The beginning of EVERYTHING

Last Tuesday we had an event - the signing of MOU between the bank and a system provider. The bank will have its own Internet Banking services soon. This is indeed an impressive milestone for the bank. Well maybe to some other commercial banks, this is 'peanuts'. But being a bank that carries the mandate of the government, it has a significant weight.

The systems will be put in place, the infra will be further developed and enhanced so as the tools... they will be upgraded in order to give the 'best' to the customers. Insyallah by first quarter of 2010 the service can be accessed.

Frankly, when I was interviewed by JKK Director in 2007 (before officially joining the bank), I did ask as to whether the bank will embark on its internet banking services. The answer that time was "not at the moment'. Reason being, the bank's composition of customers is unique. The school children conquers the major share while govt servants and pensioners comes second. There is a 'missing link' between the school children and the govt servant/ pensioners. Where have the young executives gone to? The bank's financial record for the past few years was not good. From what I understand the bank went thru its austerity drive period in order to put the Bank in a 'stable' situation. And of coz during this 'drive', the staff 'starved' for salary increment, perks and other benefits as well. But it was not too long after that, when the bank announced its profit after being in red book for quite some time. The salary was revised and perks as well as benefits were reviewed.

So I must say that the bank did well (it would be unjust to compare the bank with other commercial banks in terms of financial achievement). We are different... we have our mandated roles. We make sure our presence in remote areas ... where the aim is to provide banking accessibility for the community (even though it means that we might operate the branch at loss). Do other banks do that? Do other banks care for those people who live at the river banks like Song, Sarawak? I am proud to say that we do care!!!

We might be one of the banks that is last in the list to have our internet banking. But I believe it is a worth long wait.. We understand our customers' needs, build their confidence, capture their interests and now the 'missing link' is visible ... It has a clear line now and the 'long lost audience' is gradually growing ...

I hope the service will accelerate the bank's performance in terms of delivering its social mandate and of coz contributing to a significant growth in its financial book. Kudos to those who has involved himself/herself directly to the better performance of the bank. But perhaps a gentle reminder to all inviolved including myself.. This is not the end, but this is the beginning of everything! Looks like we have to work and strive harder.

As for me, like in other organizations that I've worked for, I'm giving my best and I do hope this would be my last station...