Card offers superior travel perks & benefits for SME business travellers in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 7th July 2011 - Maybank, Malaysia Airlines and American Express today launched the country’s first airline co-brand business card – the MAS American Express® Business Card – which targets business travelers from more than 540,000 micro, small and mid-sized enterprises (SME).

The card was jointly launched by American Express Executive Vice President, Head of Global Network Services, Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia, Kula Kulendran, Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President Sales Malaysia, Azman Ahmad, and Maybank Deputy President & Head of Community Financial Services, Lim Hong Tat at Menara Maybank.

The MAS American Express® Business Card, available in Platinum and Gold, offers superior travel benefits and rewards, as well as savings and comprehensive financial control. Cardmembers can enjoy a faster Enrich Miles Earn Rate with up to a 100% bonus of Enrich Miles on local spend, in addition to 5% savings on Malaysia Airlines international flights, automatic Enrich Gold or Silver Membership, up to 20% off on purchases with the American Express Business Savings Program, and up to 50 days interest-free on all transactions.

The Business Card enables SME companies to streamline their financial management and enhance their control processes by assigning independent credit limits for each Card issued under the company name. Business spend can be reviewed through a consolidated monthly statement and year end summary of charges facilitating easier reconciliation and for tax assessments purpose.

To celebrate the launch of this new Business Card, cardmembers can receive up to 10,000 Enrich Miles on their first transaction. New cardmembers will also be entered into a lucky draw to win two return business class flights to selected ASEAN destinations.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Azman Ahmad said “Today’s launch marks yet another significant milestone in Malaysia Airlines’ transformational journey towards global excellence as we become the first airline to introduce a co-brand business card in Malaysia. We at Malaysia Airlines are honoured to have partnered with Maybank and American Express, another world-class brand, and are very grateful for the strong support they have shown in rewarding our valued customers.”

Lim Hong Tat, meanwhile said the card combines the best brands of the country namely American Express, MAS and Maybank. “We are pleased to partner with MAS and American Express in introducing the MAS American Express® Business Card which reaffirms our shared commitment in providing premium consumers enhanced payment options,” he said.

“This latest addition to the Maybank family of cards will help boost our leadership in the cards segment and we are targeting to attract 30,000 new members of this card within 3 years,” added Lim.

Lim also said cardmembers can enjoy access to a range of exclusive Maybank privileges such as online access via Maybank2u.com for payment convenience and the other benefits associated with the cards for their travelling.

Kula Kulendran, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Network Services, Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia, American Express International, said, “American Express is a worldwide leader in both airline co-brand cards and commercial cards. We are delighted to partner with “World’s leading Airline to Asia” and the largest financial service group in Malaysia to launch this new Business Card to broaden our relationships with Malaysian business traveler customers. Today’s launch continues American Express’ strong track record of success in developing best-in-class card products as well as re-affirms our commitment to increasing our brand presence and bringing the best card benefits to customers and companies in Malaysia.”

The MAS American Express® Platinum Business Card and the MAS American Express® Gold Business Card are annual fee free for the first year. Details of the product benefits are available at www.americanexpress.com.my/businesscard . Companies can apply for the card by calling 1800 88 9559. Applications are also available from Maybank Bank branches and the Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Lounge.