MARCH 2017

PP190007/06/2016(034514) No. 138 ambankgroup.com

AmBank Group hosts Chinese New Year Open House 2017 (Pg20)

• AmBank Group Reports AmBank Group Appointed as Agent of Amanah Saham Net Profit of RM989 million Nasional Berhad (Pg15) for 9M FY2017 (Pg5) 2 message

relation to Anti Money Laundering and We also rolled out a new initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/ increase public awareness and knowledge CFT) to help increase awareness and on various AmAssurance products and understanding amongst AmBankers services. We are currently organising the in conducting business compliantly. AmAssurance on Tour which features a Hence, all of us must be professional van that is stationed at different AmBank and diligent in our approach and have a branches across the Klang Valley daily, for sense of responsibility and accountability the next three months. The AmAssurance in the way we conduct business. on Tour van is a great platform for the public We also hosted the Customer to know more about our Banca products. Appreciation Dinner to our valued clients AmBank was the Official Bank Partner as our way of showing appreciation organised by The Star at the Quest for their endless support and also to Entrepreneurs Mastery Convention 2017. relaunch the AmBank Signature Priority The event was an accomplishment. Banking. It is certainly an occasion to be Successful mentors and business coaches connected with all our clients and engage sharing their expertise and inspiring the with our valued customers of the Group. young and budding entrepreneurs, it I would like to say thank you to came as no surprise that the Convention Datuk Mohamed Azmi Mahmood for attracted such a good turnout. his valuable contribution and support Our sports club, Kelab AmBank Group during his illustrious 36-year career with (KAG), continues to actively promote events The proposed merger between AmBank the Group. I wish him continued good to bring staff together, including the Jungle Group and RHB Banking Group is an health, happiness and success in his Trekking Series to Forest Research Institute ongoing process which is still in its future undertakings. Malaysia (FRIM), Bukit Gasing and Broga early stages. However, I feel that it is AmBank Group continues to be Hills. I am very pleased to see our Fourth imperative for all AmBankers to be kept recognised by various awards for its edition of Carvinal Candat Sotong had up to date concerning this matter, as it exceptional performance. Recent received participants from Johor, Kuantan, paves the way for AmBank in becoming awards include three top awards won at Melaka, Seremban and Kota Bharu. I want one step closer to being one of the Alpha Southeast Asia Deal and Solution to thank everyone for their hard work in Top Four banks in Malaysia. Given Awards in Putrajaya early of this year making these events a success. the challenging state of the banking were “Best Wakalah Deal of the Year in To all AmBankers, I would like to again industry in Malaysia, a merger of this Southeast Asia” award for its roles as thank you for your continued support and nature will allow us to tap onto greater the principal adviser, lead arranger and dedication. I am confident that with our opportunities. New possibilities for joint lead manager in the Lebuhraya collective efforts, we will be able to continue career advancement and professional DUKE Fasa 3 Sdn Bhd’s RM3.64 billion to grow, outperform and stay connected. development will certainly open up Sukuk Wakalah, joint principal adviser, as the merger is expected to lead us joint lead arranger and joint lead manager into a much bigger league. As we look in the “Best Murabaha Deal of the Year towards this merger, we urge every one in Southeast Asia” for Al Dzahab Assets of you to come together and work to Berhad’s RM900.0 million Asset-Backed see the creation of new banking Group Sukuk Murabahah deal and the – one that you will be proud of. “Best Secondary Deal of the Year” In terms of operations, there will be for Malaysia Building Society’s RM1.71 Tan Sri Azman Hashim ongoing initiatives and campaigns in billion Rights issue. Chairman, AmBank Group

TOTAL ASSETS MARKET CAPITALISATION NO. OF EMPLOYEES AmBank Group RM134.8 billion RM14.0 billion 11,000 at a Glance SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY SHARE PRICE BRANCH NETWORK RM16.1 billion RM4.65 per unit 175 AS AT 31 MARCH 2017 AS AT 31 MARCH 2017 AS AT 31 MARCH 2017

Editor: Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Head, Group Corporate Communications and Marketing, AmBank Group Contributors: Engku Ili Hanisah Engku Zainal Abidin, Sheila Md Diah, Somesh Naidu, Mohamed Radzi Ali, Jeevanaraj Pariyadan and Shiffa Abdul Aziz. Published by AmBank (M) Berhad (Company No. 8515-D) Design & Production: Duocore Creatives Message from Group Chief Executive Officer 3

from RM50 million to RM150 million, primarily Group Legal will be realigned from looking at discretionary lending. Group Risk to GCEO Office, Corporate Services as an independent corporate Group Information, Operations and service provider to the group. 2 Digital Banking (GIOD) For greater synergy, Group Operations, Group Group CEO Office, Information System and Digital Banking have 5 Corporate Services now been consolidated and aligned into A new Corporate Services department will Group Information, Operations and Digital be established under the purview of the Banking (GIOD), reporting to Datuk Iswaraan Group CEO. Included under the umbrella Suppiah, Group Chief Operations Officer. of Group CEO Office, Corporate Services The Virtual Banking and ATM monitoring are: team will be realigned to GIOD from Retail • Group Transformation Office Banking, to streamline digital customer • Chief of Staff Office Reorganising touchpoints (excluding branches and Contact • AmBank Research Centre). • Group Legal Ourselves: The Connected team from Group • Group Corporate Communications Staying Laser-Focused Operations previously, will be parked under and Marketing in FY18 the Group CEO’s Office, to facilitate timely • Group Administration communications internally. • Group Strategy

Dear fellow AmBankers, Retail Banking Despite these changes internally and Financial Year 2018 will be a critical 3 As we continue to focus on enhancing inevitable competition from other industry year for us on our journey to Top 4. We are customer experience, the Service Resolution players externally, we must remain now poised to accelerate and intensify our team from Group Operations will be realigned focused and united in our goals. I urge efforts in the second year of our strategy. to the Contact Centre at Retail Banking, all AmBankers to maintain our spirit In line with our transformation journey, which is led by Jade Lee who is the Managing of collaboration and teamwork. I am there is a need to restructure and ensure Director of Retail Banking. Customer confident that together with our new greater synergy and efficiencies. There will complaints will now be routed to a centralised leadership team, AmBank Group is well be some organisation changes internally coordination and resolution team for more on track to strengthen our position and effective 1 April 2017. effective management of complaints and foothold. We must continue to strive speedier resolutions. forward and stay laser-focused this year in Business Banking our journey towards being the Top 4 bank A new Line of Business has been Group Risk 1 in Malaysia. set-up under the helm of Christopher Yap, Group Loan Rehabilitation will be 4 Once again, thank you for your Managing Director, Business Banking, realigned from Group Operations into Group continued commitment, focus and drive. comprising Enterprise Banking (EB) and Risk under Jeroen Thijs, our Group Chief With your support, I believe AmBank will Commercial Banking (CB). Risk Officer (GCRO). This is in line with the rise to even greater heights. EB will focus on businesses with GCRO’s role to manage risk and recoveries. a turnover of less than RM50 million, The Business Process Architecture team from primarily looking at working capital loans Group Operations will also move into Group Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir under programmed lending. This will Risk. Group Chief Executive Officer drive flow business of FX and trade. A new credit risk team for business AmBank Group Meanwhile, Commercial Banking will focus banking will be created to provide more focus on businesses with a turnover ranging and rigour on business banking loans.

In line with our transformation journey, there is a need to restructure and ensure greater synergy and efficiencies.

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group 4 business AmBank Group Reports Net Profit of RM989 million for 9MFY2017

AMMB Holdings Berhad (“AmBank Group” or “the Group”) announced the financial results for the 9 months ended 31 December 2016 (9MFY2017) on 24 February 2017.

Q3FY2017 Financial Highlights¹ (Q3FY17 vs. Q2FY17)

• Quarterly PATMI at RM313 million, • Gross lending rose 3% year-to-date (YTD) up 4% on Q3FY16. to RM90.7 billion, supported by growth in • Net interest income grew 5% on higher Mortgages (15%), SME (11%) and Trade NIM of 2.02% (up 10bps) reflecting active (13%) loans, partly offset by contraction in margin management. Auto Finance and Corporate loans. • Given the heightened pressures on the • Deposits of RM86.7 billion, contracted Malaysian bond market, our results for 4% YTD due to our efforts in managing NIM the nine months under review was reflecting focus on balancing funding costs. impacted in terms of non-interest income. CASA grew 2% YoY. This was partially alleviated by an increase • Asset quality improved with gross impaired in fee income from loans and trade loans ratio at 1.54%, down 40bps since finance. FY16. • Impairment charge was stable • Sound liquidity with liquidity coverage ratio underpinned by sound asset quality above regulatory requirement. CET 1 ratio and recoveries. higher at 11.6%². business 5

Q3FY2017 Results (cont’d)

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir (Dato’ Sulaiman), YTD cost savings of RM116 million. Our AmBank Group Chief Executive Officer said, growth agenda continues to focus on preferred “I am pleased to share some key highlights segments vis-à-vis risk appetite, profit outcome of our third quarter results. Firstly, we see and customer expectations.” improving loans and deposits growth “As a result of the Group’s Top 4 strategy, momentum, both increased 4% during the we continue to see good growth momentum in quarter. Loans extended to the small and our preferred segments through the execution medium size enterprises (SME), one of our key of our strategic initiatives. We continue to focus strategic growth segments, grew strongly at on strategic alliances and partnerships to drive 10.6% YTD. One of the focus was on the SME penetration in the SME segment. We have also segment and as a result of our Top 4 strategy, expanded our Wealth Management solutions it has bore fruit as evidenced by the solid and have been appointed as an agent for growth recorded from this segment. Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad.” We continue to actively manage our net “In terms of Cards and Merchants, our interest margin (NIM) and this has translated emphasis to increase cards usage through to stabilised NIM as well as higher net interest our enhanced cards proposition, as well as income this quarter. Fee income was up our focus on multi-outlet merchants to drive quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) from investment merchant acquisition volume has shown banking and loans related fees. positive results as evidenced by our Card loans Our recoveries were higher largely from growing by 5% YTD and our merchants volume Retail whilst impairment charge was stable increasing by 6% YoY.” QoQ. Overall profit was down, impacted by “Our CET 1 ratio is higher at 11.6²%. We the volatility of trading and investment income, have plans underway to optimise our capital especially in fixed income as the ringgit bond structure and improve the efficiency of our risk market was weighed down by a series of global weighted assets.” events this quarter.”

