Affin Bank Berhad | Annual Report 2020

15 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN AFFIN BANK BERHAD 197501003274 (25046-T) | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to enhancing our ESG management and practices effectively, strengthening our business and increasing investors' and Shareholders' trust. The Bank will continue with its efforts in innovative approaches for business continuity while consciously managing its financial and non-financial risks. We are determined to manage our capital and assets responsibly to create value for our stakeholders in the short, medium and long term. We will also enhance our overall sustainability practices to contribute to our Sustainable Development Goals by providing inclusive financial solutions while being a responsible employer as well as corporate citizen in the environment and the communities that we operate in. Our efforts so far have been recognised. In 2020, our wholly-owned subsidiary, AFFIN ISLAMIC was bestowed with the Special Award under the Sustainable Energy Financing (Islamic Financing) category for National Energy Awards 2020 (NEA 2020). This is a significant achievement that will motivate us to continue along this responsible financing path. Moving forward, we will continuously promote green technology by making available financing for companies that supply and utilise green technology. ENHANCING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE At the Board of Directors level, we continue to uphold strong corporate governance policies and practices to promote corporate integrity, accountability and transparency. These will ultimately lead to the robustness and sustainability of our business model and strategy. Our efforts are guided by the principles of the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance 2017, BNM’s guidelines, the Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”) and Securities Commission’s guidelines. The Board supports the principles of good governance and continues to improve on the Group’s governance structure. The Board and Management are fully committed to the areas of corporate governance, business conduct and ethical standards, inculcating the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability in the Group’s corporate culture. The Group adopts the best corporate governance practices that conform to requirements of the regulators. The Group’s Corporate Governance Framework outlines broad principles, minimum standards and requirements for sound corporate governance and practices to be adopted by the Bank. MOVING FORWARD FY2021 is expected to be yet another challenging year as the global economies recover from the impact of the pandemic. We expect Malaysia to recover and continue to grow albeit moderately this year, backed by its robust economic policies. Despite the challenges, the Bank will remain committed and continue to deliver sustainable growth and create value for our shareholders by further improving our business propositions and innovative offerings. APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our major stakeholders for their continued support of AFFIN BANK and its group of companies. This includes our principal shareholders Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera, Boustead Holdings Berhad, The Bank of East Asia, Limited and the Employees Provident Fund, as well as our clients and business partners. Given the highly competitive and dynamic industry we operate in, your contributions have been invaluable to us. I would like to commend and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our employees in overcoming the challenges in this tough operating environment. I also wish to extend our sincere gratitude to BNM, Securities Commission, Bursa Malaysia and other relevant regulatory bodies for their continued support and cooperation over the years. On this note and on behalf of the Bank and Group, I extend my deepest appreciation to my fellow Board of Directors, the Board members of subsidiary and associate companies as well as our senior management team for their guidance in this challenging time. It is my hope that we will continue to work together as a team in the year ahead. Dato’ Agil Natt Chairman