AICB to build centre of excellence in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) will build A Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Bukit Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, with a construction cost of RM150 million.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the 331,000 sq ft centre was officiated by Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz last Friday. Zeti declined to speak to the media, but informed them that a press conference will be held next month.
AICB and Asian Banking School (ABS) chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said the cost will be financed through a staff training fund, which stands at over RM300 million. ACE will be completed in the third quarter of 2018.
Azman said ACE will provide a platform for the diverse communities in the financial services industry to interact and develop the finest examples of best practices, including opportunities for key stakeholders to network and collaborate with each other.
The centre will synergise the existing 10 affiliate institutes under one umbrella and develop a shared services concept to bring about economies of scale while improving information dissemination among members to enhance the capability of the financial services industry in Malaysia. The affiliate institutes include ABS, AICB, Asian Institute of Finance, Malaysian Insurance Institute, The Iclif Leadership and Governance Centre, to name a few.
ACE is estimated to accommodate a total of 145,000 participants in the first year.
On another note, Azman, who is the chairman of AmBank Group, said the 5% economic growth for 2015 is respectable considering falling crude oil prices and uncertainties in the global economy.
He believes the 4% to 4.5% growth target for 2016 is achievable on the back of the country’s diversified economy. “Private consumption is still strong and the banking sector is liquid.” he said.