Dato Sulaiman added, “We have further Note: strengthened our asset quality and capital ¹ 1 All growth percentages computed on quarter-on-quarter position in 2016. Gross impaired loans ratio (QoQ) Q3FY2017 vs. Q2FY2017 basis, except for gross loans and deposits which are stated on a year-to-date (YTD) basis improved 40bps YTD to 1.54%. We maintain a ² Proforma, based on Retained Earnings as at 31 December 2016 disciplined approach to cost management and ³ All growth percentages computed on year-on-year (YoY) our cost optimisation initiatives have garnered 9MFY2017 vs. 9MFY2016 basis, unless otherwise stated

Gross impaired loans ratio improved 40bps YTD to 1.54%. We maintain a disciplined approach to cost management and our cost optimisation initiatives have garnered YTD cost savings of RM116 million. 6 business

Q3FY2017 Results (cont’d)

Despite mixed global economic indicators and business sentiments remain cautious, we continue to see pockets of opportunities in the market, amongst them is the SME sector which has outpaced the GDP growth since 2005.

Divisional Performance³ Prospects for financial year ending Wholesale Banking’s net profit was up 9% 31 March 2017 Profit up 9% to to RM671.7 million as total income rose 4% For the calendar year 2017, the Group projects RM671.7 million combined with lower allowances. Trading the Malaysian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and investment income grew 69% YoY, to grow at 4–5% (2016: 4.2%) led by the driven by trading gain from the primary sale domestic demand, primarily coming from the of a large syndicated fixed income issuance. private sector while the public sector continues Gross loans grew 3% YTD supported by to consolidate. Exports will complement growth healthy growth in the SME segment and on the back of steady demand and stabilising trade finance. commodity prices. Inflation is envisaged to Retail Banking’s fee income expanded average around 2 to 3% in 2017. Net profit at 9%, driven by Cards and Wealth Management. Dato’ Sulaiman expressed his view on the RM249 million YTD Retail loans base up 4% YTD supported by outlook for the banking system, “The industry robust growth in Mortgages (up 15%). Low cost is expected to see slower loans and deposits deposits (CASA) grew 5%, though total deposits growth, in line with the moderate GDP growth. slid 5% since March 2016 in our effort to manage Margins likely to remain under pressure mainly NIMs. Net profit was RM249 million YTD. attributable to intensified competition for Islamic Banking business forms an integral deposits on elevated loan-to-deposit ratio from Profit after taxation part of the Retail and Wholesale Banking divisions. tightening of liquidity in the system. This may and zakat at The business recorded profit after taxation and further exert pressure on funding costs. We RM163.6 million zakat of RM163.6 million reflecting lower net expect credit costs to normalise from lower finance income and higher impairments. recoveries, while some sectors may experience General Insurance net profit of RM127.7 stress in asset quality.” Net profit of million on higher deferred taxation. Gross “Despite mixed global economic indicators RM127.7 million premium sustained on higher non-motor and business sentiments remain cautious, we insurance albeit softer vehicle sales has continue to see pockets of opportunities in resulted in lower motor premium, while the market, amongst them is the SME sector historical claims experience improved. which has outpaced the GDP growth since The Life Assurance and Family Takaful 2005. The 2017 National Budget provides Net profit of businesses have registered a net profit of ongoing impetus to domestic consumption RM27.7 million RM27.7 million on lower claims and higher and the SME sector with emphasis on investment income. The business has made affordable homes and infrastructure projects.” good progress in strengthening its foundation and enhancing operations and systems capability. appointments 7 elcome AmBank Group is pleased to announce a number of key appointments to the group senior management team.

Jeroen Thijs, Datuk Iswaraan Suppiah, Group Chief Risk Officer, AmBank Group Group Chief Operations Officer, AmBank Group

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Group Chief Risk Officer Group Chief Operations Officer (GCOO) Jeroen Thijs is a veteran banker with more than Datuk Iswaraan Suppiah is a banking veteran 25 years of experience across risk management, with over 25 years of experience in banking, corporate banking, structured finance and audit, operations and information services. treasury. He started his career As GCOO, he will oversee Group Operations, with Rabobank International in Singapore as a Group Information System and Digital Banking. Credit Analyst and has since held many senior An accountant by qualification, he started his positions in the financial services industry across career in audit with Arthur Andersen and moved various countries including Malaysia, Singapore, into banking in 1991, where he joined Bank of Japan, Australia, Netherlands and UK. Commerce as a Section Head in Internal Audit. Jeroen has vast exposure to the Malaysian Datuk Iswaraan was most recently CIMB Group business environment, financial services industry Chief Information and Operations Officer (GCIOO), and culture, as he has worked in Malaysia since a position which he has helmed since 2001. As 2009, when he joined Bank Islam Malaysia as GCIOO of CIMB Group, Datuk Iswaraan led the their Chief Risk Officer. Prior to joining AmBank, digital transformation, information technology Jeroen held the position of Country Chief Risk and operations functions across all business Officer of OCBC Bank Malaysia, from 2014 to and geographical markets. Over the years, he 2016. Having spent 8 years in Malaysia in the role has shaped strategies by harnessing advances of CRO, Jeroen has a deep understanding of the in technology, to build a competitive edge and local risk landscape. create differentiation for the organisation, whilst improving operating efficiencies. He is passionate about and is a strong advocate of digital banking. 8 appointments

Christopher Yap, Managing Director, Raja Teh Maimunah, Chief Executive Officer, Business Banking, AmBank Group AmInvestment Bank and Managing Director, Wholesale Banking, AmBank Group

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Managing Director, Business Banking Raja Teh Maimunah started her career Christopher Yap has joined us as Managing with KPMG Peat Marwick Consultants before Director, Business Banking and will be responsible moving into banking and finance. She has held for the new Business Banking line of business many senior roles throughout her career such comprising 2 pillars i.e. Enterprise Banking and as Global Head of Islamic Markets at Bursa Commercial Banking. Malaysia; Chief Corporate Officer and Head of Christopher brings with him close to 20 years International Business, Corporate & Investment of experience in the financial services industry Banking at Kuwait Finance House Malaysia; with specific focus in the SME and Commercial Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alkhair B.S.C segments. Christopher started his early career in (c) (formerly Unicorn Investment Bank) and Trade Services at Citibank Berhad Malaysia. Head of Investment Banking at RHB Sakura Prior to joining AmBank Group, he held the Merchant Bankers Berhad (now known as RHB position of Head of SME Banking with Alliance Investment Bank). Prior to that, she had also Bank. Under his helm, the SME business undertaken both debt & equity origination and accounted for 25% of revenue for the bank. One of equity sales over a period of almost 10 years at Christopher’s key achievements recently was when CIMB Investment Bank. he and his team won the award for “Best SME Over the years, Raja Teh Maimunah has Bank in Asia Pacific 2015” from The Asian Banker. received various awards and accolades including the ‘Most Influential Brand Leader’ Chief Executive Officer, from World Brand Congress in 2016 and AmInvestment Bank & Managing ‘Most Enterprising Islamic Bank Women Chief Director, Wholesale Banking Executive Officer of the Year 2016’ by Global Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz is a Brands Magazine. Under her leadership, highly experienced banker with more than 23 Hong Leong Islamic Bank has won various years of experience in banking and finance, industry awards including ‘Best Bank For specialising in Investment and Islamic banking. Digital Innovation 2015’ by Asset Triple A Asian Prior to joining us, she held the position of Awards and ‘Best Performance Regional – Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Asia 2015’ by The World Islamic Hong Leong Islamic Bank and was a key driver Banking Conference. in the digital transformation of the Hong Leong Banking Group. business 9

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, AmMetLife Takaful Berhad

DIRECTORS

AmInvestment Bank Berhad AmMetLife Takaful Berhad (“AmInvestment Bank”) (AmMetLife Takaful) Ramesh Pillai was appointed as Independent Damien Allen Green was appointed as Non-Executive Director of AmInvestment Bank Non-Independent Executive Director of on 9 January 2017. Ramesh has over 30 years AmMetLife Takaful on 18 January 2017. of risk management experience, both in the Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir was appointed public and private sectors. as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of AmMetLife Takaful on 25 January 2017. AmIslamic Funds Management Sdn Bhd (“AmIslamic Funds”) On another note, We wish to inform on the Tai Terk Lin was appointed as Independent resignation of the following Directors: Non-Executive Director of AmIslamic Funds on 22 November 2016. Tai Terk Lin has over AmMetLife Insurance Berhad 25 years of experience in the finance industry. • Dato’ Dr Nirmala Menon Zainal Abidin bin Mohd Kassim was – resigned on 25 November 2016 appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director • Toby Srihiran-Brown of AmIslamic Funds on 22 November 2016. – resigned on 18 January 2017 Zainal Abidin is a Consulting Actuary with over 30 years consulting experience. He has AmMetLife Takaful Berhad extensive experience in conventional insurance • Dato’ Dr Nirmala Menon and Takaful (both life and casualty), Investment – resigned on 25 November 2016 Consulting and Pensions. • Toby Srihiran-Brown – resigned on 18 January 2017 AmMetLife Insurance Berhad • Datuk Mohamed Azmi Mahmood (AmMetLife) – resigned on 25 January 2017 Damien Allen Green was appointed as Non-Independent Executive Director of AmMetLife on 18 January 2017. Green has over 15 years’ experience in the insurance industry and has held a number of key senior leadership positions across multiple Asian markets and industry segments including Life, Pensions and Employee Benefits. 10 award

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir (centre) posing for AmBank was declared the a group photograph with the AmBank team. ‘Preferred Bank for SOBA 2016 SME Businesses’ at The Star Outstanding Business Awards 2016

to the winners of the ‘Malaysian Business of the Year’ Tier 1 (below RM25mil sales turnover) and Tier 2 (above RM25mil sales turnover) Awards. In recognition of the winners’ achievement, AmBank took the opportunity to reward them by offering a special SME package, along with an exclusive membership invitation to AmBank Signature Priority Banking, to

