture.
“With this aspiration, I believe Maybank has a clear message as it helps build a brighter future for Malaysia,” he said.
In a statement, Maybank said its purpose aligned with the government’s vision of a more inclusive and resilient Malaysia.
It said Menara Merdeka Maybank marked a milestone in the group’s 66-year history and its evolution as a leading regional financial services group.
Maybank cited having RM76bil mobilised through social financing and empowerment initiatives over the past decade, benefiting more than 5.76 million people across Asean.
Maybank chairman Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa described Menara Merdeka Maybank as a symbol of the trust Malaysians have placed in the bank and its enduring commitment to supporting the nation’s economic growth.
Maybank president and group CEO Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli said the new headquarters reflected the bank’s confidence in Malaysia’s future as it continued to execute its ROAR30 strategy by enhancing customer experience through its people, digital capabilities and regional network.
“At the same time, we will continue to power the real economy by mobilising capital, facilitating trade and investment and supporting businesses of all sizes to innovate, grow and thrive.
“Guided by our purpose of Humanising Financial Services, these priorities will continue to shape how we serve our stakeholders and create long-term, sustainable value for our customers, communities, shareholders and the markets we call home,” he added.
