Kuala Lumpur, 20 May 2024 — The Malaysian financial services industry is on the precipice of another significant transformation shaped by rapid technological advancements, growing adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), and a sustained focus on responsible banking, all of which will undoubtedly have a profound and transformative impact on the future of banking. The opportunities afforded to local and regional financial institutions by advancing AI maturity and promoting green banking are immense, yet harnessing their full potential requires placing talents at the core of every organisational strategy.
Cognisant of the urgent need to equip bankers in Malaysia with future-proof knowledge and skills, the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) has consistently emphasised the importance of lifelong learning in the banking workforce through the pursuit of its professional banking education programmes, especially its flagship qualification, the Chartered Banker. A globally recognised professional banking qualification, the Chartered Banker is designed to cultivate global talents with the competence and capabilities to support financial institutions in their aspirations to achieve their net-zero goals and revolutionise the banking landscape in the new age of AI.
The Institute recently held its 7th Chartered Banker Conferment ceremony to honour and recognise the importance of professional education for the banking industry. This year, over 100 individuals were conferred the Fellow Chartered Banker and Chartered Banker statuses. The ceremony also recognised over 230 members who have attained the Associate Chartered Banker status.
Bank Negara Malaysia Deputy Governor Adnan Zaylani said, “Today’s conferment ceremony marks a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that resides within each individual and the pivotal role that organisations like AICB champion in nurturing and harnessing such potential. As we celebrate the accomplishments of those being honoured today, let us carry on this pursuit of human capital development in nurturing and shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for the next generation of banking professionals. This journey is multifaceted and can only be achieved via the collaborative efforts of all gathered here today.”
AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said: “As the financial sector continuously evolves, presenting new complexities and uncertainties, the role of Chartered Bankers has never been more critical. Their expertise, ethical conduct and ability to adapt to these changes in the digital age will set them apart as leaders and will be instrumental in fostering trust and confidence in the Malaysian banking industry and beyond, which are essential elements for sustainable growth and prosperity.
“The banking workforce must strengthen their resilience, adaptability and capabilities to prepare for the future of banking, AI and beyond. By building the Chartered Banker fraternity, AICB continues to fulfil its mandate of professionalising the Malaysian banking industry, nurturing a sustainable talent pool of professionals who are equipped with extensive, detailed and critical knowledge of the banking sector and capable of supporting the industry’s transformation to one that is sustainable, inclusive, and powered by AI,” he added.
AICB Chief Executive Edward Ling said: “To date, over 37,500 AICB members have graduated with various AICB qualifications. As the sole professional body for bankers in Malaysia, AICB is committed to strengthening the competence of bankers through our suite of professional qualifications, specifically the Chartered Banker programme, the Certificate in Climate Risk, and new soon-to-be-launched certifications on green and sustainable finance, responsible banking, climate change, digital and AI. Together with our insightful thought leadership initiatives, we aim to nurture a sustainable pipeline of well-rounded, world-class bankers with future-proof technical capabilities and a visionary mindset that prioritises social equity and environmental integrity.”
In July 2024, AICB will launch the Future Skills Framework (FSF), a pivotal resource in promoting skills mastery and ongoing learning. Conceived as a key component of the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022–2026 introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in January 2022, the development of the FSF — led by AICB in collaboration with the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) and the Malaysian Insurance Institute (MII) — signifies a concerted initiative to foster a more future-ready workforce, raise the bar on professional excellence and advance the growth and excellence of the financial industry in Malaysia.
Chartered Banker Institute President Steve Pateman said: “As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2025, it is wonderful to celebrate this special occasion with more than 800 Chartered Bankers and Fellow Chartered Bankers in Malaysia, and our colleagues at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB). There is a long-standing and close relationship between our two institutes, based on our common understanding of the importance of developing and sustaining customer-focused, ethically professional banking through the education and training of bankers to meet the global gold standard of Chartered Banker status.”
Four distinguished banking leaders who have contributed extensively to the betterment of AICB and the banking and finance sector were conferred the Fellow Chartered Banker status: Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad; Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Managing Director, Khazanah Nasional Berhad; Dato’ John Chong Eng Chuan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking, Malayan Banking Berhad; and Mr Angus Salim Salleh Amran, Group Treasurer, RHB Bank Berhad.
There are now over 800 AICB members who have joined the guild of Chartered Bankers in Malaysia. The Chartered Banker status is jointly awarded by AICB and the Chartered Banker Institute, UK.
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About Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers
The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) is the sole professional body for Malaysia’s banking industry. We are governed by a council of representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), and the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA). With over 35,000 members and growing, we aim to elevate professional and ethical standards in banking by creating a workforce with the highest standards of professional conduct, knowledge and competence.
AICB is the only institute in Southeast Asia that is authorised by the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, to award the Chartered Banker status. We engage with industry experts to ensure that our suite of qualifications remains relevant and future-proof, equipping bankers with the requisite skills and values to keep pace with the fast-evolving banking environment. The Institute continues to support the growth of our members through innovative learning and by advocating professionalism, advancing thought leadership, and facilitating networking opportunities.
For more information on AICB, please visit www.aicb.org.my