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group (second from right) accepting the each of the winning enterprise. ‘Preferred Bank for SOBA 2016 SME Businesses’ Award from Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, the Minister of Transport It was indeed a proud evening for (second from left). Flanking them are Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Star Media Group Berhad (left) and Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, Chairman, Star Media Group Berhad (right).​ AmBank and congratulations to all the winners! AmBank, which was the main sponsor recognition to small and medium of the Star Outstanding Business enterprises striving to carve a niche for Awards (SOBA) 2016, was named themselves in the competitive business the ‘Preferred Bank for SOBA 2016 environment. SOBA 2016 which was SME Businesses’ at the recent SOBA also co-sponsored by BMW Malaysia, Awards Night held on 17 January 2017 Credit Guarantee Corporation and at Connexion@Nexus, Bangsar South Matrade, saw 64 accolades being City, Kuala Lumpur. The award was awarded to deserving enterprises in received by Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, various categories including Best in Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Marketing, Best Brand, Best in CSR, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir (right) presenting Selvam Group from YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Best Green Initiative and many more. Kanniah, Director of Maxvue Vision Sdn Bhd (centre), Lai, the Minister of Transport. At the event, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd the winner of the ‘Malaysian Business of the Year’ Tier 1 Award, with a Golden Koi Plaque. SOBA is an annual event organised Tahir was also given the honour to by the Star Media Group to give present a Golden Koi Plaque each award 11

(L-R): Yeoh Teik Ling, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets Group, AmInvestment Bank, Chean Pei Chen, Senior Vice President, Wholesale Banking Large Corporate, Wholesale Banking, AmBank Group, Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer AmInvestment Bank and Managing Director, Wholesale Banking, AmBank Group, Salina Mohd Burhan, Senior Vice President, Islamic Markets, Capital Markets Group, AmInvestment Bank and Dato’ Mohd Effendi Abdullah, Senior Vice President/Head, Islamic Markets, Capital Markets Group, AmInvestment Bank at the IFN Awards 2017 held in Kuala Lumpur. AmInvestment Bank Receives Top Awards from IFR Asia and Islamic Finance News

AmInvestment Bank Berhad (“AmInvestment Bank”) receives “These achievements demonstrate our continuous further recognition from the industry’s esteemed publications and commitment to provide the best investment solutions to our adds three prestigious awards to its collection. On 21 February corporate, sovereign and institutional clients.” 2017, AmInvestment Bank was awarded with the “Islamic Issue IFN’s “Regulatory Capital Deal of the Year” award was given of the Year” title at the IFR Asia Awards, held in Hong Kong, for for AmInvestment Bank’s role as the Joint Lead Manager in the the Lebuhraya DUKE Fasa 3 Sdn Bhd’s RM3.64 billion Sukuk Mumtaz MYR300 million Subordinated Sukuk Murabahah and Wakalah. the “Commodity Murabahah Deal of the Year” award was given The Sukuk Wakalah is Malaysia’s first Sukuk issuance for AmInvestment Bank’s role as the Joint Lead Arranger and based on the Shariah principles of Wakalah Bi Al-Istithmar to Joint Lead Manager for Al Dzahab Assets MYR339 million Sukuk fund the development and construction of an expressway and Murabahah. AmInvestment Bank was honoured for its role as the Principal “We thank our clients for their continued trust in AmInvestment Adviser, Lead Arranger and Joint Lead Manager in the Lebuhraya Bank and we share these awards with them.” Raja Teh DUKE Fasa 3 Sdn Bhd’s RM3.64 billion Sukuk Wakalah. concluded. The IFR Asia Awards honour achievement in Asia’s capital The Islamic Finance news Awards honor the best in the Islamic markets and the winners were shortlisted from hundreds of financial industry and are one of the most prestigious awards market participants by IFR’s expert capital markets journalists. highly recognised by the global Islamic capital markets. AmInvestment Bank also received recognition at the Islamic Finance News (IFN) Awards 2017 held on 22 February 2017 in Kuala Lumpur and bagged the “Regulatory Capital Deal of the Year” and “Commodity Murabahah Deal of the Year” awards. Commenting on the multiple wins, Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of AmInvestment Bank and Managing Director of Wholesale Banking, (L-R): Wong Fei Na, Vice President, Wholesale Banking Coverage, AmBank Group, Seohan Soo, Executive AmBank Group said, “We are honoured by Vice President, Capital Markets Group, AmInvestment Bank, Datuk Seri Lim Kheng Cheng, Managing the recognition by top publications such as Director, Ekovest Berhad, Madam Ivy Lim, Executive Director, Ekovest Berhad, Gerald Goh, Senior Vice President, Wholesale Banking Coverage, AmBank Group and Donna Teh, Vice President, Capital Markets IFR and IFN.” Group, AmInvestment Bank at the IFR Asia Awards held in Hong Kong on 21 February 2017. 12 award AmInvest Named Malaysia’s Best Pension Fund Manager a Fourth Time and ETF Manager of the Year

AmInvest has continued its winning streak us particularly at a time where investors are (ABF Malaysia) in 20054 and FTSE Bursa as Malaysia’s Best Pension Fund Manager on the lookout for fund managers who can Malaysia KLCI etf (FBM KLCI etf) in 20074 for the fourth year running and this year deliver consistent investment performance and are pleased that our offerings have been also received top honours as Malaysia’s and help them unearth investment recognised as relevant to meet the evolving ETF Manager of the Year by Asia Asset opportunities in all market conditions,” said needs of our investors throughout the years. Management in its 2016 Best of the Best Datin Maznah Mahbob, Chief Executive Today, AmInvest is the largest ETF Provider Awards (“Awards”). Officer of AmInvest. in the country with around RM1.5 billion in Held annually for the past 13 years, the AmInvest is an approved PRS Provider fund value.” Awards recognises the most outstanding by Securities Commission Malaysia with ten ABF Malaysia which remains the only players in the funds management business AmPRS funds encompassing conventional bond ETF in the market as well as the largest in Asia. Asia Asset Management is a leading and Shariah-compliant retirement solutions in terms of fund size received overwhelming financial publication based in Hong Kong. across asset classes. Commenting on the interest from investors last year which Under the Best Pension Fund Manager government’s provision for PRS in Budget resulted in its approved fund size increasing category, AmInvest was assessed over a 2017, Datin Maznah said that the increased three times from 1.0 billion units to 3.375 three-year and five-year period on how it has one-off incentive of RM1,000 from RM500 billion units. managed its domestic pension mandates for Malaysian individuals aged between 20 to ABF Malaysia effectively buys into a including Private Retirement Scheme (“PRS”) 30 years who invest RM1,000 in PRS is truly portfolio of mainly Malaysian government funds, the size of these mandates and welcomed as it will spur younger Malaysians bonds. It tracks the performance of Markit returns against relevant benchmarks. to take their first step towards long-term iBoxx®ABF Malaysia Bond Index. FBM KLCI “Receiving two acknowledgements at the retirement planning. etf is designed to follow the performance of start of 2017 and our fourth consecutive win The Best ETF Manager, Malaysia award its benchmark index, FTSE Bursa Malaysia as Malaysia’s Best Pension Fund Manager is commended AmInvest on key achievements KLCI (“FBM KLCI”). FBM KLCI can be seen truly gratifying as we have been able to add for a 12-month period as well as plans and as representing the barometer of Malaysia’s value and grow our investors’ investments efforts to promote Exchange Traded Funds top 30 largest companies in terms of market in spite of market volatility last year. It also (“ETFs”). capitalisation. For both ETFs, investors can underscores key attributes of our funds Datin Maznah added, “We pioneered buy into a trading board lot size of 100 units management expertise and capabilities built Malaysia’s first bond and equity ETF in the which is listed on Bursa Malaysia. over more than 35 years and augurs well for market, ABF Malaysia Bond Index Fund

(L-R): Goh Wee Peng, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer of AmInvest receiving both awards (Malaysia’s Best Pension Fund Manager and ETF Manager of the Year) from Tan Lee Hock, Publisher and Founder, Asia Asset Management at an award ceremony held in Hong Kong. award 13

AmInvestment Bank Receives Three Top Awards at the 10th Annual Alpha Southeast Asia Deal and Solution Awards

AmInvestment Bank Berhad (“AmInvestment Bank”) secured three top awards at the 10th Annual Alpha Southeast Asia Deal and Solution Awards ceremony held yesterday in Putrajaya, where top financial institutions are awarded for their particular achievements in managing top deals and solutions in the region. Continuing its winning streak throughout the years, AmInvestment Bank was awarded with the highly prestigious “Best Wakalah Deal of the Year in Southeast Asia” award for its roles as the principal adviser, lead arranger and joint lead manager in the Lebuhraya DUKE Fasa Tan Keng Lin, Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance, AmInvestment Bank Berhad (far left) with the 3 Sdn Bhd’s RM3.64 billion Sukuk Wakalah, “Best Secondary Deal of the Year” award and posing together with (from left to right) Dato’ Ahmad Zaini joint principal adviser, joint lead arranger and bin Othman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Building Society Berhad, Siddiq Bazarwala, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Alpha Southeast Asia and Gan Kim Khoon, Director/Regional joint lead manager in the “Best Murabaha Head, Equity Capital Markets, RHB Investment Bank Berhad. Deal of the Year in Southeast Asia” for Al Dzahab Assets Berhad’s RM900.0 million Asset-Backed Sukuk Murabahah deal and the “Best Secondary Deal of the Year” for Malaysia Building Society’s RM1.71 billion Rights issue. Pushpa Rajadurai, Acting Chief Executive Officer, AmInvestment Bank and Managing Director of Wholesale Banking, AmBank Group said “AmInvestment Bank is glad to be recognised by an esteemed publication such as Alpha Southeast Asia and we are honoured to be amongst the winners today.” “The Best Wakalah Deal of the Year in Southeast Asia, Best Murabaha Deal of the Year in Southeast Asia and Best Secondary Deal of the Year awards are further testament

