Kuching: As Sarawak charts a bold course toward becoming a high-income and innovation-led economy by 2030, financial institutions must do more than just manage capital, said State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Uggah emphasized the need for financial institutions to unlock this high-income and innovation-led economy with intelligence, equity, and a clear commitment to sustainable development. He highlighted the crucial role of a robust financial system in a thriving economy, pointing to Affin's integrated structure, which combines Affin Bank, Affin Islamic, and Affin Hwang Investment Bank, as a seamless platform for individuals, businesses, and investors.
Uggah noted the importance of Affin's support for SMEs, green financing, and digital solutions tailored to Sarawak's regional context. He recognized Affin's role as a capital partner in the state's strategic transformation, capable of backing catalytic infrastructure to power Sarawak's next growth frontier. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Affin Icom Square branch, he stressed that SMEs are key contributors to the state's GDP, creating jobs, driving local innovation, and serving as the primary engine of inclusive growth.
To unlock the full potential of SMEs, Uggah called for an environment where local enterprises can thrive through better access to financing, business support services, and digital capabilities. He praised Affin for playing a key role in this ecosystem by facilitating access to working capital, trade finance, and enabling operational efficiency and digitalization to meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
Uggah underscored that Affin's efforts go beyond providing products, reflecting its commitment to building real value by empowering local businesses to compete, scale, and lead. He emphasized that the strength of a region is not only reflected in the amount of domestic and foreign direct investment it attracts but also in how well it enables homegrown businesses to thrive.
He concluded by stating that financial institutions must be responsive, locally attuned, and digitally enabled, providing broader access to capital and advisory services while embracing forward-looking approaches that accelerate long-term socio-economic growth.