The Association of Banks in Malaysia, Bank Negara and SMIDEC to hold first ever Financing Fair Outside Kuala Lumpur on August 17th
SEVERAL MORE FINANCING FAIRS IN THE PIPELINE FOR 2009, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR August 13th - The Association of Banks in Malaysia together with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) will host the first ever Financing Fair held outside Kuala Lumpur on August 17th in Dewan Jubli Intan, Batu Pahat, Johor.
This is an industry-wide initiative designed to propel commercial banks and development finance institutions to foster better ties with population centers outside key urban areas in the country.
Several more Financing Fairs are in the pipeline, to be held in other parts of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak in 2009 and 2010.
The Executive Director of the Association of Banks in Malaysia Chuah Mei Lin, said the town of Batu Pahat was chosen as the maiden venue for the Financing Fair as it is a vibrant township with diverse economic activities in and around the town as well as having strong linkages with the surrounding population centers in Johor.
“The banking community wanted to reach out to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in all corners of Malaysia. This is the primary reason we decided to all come together, not just commercial banks but also the development finance institutions to offer a one day, one-stop advisory center to people in Batu Pahat and the surrounding areas,” she added, hence the theme of the event is apt; “Majlis Beramah Mesra Bank dan Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana - Marilah Meninjau Pilihan Pembiayaan Kewangan Anda Bersama-sama Kami”.
Batu Pahat’s economic activities range from textiles to food manufacturing and timber-related industries. It also enjoys easy accessibility of industries and businesses operating out of the surrounding areas such as Yong Peng, Kluang, Muar and Johor Bahru.
About 19 financial institutions will take part in the Financing Fair. Maybank, Public Bank, CIMB, RHB Bank, EON Bank, AmBank, Hong Leong Bank, Alliance Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered, UOB, OCBC, SME Bank, Agrobank, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Credit Guarantee Corporation, SMIDEC and BNM as well as the Association of Banks have taken up booths at the fair.
SMIDEC, Maybank, Hong Leong Bank, EON Bank and Bank Simpanan Nasional will also offer special talks to businesses on a variety of subjects including export financing, loans application and micro financing. These talks will run concurrently at the same venue, Dewan Jubli Intan.
“The Financing Fair has been designed to enable the banks to better listen and explain the problems encountered by SMEs on a face to face basis and to offer advice and assistance where needed.”
On the following day, Tuesday August 18th, the organizers have arranged for a dialogue session with relevant business organizations to get useful views and perspectives from some of the prominent commercial associations in Johor such as Batu Pahat Chinese Chambers of Commerce, Malay Contractors Association Malaysia, Malaysian Timber Council, SMI Association of Johor, SME Association of South Johor as well as the Johor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
About The Association of Banks in Malaysia
The Association of Banks in Malaysia was formed in November 1973 with the primary objective of establishing and promoting a sound banking system in Malaysia in cooperation and consultation with Bank Negara Malaysia. Its members comprise the 22 commercial banks that currently operate in Malaysia.
ABM aims to facilitate, and create a conducive banking environment while promoting orderliness, and ethical banking practices. ABM also pursues wide-ranging issues to assist the industry in its efforts to remain competitive. Policies affecting banking infrastructure, interest rates and clearing system, as well as areas on consumer education, risk management, and human resource development are part of the ABM platform. Member banks’ contributions to socio-economic planning and development of the country are some of the issues that form ABM’s agenda. The public can also call a toll-free service called ABMConnect at 1-300-88-9980 for information on banking issues in the country. For more information, visit www.abm.org.my.
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