Chean Pei Chen, Senior Vice President, Wholesale Banking Coverage, AmInvestment Bank Berhad (far right) to AmInvestment Bank’s long standing with the “Best Murabaha Deal of the Year in Southeast Asia” award and posing together with (from left to track record in structuring award-winning right) Chong Fook Jade, Senior Vice President, Client Relationship, Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad, transactions and the Bank’s capabilities to Loh Kam Chuin, Chief Executive Officer, RCE Marketing Sdn Bhd and Siddiq Bazarwala. provide innovative solutions in debt products and advisory services to clients across various sectors.” The winners were selected from over 215 submissions from over 63 banks across the ASEAN region and selected foreign banks with the largest footprint in Southeast Asia. “Moving forward, we will continue to provide best of class services to our sovereign, corporate and institutional clients and build on our strong presence to maintain and strengthen our footprints across the country.” Pushpa further commented. YBhg Dato’ Mohd Effendi bin Abdullah, Senior Vice President/Head, Islamic Markets, Capital Markets Group, AmInvestment Bank Berhad (far right) with the “Best Wakalah Deal of the Year in Southeast Asia” Alpha Southeast Asia is the first and only award. Posing together with Dato’ Effendi are (from left to right) Angus Salim Amran, Treasurer, RHB institutional investment magazine. Published Investment Bank Berhad, Amelia Leong, Director, Senior Bankers’ Group, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, monthly, the magazine focuses on bringing Ms Pui Bee Hua, Director, Regional Debt Capital Markets, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Siddiq Bazarwala, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Alpha Southeast Asia and Lim Eng Ping, Managing Southeast Asian financial news to international Director, Client Coverage at Maybank Investment Bank. investors and fund managers. 14 award / business

AmInvestment Bank is Joint Lead Manager for Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad’s RM1.5 Billion AmInvest’s AmDynamic Bond Islamic Medium Honoured at Lipper Awards Term Note (“MTN”) Issuance (L-R) From AmInvest: Tan Ed-wyn (Senior Manager, Fixed Income), Tan Cheng Leong (Senior Vice President, Retail & Retirement Funds), Goh Wee Peng (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer), Kho Hock Khoon (Senior Manager, Fixed Income) and Harinder Pal Singh (Senior Vice President, Operations) at The Edge | Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards AmInvestment Bank Berhad is pleased 2017 held in Kuala Lumpur on 27 February 2017. to announce that Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”) has on AmInvest’s AmDynamic Bond (“Fund”) has been singled out for 2 March 2017 successfully completed providing consistent strong risk-adjusted returns relative to its peers the issuance of RM1.5 billion AAA-rated under the Best Bond Malaysian Ringgit – Malaysian Provident 10-year Murabahah Islamic Medium Term Notes category at The Edge | Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards 2017 (“Murabahah MTNs”). (“Lipper Awards”). BPMB is mandated as a development AmDynamic Bond is a unit trust fund eligible under the Employees financial institution providing medium to Provident Fund Members’ Investment Scheme. Since 2006, it has long term financing to the infrastructure, clocked in a return of around 93% beating its peers’ average return of maritime, technology and oil and gas about 50%. This translates to a return of sectors. BPMB is wholly owned by the AmDynamic Bond has around 7% annually over 10 years. Malaysian Government through the Launched in 2003, this in-house Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The clocked in a return of managed fixed income fund employs an Murabahah MTNs are rated AAA by RAM around 93% beating its active management investment strategy as Rating Services Berhad. peers’ average return opposed to a buy-and hold strategy. The The notes have tenors of 5, 10 and 15 of about 50%. Fund seeks to potentially optimise returns for years and final pricing for the notes range investors based on among others; interest from 4.28% to 4.98%. The one day book- rate expectations, currency movements and diversification opportunities building exercise on 22 February 2017 through its exposure to both local as well as foreign bonds. was oversubscribed by more than three “For the Fund to receive this acknowledgement validates the (3) times. Overwhelming demand allowed strengths of AmInvest’s investment process as well as the proven the Lead Managers to drive the price for expertise of our fixed income team who has dynamically managed the 15 year tranche down to successfully and delivered outstanding performance over the long term. It is also close below 5.00%, at the lower end of a testament of the capabilities of our proprietary credit research unit the price guidance. who continue to deliver added value to our investors through stringent The Lead Managers for the transaction credit processes we have in place and credit selection,” said Datin are AmInvestment Bank Berhad, CIMB Maznah Mahbob, Chief Executive Officer of AmInvest. Investment Bank Berhad and RHB She added, “In a time of low interest rates and increased Investment Bank Berhad. market volatility, investors should consider adding this Fund to their investment portfolios for potential income over the medium to long term. The Fund can also provide portfolio diversification from one’s local investments and capture the upside potential of foreign bond exposure through bonds across Asia Pacific that are now close to historic lows.” business 15

AmBank Group Appointed as Agent of Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad

Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (fourth from left), Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, AmBank Group (fourth from right) holding a mock passbook to mark the collaboration between AmBank and ASNB. Also at launch are (L-R) Mohd Yusri Surip, Vice President, Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad, Kamarul Bahrain Mohd Daud, Chief Operating Officer, Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad, Eqhwan Mokhzanee, Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Islamic, Mohammad Hussin, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad, Ms Jade Lee, Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad and Datuk Mohamed Azmi Mahmood, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank.

AmBank Group is now an agent of Amanah Saham Encik Eqhwan Mokhzanee, Chief Executive Officer, Nasional Berhad (“ASNB”), a wholly-owned subsidiary AmBank Islamic Berhad and Ms Jade Lee, Managing of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (“PNB”), which is Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad were also currently the largest unit trust institution in Malaysia. present. The appointment of AmBank Group as an agent of “This marks our first collaboration with ASNB and ASNB was officially announced in a ceremony held on we hope to achieve more collaboration in the future Monday, 9 January 2017 at Bangunan AmBank Group, with PNB and ASNB. ASNB provides an avenue for Jalan Raja Chulan. Malaysians to save and invest in a steady, long term- Commenting on the official announcement, Tan Sri investment instrument with a consistent return of Azman Hashim, Chairman, AmBank Group said, investment and we are pleased to be in this partnership “I am pleased to announce that our customers and the with them,” Tan Sri Azman added. public can now subscribe to ASNB products at any Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said, “We are happy AmBank branches and via our distribution channels. to appoint AmBank as our eighth As an agent to ASNB, we offer all ASNB unit trusts corporate agent to distribute ASNB which include Amanah Saham Bumiputera, Amanah products. With AmBank’s 175 ASNB provides an Saham Bumiputera 2, Amanah Saham Wawasan branches, we will be extending our avenue for Malaysians 2020, Amanah Saham Malaysia, Amanah Saham Didik, reach through more than 2,200 to save and invest in Amanah Saham 1Malaysia, Amanah Saham Nasional, ASNB agent branches nationwide. a steady, long term- Amanah Saham Nasional 2, Amanah Saham Nasional We believe that this business investment instrument 3 Imbang and Amanah Saham Gemilang Kesihatan, relationship will benefit both with a consistent return Pendidikan and Persaraan.” organisations in providing investors of investment and we Tan Sri Azman Hashim officiated the ceremony with the best product coverage and are pleased to be in this together with Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Group services.” partnership with them. Chairman of PNB. Encik Mohammad Hussin, Chief All ASNB products are available at Tan Sri Azman Hashim Chairman, AmBank Group Executive Officer and Executive Director of ASNB, 175 AmBank branches nationwide. 16 business

(L-R): Mr Leong Weng Choong, Chief Business Officer, Credit Guarantee Corporation, Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak, President and Chief Executive Officer, Credit Guarantee Corporation, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group and Ms Jade Lee, Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad at the signing of the SME Portfolio Guarantee (PG) agreement between AmBank (M) Berhad and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC). AmBank and CGC signs SME Portfolio Guarantee to enhance the SME Segment in Malaysia

On 22 March 2017, AmBank (M) Berhad (“AmBank”) and SME industry and our customers. This partnership is Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (“CGC”) in line with AmBank Group’s Top 4 strategy to expand signed an SME Portfolio Guarantee (“SPG”) agreement, in and strengthen our SME business.” order to further enhance its strategic focus on developing “Overall, AmBank SME Banking and CGC have and financing the Small and Medium Enterprise (“SME”) allocated a total of RM350 million to date to support segment in Malaysia via AmBank’s SME Banking. the SME businesses in providing working capital Under this scheme, eligible SMEs can apply for financing to qualified borrowers who lack collateral.” financing facilities of up to RM1 million from AmBank Dato’ Sulaiman further commented. SME with repayment tenure of up to seven years. “With the success of the first tranche of RM150 Seventy percent of the principal financing amount will be million which we inked with AmBank back in guaranteed by CGC. September 2016, we are pleased to collaborate once The partnership agreement was signed by Jade Lee, again with AmBank on a second tranche valued at Managing Director of Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad RM200 million,” said CGC’s President / Chief Executive together with Mr Leong Weng Choong, Chief Business Officer, Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak. Officer of CGC. It was witnessed by Datuk Mohd Zamree “This is our fourth SPG strategic partnership with Mohd Ishak, President/Chief Executive Officer of CGC AmBank and to date, we have availed RM950 million and Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive worth of financing via our SPG scheme. I look forward Officer of AmBank Group. to many more opportunities to further increase access Dato’ Sulaiman said, “We are pleased to strengthen to financing for SMEs in Malaysia.” said Datuk Zamree. our partnership with CGC through this SME Portfolio Zamree further explained that it is imperative for Guarantee agreement, where we have extended a further CGC to continuously explore new avenues in providing sum of RM200 million as further access to financing for SMEs, by providing Additional RM200 million part of Tranche 2 of the impactful guarantee and financing products. allocated to finance CGC Portfolio Guarantee He added that such initiatives will hasten the SME sectors in Malaysia Scheme to support the achievement of CGC’s aspiration to be the Household growing demands of the Name for SMEs by 2020. business 17

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, AmBank Group (third from left) with Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, First Global Banking AmBank Group (fourth from right) and Datuk Seri Muhammad Ibrahim, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia with representatives of 22 member banks of the Association of Banks in Malaysia. Leaders Programme and The Signing of A Joint Declaration To Professionalism The Banking Industry

Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left) presenting MoU to Datuk Abdul Farid Alias (right), Group President & Maybank Banking Berhad and witnessed by Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Datuk Seri Muhammad Ibrahim.

