Kota Kinabalu: Affin Bank Berhad Group is scheduled to open its Sabah Regional Office here in March 2026 as the banking group celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year.
This plan was revealed by Affin Bank Berhad Chairman Dato’ Agil Natt at the Affin Group Market Outlook and Chinese New Year Dinner.
Advertisement
He thanked Head of State Tun Musa Bin Haji Aman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Bin Haji Noor for the honour of gracing the event. Musa once had a stake in the bank before entering politics.
Agil said Sabah matters deeply to Affin, and that Affin’s commitment to Sabah is longstanding and deliberate.
“We recognise Sabah’s strengths: its entrepreneurs and SMEs, its tourism and hospitality ecosystem, its trade and supply chains, its natural resources, and most importantly, its people – resilient, practical, and forward looking.
“Affin’s commitment to Sabah is longstanding and deliberate. We are here for the long-term, and our focus is simple: to serve Sabah better, with stronger relationships, faster responsiveness, and solutions that are relevant to local needs.
“That is why we are strengthening our presence throughout Malaysia and building on our momentum in Sabah. Affin is progressing towards the opening of our Sabah Regional Office by March 2026, to bring decision making closer to customers and business partners, and to support businesses across the state with more responsive, locally anchored service.
“Because a stronger presence is not just about footprint. It is about being closer when our customers need us. It is about understanding local realities, not from afar, but on the ground. It is about earning confidence through consistency and care,” he said.
Agil stressed this year holds special significance as the Year of the Fire Horse which symbolises strong energy and adventure. He noted that Chinese New Year is a season of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness.
“As we celebrate 50 years of Affin, we step confidently into the next chapter – building on strong foundations to accelerate progress, deepen trust, and seize new opportunities with renewed purpose. This journey continues as we mark our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Showcase on Feb 7, 2026 in MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.
“It reminds us that prosperity is not only about what we gain, but about what we give: our time, our loyalty, our support, and our trust in one another.”
“Banks play a special role in society. We support households in planning their future. We support entrepreneurs taking risks. We support companies creating jobs. We support communities building opportunity.
“But we must always remember: confidence is paramount. Trust is hard won. And that is why good governance, prudence, and integrity matter just as much as growth. And that is what Affin is all about.
“That is the lens I bring tonight: a commitment to stewardship, and a commitment to long-term partnership,” he promised.
Dato’ Agil Natt stressed that a bank should not only be known for what it offers, but for what it stands for. He elaborated on Affin’s AXELERATE 2028 plan which is anchored on three strategic pillars.
The three strategic pillars are Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership, and Responsible Banking with Impact.
