The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak today made a historic visit to Menara Maybank to celebrate the Bank’s 50th anniversary with its employees.
The Prime Minister arrived to a rousing welcome by hundreds of Maybankers, some dressed in traditional attire, reflecting the 1Maybank family which through its rich diversity and unity is indeed a microcosm of 1Malaysia. He was met upon arrival by the Chairman of Maybank, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor and President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar. He then had a briefing attended by members of the Maybank Board and Senior Management.
In line with the Prime Minister’s people-first leadership style, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib later held a dialogue session with over 2,000 Maybankers and shared his views on various topics, including his vision for the country. He also took time to answer questions from Maybankers which ranged from the New Economic Model, the 1 Malaysia concept, his aspiration for the banking industry and his hopes for the country.
The Prime Minister also signed a plaque to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Maybank and his visit to Menara Maybank. At the event, he also unveiled the prototype of a 1Malaysia Sculpture specially commissioned by Maybank to symbolise the diversity of Malaysia and reaffirm the Group’s support for 1Malaysia and its commitment to national unity, harmony and progress. The sculpture, created by renowned local artist Yusof Ghani, will be constructed and placed in the grounds of Maybank in September in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration and Malaysia Day.
Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin said the visit to Menara Maybank by the Prime Minister was especially meaningful to all employees. “Maybank was incorporated on 31 May 1960 and to have the Prime Minister celebrate our 50th anniversary on the day of incorporation has brought special meaning to all of us,” he said.
“Maybank has over the years, grown to become Malaysia’s leading financial services group in the region. We have stood the test of time and have enjoyed tremendous support from our customers, employees and other stakeholders who have made us what we are today. Our 50th anniversary celebrations have been themed ‘Close to You’ to reflect the close relationship we have enjoyed with these groups over the years,” he said.
Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar meanwhile said, “The visit by the Prime Minister reflects the recognition he has given to Maybank which has played a strong role in contributing to the development of the country since we were first established. I believe that his presence at our head office on the date of our incorporation as a local bank will serve as a source of inspiration to all our employees wherever they serve in the region, to ensure that we remain Malaysia’s financial flag bearer internationally”.
“Our aspiration is to be among the top 5 banking groups in South/South East Asia by 2015. With the continued support of the government, all our stakeholders, and the continued economic prosperity of our country and region, I believe that this vision will become a reality and contribute to Malaysia’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2020,” he added.