The Asian Banking School’s (ABS) flagship Global In the event also, AmBank Group and Asian Institute Banking Leaders programme was officially opened of Chartered Bankers (AICB) signed a joint declaration by Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Datuk Seri together with representatives of 22 member Banks of Muhammad Ibrahim. the Association of Banks in Malaysia to extend their The ABS programme is a collaboration with one commitment to raise the professional standards in the of the world’s top ranked business schools, the Cass banking industry in Malaysia. Business School; City, University of London, and is the “AICB in its role as the professional body for bankers first of its kind to be developed for the banking sector in Malaysia further commits to ensure adherence to its in Malaysia. Attended by top level members of the code of professional conduct and the commitment of industry, today marks the first day of the programme its members to continuous professional development in which will run in Kuala Lumpur for the first week, and order to maintain the highest standards of professionalism will be followed immediately by a second week in in banking in Malaysia”, said Tan Sri Azman Hashim, London at the Cass Executive Education campus. Chairman of both AICB and ABS. 18 bond market and foreign exchange review

Global Foreign Performance of Asian Currencies against USD since Oct 2016 JAPANESE YEN SOUTH KOREAN WON Exchange Market MALAYSIAN RINGGIT SINGAPORE DOLLAR CHINESE RENMINBI The final quarter of the year proved to be eventful with OFFSHORE CHINESE RENMINBI the US taking the centre stage. In November, Donald INDONESIAN RUPIAH THAI BAHT Trump surprised the market by winning the presidential PHILIPPINE PESO election. In contrast, in line with expectations, the US Fed TAIWANESE DOLLAR INDIAN RUPEE raised its interest rates by 25bps to 0.50%–0.75% in its HONG KONG DOLLAR

FOMC meeting in December 2016, on the back of the -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 strengthening labour market and expanding US economy. % Gain/(Loss) These events had led to index (DXY) to appreciate steeply Source: Bloomberg As at 31 December 2016 by 7.1% during the quarter due to capital outflows on speculation that higher US interest rates would dampen Japan currency as monetary policy divergence between stemming from despite concerns surrounding the the appeal of riskier emerging-market securities. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Federal Reserves Italian banking sector. The UK FTSE 100 was up 3.5% The EUR/USD currency pair depreciated 6.4% outweighed the effect of foreign inflows into Malaysia in the final quarter of the year as shocks from Brexit during the review period closing at 1.052 at the end equity and bond markets. BNM cut Overnight Policy and Trump’s election had dissipated alongside an of December amid political risk stemming from recent Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 3.00% on July 13 incline in mining companies and overseas earners Italian Referendum and Austrian elections, as well as as a pre-emptive move to accommodate the global i.e. dollar earners, dominating the index due to the high unemployment rate and ongoing concerns about uncertainties which may weigh on Malaysia’s growth weaker GBP. In Japan, Nikkei 225 also gain 16.2% the Italian banking sector. European Central Bank (ECB) prospect. The surprise move by BNM also caused the in the final quarter amid positive momentum to drive decided to continue its asset-buying program until at increase in expectations for more easing by the central export-reliant businesses on the back of the weaker least December 2017 while also announcing its plans bank during the quarter. Elsewhere, crude oil price yen driven by Trump’s policy expectations to reduce the size of its asset-buying to 60bn euros a which traded within a wide range of US$41-US$51 Both equity and bond markets in the Asia-ex month from April 2017 from the current 80bn euros. barrel during the quarter also dampened the interest of Japan countries were the net beneficiary of global The benchmark interest rates were left unchanged. market players to hold MYR. yield hunting during the review period. Foreign GBP continued to trade below 1.30 level, investors were forced to seek for higher returns in depreciated 4.9% during the quarter amid hard Brexit Fixed Income emerging markets given the low-yield environment concerns which had managed to offset the momentary Following Trump’s surprise election victory, volatility at the developed economies. Meanwhile, global strengthening following hopes of Trump’s policies was the norm in the global markets. The 10-year US equities rallied also helped to support the risk-on to soften Brexit impact. The BOE’s Monetary Policy Treasury yield jumped during the final quarter of 2016 trading sentiment across global markets. As a result, Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the bank by 85 basis points to 2.44% following the rise in inflation benchmark 10-year yields in Asia-ex Japan declined rate at 0.25% while leaving details of its quantitative expectations caused by the election of Donald Trump. by 4-63 basis points and stock indices up 1-7%. easing (QE) programme unchanged as the threat of US Treasury yield curve continued to steepen Malaysia bond markets rallied across the board rising inflation constrains the BOE’s ability to loosen with the yield of the 2-year UST closed at 1.19% due to (1) surprised cut in OPR by 25 basis points, monetary policy further. (+42.6bps), compared to 0.76% while the 30-year (2) inclusion of MGII into JP Morgan’s GBI-EM Global JPY gained 1.8% against US dollar during the UST ended the year at 3.07% (+75.0bps), compared Diversified bond index and (3) global yield hunting. As a quarter as fiscal and monetary stimulus from Japan to 2.32% in 3Q2016 due to expectation of looser result, we saw benchmark MGS curves bull steepened, government and Bank of Japan (BoJ) came in below fiscal policy and higher interest rates amid higher with the yield of the 3-year MGS closed at 2.86% (-27.1 market expectations. Markets were disappointed with the expected growth in 2017. The S&P 500 (+3.3%) basis points) while the 30-year MGS finished at 4.45% announcement of JPY28 trillion fiscal stimulus package and Dow Jones (+7.9%) gained in the quarter under (-15.5 basis points). Elsewhere, benchmark MGII yields – which only JPY7.5 trillion is new direct spending over review after the Presidential Elections left investors declined 23-35 basis points across the curve on the next two years. As a result, we saw JPY against US dollar excited over higher interest rates and a possible back of the increase in foreign buying. During the review tested and settled around the key psychological level of pullback of bank regulations, lower taxes and pro- period, we saw foreign holdings of Malaysia debts 100.0 during the period under review. business initiatives. hovered around 21%, a level which unseen since 2014. Asia-ex Japan currencies with an exception of In other developed economies, bond yields also Foreign holdings of both MGS and MGII also touched Philippine peso, Ringgit Malaysia, Singapore dollar and registered gains led by the rise in US Treasury Yields, the record high of 51.9% and 11.6% during the quarter China yuan, appreciated against US dollar during the hike in US interest rates and rise in inflation expectations. given the strong foreign appetite on local debt papers. review period. Korean won and Taiwan dollar led the German bund yields increased gains against US dollar to be the top performing Asia-ex 32.6 basis points to 0.20% Foreign Holdings of MGS Japan currencies on the back of foreign inflows into the as pressure on the Bund yield RM’mil Asia region. Yield hunting amid low yield environment eased as economic concerns 200,000 within developed economies was the key driver for continued to dwindle. JGB 180,000 50% strong foreign inflows into the region. On the other side yield increased 13.5 basis 160,000 40% 140,000 of the story, Philippine peso depreciated by 2.9% and 30% points to 0.04% and 10-year 120,000 touched its 7-year low against US dollar to be the worst GILT increased 47.9 basis 100,000 20% performing Asia-ex Japan currency on deepening fears points to 1.24%. 80,000 10% that President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies may keep The stock markets in 60,000 40,000 0% driving foreign investors out of the country. the Eurozone, DAX and Jan-11 Apr-11 Jul-11 Oct-11 Jan-12 Apr-12 Jul-12 Oct-12 Jan-13 Apr-13 Jul-13 Oct-13 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jul-14 Oct-14 Jan-15 Apr-15 Jul-15 Oct-15 Jan-16 Apr-16 Jul-16 Oct-16 Jan-17 MGS % Foreign Holdings (RHS) MGS Outstanding (RMbn) Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) weakened by 2.5% against Euro Stoxx rose by 9.2% US dollar to be the second-worst performing Asia-ex and 7.7%, respectively, Source: Bloomberg As at 31 December 2016 review 19

Fourth Quarter Economic Review The US economy grew moderately in the fourth REVIEW OF THE quarter of 2016 to 1.9% on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis (3.5% in 2Q of 2016), MALAYSIAN ECONOMY maintaining its slowest growth since 2011. Growth was led by improved gross private Reported by Mr Anthony Dass, Chief Economist, AmBank Group domestic investment and personal consumption expenditure. Higher capital spending by the yield at around 0% while kept the key settings for (DFIs), and the capital market amounted to public sector on highways, education and its yield-curve control policy unchanged. It also RM316.2 billion (3Q 2016: RM293.8 billion). On recreation-related constructions supported maintained the annual pace of JGB purchases at a net basis, the growth of loans extended by the investment activity. During the quarter, the US more or less JPY80 trillion yen annually. banking system and DFIs, and the outstanding Federal Reserve raised its policy rate by 25bps to China’s GDP during the quarter under issuances of corporate bonds, moderated by a range of 0.50%–0.75% during their December review rose 6.8% (6.7% in 3Q of 2016) 5.5% in 4Q 2016 (3Q 2016: 6.5%) due mainly Monetary Policy Meeting. supported primarily by the tertiary sector with to the lower growth in outstanding corporate Meanwhile, the economic performance in the performance form the primary industry bonds. On an annual basis, outstanding the euro area eased at an annual growth of growing moderately while the secondary industry business loans extended by the banking system 1.7% during the quarter (1.8% in 2Q of 2016) maintained its growth. During the quarter, there and DFIs grew 4.8% in the fourth quarter (3Q supported by household consumption, gross was a strong shift towards state-led growth in 2016: 2%). Growth of outstanding household fixed capital formation and exports. However, both the secondary and tertiary sector. loans of the banking system and DFIs rose the labour market remained subdued with weak Looking at the ASEAN countries, Indonesia 5.5% in 4Q 2016 (3Q 2016: 5.8%) as a result wage growth and high unemployment rates. In saw a slight moderation on its growth to 4.9% of softer outstanding loans from hire purchase addition, business conditions continued to be (5.0% in 3Q of 2016). The economic activity and residential property. Net funds raised in weighed down by uncertainties from upcoming during the quarter under review was supported the capital market was only RM2.1 billion in national elections in some key economies and by private consumption, gross fixed capital the fourth quarter of 2016 (3Q 2016: RM13.5 a potentially lengthy UK-EU exit negotiation formation and exports while government billion) as a result of poor net funds raised by process, especially with rising euro scepticism expenditure and public consumption remained the private sector. across the region. anemic. Likewise, the Philippine’s economy The ringgit depreciated by 7.6% against the By contrast, the U.K. economy grew at the growth eased to 6.6% on an annual change US dollar during the quarter. Besides, the ringgit same pace in the fourth quarter by 2.0% annual (7.0% in 3Q of 2016). The overall economic also depreciated against the euro (-1.6%), change (2.0% in 3Q of 2016) on the back of activity during the quarter came from private the pound sterling (-2.4%) and the Australian higher general government spending, exports, consumption, government expenditure, gross dollar (-2.5%), but appreciated against the production and agriculture. Overall inflation rose fixed capital formation and exports. Thailand’s Japanese yen (6.3%). In addition, the ringgit to 1.2% during the quarter under review (0.7% economic growth moderated to 3.0% on depreciated against all regional currencies, with in 3Q of 2016). Meanwhile, firms remained annual basis (3.2% in 3Q of 2016) during the the exception of the Korean won, by between cautious over the prospects of the economy amid quarter under review. Private and government 2.1% and 5.6%. However, the implementation uncertainties surrounding the new framework consumption expenditure as well as exports of measures to develop, deepen, and address of UK-EU relations. The central bank during the were the growth drivers. Singapore’s economy the rising imbalances in the domestic foreign Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting left rose 1.8%, the strongest growth since 2Q of exchange market, and the firmer global the key policy rate unchanged at 0.25% and also 2016 (1.2% in 3Q of 2016) buoyed by the crude oil prices lent stability to the domestic the quantitative easing (QE) programme. manufacturing and services sectors. foreign exchange market towards the end of As for the Japanese economy, it performed Coming to Malaysia, the economy grew the quarter. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) left at the same pace as in the third quarter of 2016 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2016, bringing the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged at by growing at an annualized rate of 1.2% in the full year growth to 4.2%. The economy was 3.00% as the economic setting fell within its the fourth quarter of 2016. It turned out to be supported by domestic demand and a fairly expectation. The growth momentum is expected the slowest growth since 4Q of 2015. Much of broad-based growth recovery from the supply to be sustained in 2017. the economic activity during the quarter came side since the agricultural sector registered a Looking into 2017, the economic performance from government consumption led by higher contraction. Meanwhile, the overall inflation rose is poised to remain favourable. Growth will public inventory investment, gross fixed capital to 1.7% (3Q 2016: 1.3%) as a result of upward continue to be supported by domestic demand formation as well as exports from the weak yen adjustments to domestic fuel prices. For the year, as well as exports coming from semiconductors, while private consumption remain less attentive. inflation averaged at 2.1% (2015: 2.1%). firmer commodity prices and resource based During the quarter, the central also kept its key During the quarter, the total gross financing activities. In the course of the year, some degree of policy interest rate unchanged at -0.1% and raised by the private sector through the banking inflationary pressure is envisaged. continued with its target on the 10-year JGB system, development financial institutions 20 happenings

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir( sixth from left) with rest of senior Management wishes Gong Xi Fa Chai to guests and clients. AmBank Group Hosts Chinese New Year Open House 2017

AmBank Group Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, “We are organising this year’s Chinese hosted its Chinese New Year Open House AmBank Group. Among the senior New Year Open House exclusively for 2017 attended by approximately 1200 management in attendance were Dato’ our valued clients as our way of showing people comprising clients, guests and Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief appreciation for their support and also for members of the media on Wednesday, Executive Officer, Board Members and giving us the opportunity to work together 8 February 2017. Senior Management from the Group’s as a team. It is certainly an occasion to The AmBank Group Chinese New subsidiaries such as Retail Banking, be connected with all our clients and at Year Open House held at a leading local Investment Banking, Wholesale Banking the same time to usher in the Year of the hotel in Kuala Lumpur was hosted by and Insurance. Fire Rooster. happenings 21

AmBank Group Hosts Chinese New Year Open House 2017

“As you know, festive occasions bring out New Year delicacies, there was also Yee Sang “ Festive occasions the best in Malaysians and this is when we, as which symbolises abundance, prosperity and bring out the best Malaysians of all races, meet and celebrate as vigour. The guests were also entertained by in Malaysians and one. Fire Roosters are known to be trustworthy, Lion Dance Performance by the The Kun Seng this is when we, with a strong sense of timekeeping and Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association from as Malaysians of responsibility at work – an important trait which Muar, Johor, who last year won their 11th world all races, meet and we continuously instil in our employees to serve champion title, erhu (Chinese two-stringed violin) celebrate as one.” our customers better,” said Tan Sri Azman. performance together with hit songs performed Tan Sri Azman Hashim Other than enjoying the usual Chinese by The Singing Shop and Tan Sri Azman himself. Chairman, AmBank Group 22 happenings

L-R: Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Shahril Shamsuddin, President and Group CEO, Sapura Kencana, Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kang Hoo, Executive Chairman, Ekovest Berhad, Tan Sri Dato’ Tee Hock Seng, Group Managing Director, Bina Puri Holdings Bhd, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group CEO, AmBank Group, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, AmBank Group, Tan Sri Dato’ Lee Shin Cheng, Executive Chairman, IOI Corporation Berhad and Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Group Managing Director, West Star Group tossing the Yee Sang together.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim sharing a light moment with some of the clients at the Ambank Group Chinese New Year Open House. happenings 23

Fire rooster decoration in front of Menara AmBank. CNY Deco at BAG & MAB Chinese New Year decoration at Menara AmBank and Bangunan AmBank this year pays homage to the Year of the Fire Rooster.

Bangunan AmBank Group CNY decoration in the lobby. 24 happenings

Weststar’s Maxus G10 makes special appearance at Menara AmBank

L-R: Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Head, Group Corporate Communications and Marketing, AmBank Group, William Koh, Vice President, Wholesale Banking Coverage-Large Group 2, AmBank Group, Syed Muhammad Arif Syed Azman, Director, The Weststar Group, Anthony Chin, Deputy Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank M) Berhad, Datuk Vikram Menon, Executive Director, Group Managing Director’s Office, The Weststar Group, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group, Jade Lee, Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad, Gerald Goh, Senior Vice President, Wholesale Banking Coverage-Large Corporate 2, AmBank Group, Syed Muhammad Ammar Syed Azman, Director, The Weststar Group and Shahrul Hisham Tahir, Vice President, Auto Finance, AmBank (M) Berhad at the Weststar Maxus G10 Roadshow at Menara AmBank.

AmBank Group through an exclusive partnership with Weststar Group will be displaying the Weststar Maxus G10 in Menara AmBank, Kuala Lumpur over a three-day period from 8 to 10 March 2017. Weststar Maxus a member of the Weststar Group is the sole distributor of the Maxus G10 in Asia-Pacific. Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group took the opportunity to test drive the Maxus G10 accompanied by Datuk Vikram Menon, Executive Director, Group Managing Director’s Office, The Weststar Group. AmBank customers can experience the Maxus G10, an ideal MPV for those looking to upgrade their existing family mover. Special packages Datuk Vikram Menon and Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir (seated) showing the thumbs-up for Weststar’s Maxus G10. are available exclusively for AmBank customers and staff who wish to own the Weststar Maxus G10, where they will be offered a rebate of RM15,000. Sales Advisors from Weststar Maxus and AmBank Auto Finance team will be onsite to assist customers throughout the three days. The event went live on Facebook (AmBank Malaysia). happenings 25

L-R: Datin Sia Soo Khim, Grand Prize winner, Anthony Chin, Deputy Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad, Mr K Ravindran, President, UMW Toyota Motor, Dato’ Sulaiman, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group and Datuk Angie Gow, Grand Prize winner at the prize giving ceremony. Two Lucky AmBank Customers emerge “WIN an All-New 2016 Toyota Vellfire with AmBank!” Campaign Grand Prize Winners Two lucky AmBank customers were the Grand and earmarked it for six months during the Prize winners of the “WIN an All-New 2016 Toyota campaign period were rewarded a Samsung “ We at AmBank Vellfire with AmBank!” campaign. Datin Sia Soo Galaxy S7 edge each. are consistently Khim and Datuk Angie Gow were given the keys to “We at AmBank are consistently creating creating new their respective all-new 2016 official model Toyota new and innovative products and services, and innovative Vellfire at a prize presentation ceremony held on 6 bearing in mind the ever changing demands products and February 2017 at the UMW Toyota Motor Showroom and needs of our customers. We believe in services, bearing in Subang. rewarding our customers and are delighted The AmBank “WIN an All-New 2016 Toyota to share this joyous occasion with Datin Sia in mind the ever Vellfire with AmBank!” campaign was created to Soo Khim and Datuk Angie Gow, our two changing demands reward both existing and new AmBank customers. Grand Prize Winners today and their families. and needs of our To participate in the campaign, customers just had Our congratulations to them and a big thank customers.” to deposit a minimum of RM1,000 in their Current you to all our customers for the wonderful Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir Group Chief Executive Officer or Savings Account; RM10,000 in either Fixed response given during the “All-New 2016 AmBank Group Deposit or Term Deposit. Besides the Grand Prizes, Toyota Vellfire with AmBank!” campaign,” a total of 86 AmBank Current Account and Savings said Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Account (CASA) holders who deposited RM488,000 Executive Officer, AmBank Group.

Datin Sia Soo Khim, grand prize winner of the A beaming Datuk Angie Gow posing “WIN an All-New 2016 Toyota Vellfire with AmBank!” campaign. with her grand prize. 26 happenings

Kelab AmBank Group Dart Tournament 2017 Some of the participants of KAG Dart Tournament 2017 posing for a group photo

200 members of Kelab AmBank Group (KAG) took part in the club’s KAG Dart Tournament 2017 which was held recently on Saturday, 21 January 2017. For the first time, the annual KAG Dart Tournament was held at Dewan AmBank Group, Level 7, Bangunan AmBank Group. The full day

Mohd Azni Bin Md Tahar, Champion for Men’s Singles Haseran Jawan (centre), being flanked by the event kicked off at 9.00am and ended at 9.00pm. Category (left) receiving his prize from Haseran Jawan, Champions for Doubles Category, Rajendra Prasath The energetic participants braved the long day by Vice President, Kelab AmBank Group. (left) and Aminuddin Hassan (right). staying confident and focused to compete in the tournament. The friendly tournament ended with Mohd Azni Bin Md Tahar being declared the Champion for Men’s Singles category, while Winnie Lee Wan Heng bagged the Women’s Singles title. The Doubles category went to Aminuddin Hassan and Rajendra Prasath, and Anbaarajan A/L Retinasamy and Norhana won the Mixed Doubles category. Congratulations to the winners! A big Winnie Lee Wan Heng (left), the Champion for The Champions for Mixed Doubles Category, appreciation to everyone who participated and Women’s Singles Category. Anbaarajan A/L Retinasamy (left) and Norhana (right) hope to see you again next year! are all smiles after winning the title.

AmInvestment Bank’s Darts team started the ball rolling of ten sports discipline i.e. badminton, bowling, carrom, in the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA) chess, darts, futsal, 9-ball pool, table tennis, volleyball Games 2017 after emerging as the Champion in the MIBA and golf are being lined up in this year’s MIBA Games Darts Tournament which was held at the Ballroom, Wisma and AmInvestment Bank is gunning for the 30th Overall MPL on 15 April 2017. In the semifinal, the team defeated Champion title since it started in 1980. CIMB 2-0 to advance to the final round. They proudly MIBA was established on 9 September 1975 to promote grabbed the title after defeating Maybank Investment with and safeguard the interests of investment banks, uphold the same scoreline. sound business practices and ethics, and the highest The MIBA Games 2017 which kicked off with the standards of professionalism whilst strengthening the bond Darts Tournament, will run until October this year. A total and goodwill within the investment banking fraternity.

The winning team members (standing L-R): Saravanan Arumugam (Team Captain), Mohd Azni Md Tahar, Anbarajan Retinasamy, Rajendra AmInvestment Bank and Maybank Investment Bank team players Prasath Thanaraju, Mohd Sun Mohd Sharif and Aminuddin Hassam. posing for a group photo before the final. (Front row L-R) Adzwan Shukri Abu Samah and Mohd Syehab Kadim. happenings 27

Exciting “AmAssurance On Tour” Insurance Truck campaign coming to your nearest AmBank branches in the Klang Valley

L-R: Mr Loy Suan Yeow, Regional Director, Central 1, AmBank (M) Berhad, Ms Yap Pee Wan, SVP, Bancassurance, AmGeneral Insurance Bhd, Ms Jade Lee, Managing Director, Retail Banking, Puan Jamilah Hashim, SVP Branch Sales & Service, Distributions, AmBank (M) Berhad, Hazmawati Mohamad, Branch Manager, AmBank Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, AmBank (M) Berhad, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group, Anthony Chin, Deputy Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad, Mr Oh Eng Tatt, Vice President, Sales Management, Distributions, AmBank (M) Berhad and Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Head, Group Corporate Communications and Marketing, AmBank Group at the launch of the “AmAssurance On Tour” campaign.

AmBank (M) Berhad launched its latest Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group • AmDrive Plus – Free roundtrip campaign called “AmAssurance On Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group towing of 450km and 24-hours Tour” at Menara AmBank Group in Kuala before launching the event. breakdown assistance Lumpur on Monday, 20 February 2017. The first phase of the campaign • AmPro PA Plus – 24-hour worldwide The AmAssurance On Tour – Insurance will see the truck stationed one day in coverage on Accidental Death, truck campaign aims to increase public each branch across the Klang Valley Permanent Disablement and awareness and knowledge on various covering a total of 53 branches. The Hospitalisation AmAssurance products and services, campaign will then continue to the • Houseowner/Householder – underwritten by AmGeneral Insurance Northern, Southern and East Coast coverage for home and its contents Berhad offered at all AmBank branches. regions covering in total 147 branches • Household Guard – Comprehensive “This initiative was established with in the Peninsular. home content coverage an objective of reaching out to more Members of the public who visit • Snatch Theft Protection – coverage customers to meet their insurance and the truck will enjoy free basic health against snatch theft personal protection needs. In Malaysia, checks – Body Mass Index, Blood The Snatch Theft Protection policy the general insurance penetration level Pressure, Blood Sugar Level and have given the current state of snatch theft stands at less than 2%, compared to the chance to win exciting prizes. is a new offering which we are getting 3-4% in the more developed countries, The AmAssurance On Tour truck a lot of traction as people are getting which provides us good opportunity for is another engaging platform where more concerned about personal growth in terms of general insurance we can reach out to the public on our protection. penetration,” said Banca product offerings as following: • Motor insurance – Loss or damage “ You will be seeing more new to vehicle coverage, third party offerings coming up soon and this liability, free towing of up to 50km is the first phase of our campaign radius, windscreen coverage to reach out to more customers,” Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group

The event went live on Facebook (AmBank Malaysia).

L-R: Puan Jamilah Abu Hashim, Ms Jade Lee, Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Ms Yap Pee Wan and Anthony Chin launching the “AmAssurance On Tour” campaign. 28 happenings

Blitz King Still has or more hours for conventional chess). Who is your favourite player? I was ahead of everyone in this type of Ek Leong: My favourite chess The Killer Move game during my heydays. Apart from player is Garry Kasparov, a former We will run a series of interviews with being a National Chess Champion world champion. I admire him for his our own sport superstars who did the in 1990, I was also the National Blitz attacking style of play, full of tactical bank and country proud. Chess Champion in the same year. ploys and crushing moves which made In the first part, we have interviewed his games interesting to watch. Ng Ek Leong from Group Internal What is your best memory Audit, who is a former National Chess as a chess player? Who is your most difficult Champion and national player. Here’s Ek Leong: When I first started opponent and why? the full interview: chess, my dream was to play for the Ek Leong: It would have to be country one day. Fortunately, I was able Viswanathan Anand, the former world to realise it fairly quickly. I have had champion from India. I played him on How did it all start, the honour of representing the country the first board for Malaysia vs India your foray into chess? in a number of major international in the Asian Chess Championship. Ek Leong: I started chess when I tournaments between 1986 and 1990, He is a fantastic player with profound was in primary school and took it up notably three Chess Olympiads (in knowledge on chess opening theories. seriously in secondary school years. My Dubai, Greece and former Yugoslavia), late father, Mr Ng Thiam Hock, taught Asian Team Championship (Malaysia), Any special advice to me the game and later became my World Junior (Australia) and Asian AmBank staff who intends to coach and confidant when I progressed Junior (Philippines). My finest moment, take Chess seriously? as a serious tournament player. I as a chess player, has to be the time Ek Leong: It is easier now for one took part in many local tournaments when I won the first ever (and still the to take up the game and improve their when I first started, many of which only) board prize gold medal for the playing skills compared to previously. were at senior level as I wanted the country at the Dubai Olympiad. The With the advent of Internet, one can challenge to compete and improve medal is one of my prized possessions learn and play chess online freely and against older and more experienced and I would take a trip down memory easily. During my time, I had to devour players. I enjoyed a lot of success lane each time I look at it. tonnes of chess books/literatures in during my playing days, winning many order to learn and improve my game, tournaments and becoming a national Any special ritual before but this can now be done with the click player at the age of 18. a game? of a button. So, happy learning and Ek Leong: Well, I usually don’t think happy playing for those who wish to Do you have any nick name about the game before it starts, to take up the game! in the chess circuit? Why? avoid unnecessary pressure. During Ek Leong: I was known as the my tournament playing days, I would Thank you.N

Blitz King in the chess fraternity due to ensure that I had my game plan Chess Trivia: The longest chess marathon is 44 my prowess in speed game (i.e. also prepared and ready a day before. On hours 21 minutes and was achieved by Joan Oliver Marquet and Antonio Nadal Tur (both Spain) in known as ‘Lightning’ chess, where the day of the game, I just let my game Palma, Spain, from 16 to 18 January 2016. each player is given only five minutes plan take its course and would not http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/ longest-chess-marathon to complete a game, as opposed two tweak it unnecessarily. happenings 29

International Women’s Day International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrated on every 8 March of the year. The first IWD to be officially recognised was in 1911 and the centenary was celebrated in 2011. This year is the 106th and the theme of IWD 2017 is #BeBoldForChange – encouraging people to step up and take groundbreaking action to accelerating gender parity by celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In regards to the matter, AmBank Group has taken its premier step to be involved in the cause. Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group himself displayed his support through his message of appreciation to female colleagues in AmBank Group who have contributed to the organisation, past, present and future. He also quoted, “Considering the composition of females working in AmBank is 61% of total workforce, we are truly honoured to have their continuous dedication, energy and perseverance to now work our way towards attaining our top 4 aspiration together.” Additionally, IWD 2017 was celebrated by The Group to demonstrate appreciation to women in AmBank Group by gathering all staff, including men to wear purple or pink on the day of celebration. Instagram booths were also being set up at Bangunan AmBank Group and Menara AmBank, Kuala Lumpur to gather staff to take photos, showing diversity and continued camaraderie amongst colleagues within AmBank Group. 30 happenings Tunku Kurshiah College wins Best Cashless At the top with Raja Teh Maimunah (front), Chief Executive Officer School Award AmInvestment Bank and Managing Director, Wholesale Banking.

AmBank Group-nominated Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) won AmInvestment Bank the Best Cashless School Award at Karnival Kewangan 2017 which was organised by Bank Negara Malaysia from 13-15 and Wholesale Banking January 2017. Explores Puncak Tiga Puteri, TKC won the award based on three criteria – convenience, lower risk and easier to manage finance. On hand to receive the Kota Damansara Community Forest award was Anismah M. Noh, Headmistress, TKC from YB Khairy Raja Teh Maimunah, Chief Executive Officer of Jamaluddin, Minister, Youth and Sports and witnessed by AmInvestment Bank and Managing Director of Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim, Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia. Wholesale Banking, AmBank Group led her 100-strong The AmBank ATM was first installed at TKC, a first in team members to conquer Puncak Tiga Puteri and a school or college in the country during the launch of the Temuan Trail at Kota Damansara Community Forest Tunku Arishah Sports Arena last year. At the same time, (KDCF) on Saturday, 18 March 2017. two merchant terminals were installed to enable debit card Their journey started at 8 am after a short briefing acceptance for the convenience of cashless payment at the by Raja Teh accompanied by volunteer guides and school cafeteria and school co-operative shop. 4 Temuan Asli. The team completed the Puncak Tiga These initiatives were AmBank’s efforts in educating and Puteri trail in four hours thereabouts accompanied by promoting cashless transactions amongst students in the hope tall tropical trees. It was challenging for some members that they would move on to digital banking once they grow who needed the extra energy to complete the 11-km into young adults. terrain. But their persistence was paid off as they were

Anismah M. Noh, Headmistress, TKC celebrating the school’s win together rewarded with some breath-taking views at the top. with YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister, Youth and Sports (standing to her left) And, Nasi Lemak, of course. and Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim, Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia and surrounding them are the students of TKC. The Temuan Trail, a shorter route, took over two hours to complete. But, still challenging, nonetheless. Raja Teh said, “It was a great to be able to share my love of nature and the trails at KDCF which my family and friends had helped to build. Nothing beats sweating it out in the outdoors as team. It was particularly heartening to see how we helped each other especially during the more challenging bits! As an old African proverb goes ‘if you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, you go together”.

Some of the members making their way to the top. 31

Some of the participants posing for a group photo with Syed Anuar Syed Ali, President, Kelab AmBank Group (centre) during the jungle trekking. Led by nine experienced guides from FRIM, the participants were taken through a 3-kilometre trail where they got to enjoy an impressive canopy walkway located at Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve. The canopy walkway system spans 150 metres and is suspended at approximately 30 metres above ground level. There are several observation platforms between the walkways that act as vantage points to experience a panoramic view of the forest and Kuala Lumpur area.

Participants heading to the starting point before entering the forest. After nearly three hours of exploring the lush greeneries of the rainforest 250 members of Kelab AmBank Group took and feasting their eyes on the part in the jungle trekking activity held recently beautiful flora and fauna along the on Sunday, 5 February 2017 at the Forest trail, the trekkers wrapped up their Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, hike at about 1.00pm, followed by Selangor. a wholesome lunch at Sungai Kroh Founded in 1929, FRIM is one of the leading Waterfall. Feeling greatly refreshed institutions in tropical forestry research in the and reenergised, it was indeed a world. The Institute sits on a 545-hectare site great way for the participants to adjacent to the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve spend their weekend and to get in the Kepong municipality, 16km northwest of close to nature. Kuala Lumpur. FRIM was awarded the MS ISO 9001:2000 certification in December 2007. It The participants enjoying was gazetted as a ‘Natural Heritage Site’ on the canopy walkway. 10 February 2009 under the National Heritage Act 2005, and officially declared as a National Heritage on 10 May 2012. The participants making their way through the trail.

Warming up before the hike. 32

Syed Anuar Syed Ali, President, Kelab AmBank Group / Head, Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, Ambank Group posing with Kelab AmBank Group (KAG)’s office bearers for 2016-2018. Announcement of New Kelab AmBank Group (KAG)’s Office Bearers for 2016–2018 At the recent Kelab AmBank Group (KAG) Annual General Meeting (AGM), the new Office Bearers for year 2016–2018 were elected and the Office Bearers are as follows:

No Name Post Email LOB 1 Tuan Syed Anuar Syed Ali President [email protected] Head, Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, AmBank Group 2 Puan Yom Ruzita Mohd Yunan Honorary General yom-ruzita-yunan Assistant Manager, Group Operations, Secretary @ambankgroup.com AmBank (M) Berhad 3 Puan Maznah Zahari Assistant Honorary maznah-zahari Senior Clerk, Group Operations, AmBank (M) Berhad General Secretary 1 @ambankgroup.com 4 Puan Annie Elyza Dollah Assistant Honorary annie-elyza-dollah Executive, Group Operations, AmBank (M) Berhad General Secretary 2 @ambankgroup.com 5 Encik Muhammad Shalehin Baharin Assistant Honorary muhammad-shalehin Senior Executive, Group Operations, General Secretary 3 @ambankgroup.com AmBank (M) Berhad 6 Encik Zairen Zin Honorary Treasurer [email protected] Manager, Corporate Finance, AmBank (M) Berhad 7 Cik Nor Hafidzah Kamarudin Assistant Honorary hafidzah-kamarudin Assistant Manager, External Reporting, Treasurer 1 @ambankgroup.com Group Finance, AmBank (M) Berhad 8 Cik Afiqah Liyana Mohmad Nordin Assistant Honorary afiqah-nordin Clerk, Finance, AmCards Services Berhad Treasurer 2 @ambankgroup.com 9 Ms Harveen Kaur A/P Jaggit Singh Honorary Auditor harveen-kaur1 Assistant Audit Manager, Group Internal Audit, @ambankgroup.com AmBank (M) Berhad 10 Ms Lim Hern Yeen Assistant Honorary lim-hern-yeen Senior Audit Executive, Group Internal Audit, Auditor 1 @ambankgroup.com AmBank (M) Berhad AmBank – Group Shared Services 11 Encik Haseran Jawan Vice President haseran-jawan Manager, Group Corporate Communications @ambankgroup.com & Marketing, AmBank Group 12 Encik Ruslan Kassim Exco Member ruslan-kasim Executive, Branch Support, AmBank (M) Berhad @ambankgroup.com 13 Encik Suhaimi Mohd Salleh Exco Member suhaimi-salleh Senior Executive, IT DC Ops, Group IT, @ambankgroup.com AmBank (M) Berhad 14 Encik Aminuddin Hassan Exco Member aminuddin-hassan Executive, Admin Dept, AmBank (M) Berhad @ambankgroup.com 15 Encik Faizal Nor Abd Latib Exco Member faizal-nor Senior Clerk, CAD – LOP, AmBank (M) Berhad @ambankgroup.com Wholesale Banking Coverage 16 Encik Rozaini Idris Vice President rozaini-idris Vice President, Wholesale Banking Coverage, GLC @ambankgroup.com 17 Cik Yasmin Binti Yama Exco Member yasmin-yama2 Clerk, Wholesale Banking Coverage, Corporate Banking @ambankgroup.com 18 Encik Nor Effendy Mohd Diah Exco Member effendy-diah Senior Exec, Group Loan Rehab @ambankgroup.com Wholesale Banking Products 19 Encik Zairulnizad Shahrim Vice President [email protected] Vice President, Investment Solutions – Islamic, Wholesale Banking Products, AmIslamic Funds Mgmt Sdn Bhd 20 Encik Bashier Baba Exco Member [email protected] Senior Clerk, Corporate Finance, Wholesale Banking – Product, AmInvestment Bank Berhad 21 Encik Rafeez Musa Exco Member rafeez-musa Clerk, Broking, Wholesale Banking – Product, @ambankgroup.com AmInvestment Bank Berhad 33

Syed Anuar Syed Ali (third from right) overseeing the discussion.

Announcement of New Kelab AmBank Group (KAG)’s Office Bearers for 2016–2018 At the recent Kelab AmBank Group (KAG) Annual General Meeting (AGM), the new Office Bearers for year 2016–2018 were elected and the Office Bearers are as follows:

No Name Post Email LOB AmBank – Retail Banking 22 Encik Shahrul Hisham Mohd Tahir Vice President shahrul-hisham Vice President, Auto Finance, AmBank (M) Berhad @ambankgroup.com 23 Encik Syirzan Fuad Md Taib Exco Member [email protected] Assistant Manager, Retail Collection, AmBank (M) Berhad 24 Encik Osman Elias Exco Member [email protected] Senior Clerk, Retail Collection, AmBank (M) Berhad 25 Encik Irwan Shah Hasbullah Exco Member irwan-hasbullah Assistant Manager Reconciliation, Cards Operations, @ambankgroup.com AmCards Services Berhad 26 Vacant Exco Member (AmBank Islamic) AmMetLife Insurance 27 Puan Siti Yusmawati Mohd Yusoh Vice President yusmawati-yusoh Manager Reporting, Investment Management, @ammetlife.com AmMetLife Insurance 28 Encik Mohd Azizul Abdul Malek Exco Member [email protected] Senior Clerk, Operations, AmMetLife Insurance 29 Puan Sharifah Sharmila Syed Zin Exco Member [email protected] Secretary, Actuarial, AmMetLife Insurance AmGeneral Insurance 30 Puan Norbiha Abdul Rahman Vice President norbiha-rahman Assistant Manager, Strategic Planning, Performance @amgeneralinsurance.com Reporting & Analysis Agency Distribution, AmGeneral Insurance 31 Encik Brad @ Muhammad Isnin Exco Member muhammad-isnin Assistant Manager, TPPD Support Claims, @amgeneralinsurance.com AmGeneral Insurance 32 Encik Mohd Muharen Mohd Yusof Exco Member muharen-yusof Executive, BI Claims, Claims, @amgeneralinsurance.com AmGeneral Insurance 33 Encik Muhammad Nasyar Abdul Exco Member nasyar-rahman Senior Executive, TPPD Claims, Rahman @amgeneralinsurance.com AmGeneral Insurance 34 Puan Mona Afniza Rashidah Taufek Exco Member mona-taufek Senior Executive, Agency Admin, Agency Services @amgeneralinsurance.com & Ops Support, AmGeneral Insurance AmMetLife Takaful 35 Encik Shahamir Fariz Shahul Hamid Vice President [email protected] Head Of Distribution Support, Distribution & Business Development, AmMetLife Takaful Group Corporate Communications & Marketing (GCCM) 36 Encik Mohamed Radzi Mohamed Ali Exco Member [email protected] Assistant Manager, Event & Sponsorship, Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, AmBank Group 37 Puan Nur Dalila Abu Bakir Exco Member [email protected] Senior Executive, Corporate Social Responsibility, Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, AmBank Group IT Coordinator 38 Puan Harma Rabihah Kahar IT Coordinator rabihah-kahar Senior Executive, Integrated Marketing, @ambankgroup.com Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, AmBank Group Human Resources Representative 39 Encik Mohamad Syafarin Abdul Gani Human Resources syafarin-ghani Senior Executive, Recruitment, Representative @ambankgroup.com Group Human Resources, AmBank (M) Berhad KEPPA Representative 40 Encik Mohammad Hazri Kasbi KEPPA Representative [email protected] Senior Clerk, Retail Collections, AmBank (M) Berhad 34

Abdul Ghani Ahmad paintings gallery Measurement: W27cmxL18cm Medium:Watercolour Title: AlamSemulajadi1 preserve ourtraditionandheritageforfuture generations. Malay culture. Hebelievesthatpaintingisoneofthebestwaysto started beingactiveinwatercolours since1986.Mostofhisworksare influencedby nature and who hasrisenfrom astreet artist.Hisworksreceivedrecognition. manylocalandinternational He Born in1945from Born Kedah,AbdulGhaniAhmadisaself-taughtMalaysianartist Measurement: W27cmxL18cm Medium: Watercolour Title: JambatanKayu camel collection 35

 Stylised fibreglass silver camel with two humps mounted on a black lacquer platform purchased from a local home décor store.

Size: 58cm (H) x 44cm (L)

Location: Tan Sri Azman Hashim’s Guest Room Bangunan AmBank Group Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur