BIMB Integrated Annual Report 2019

PROGRESSING WITH OUR PEOPLE AND OUR COMMUNITY At BHB, we believe that we have a duty that goes beyond fiduciary obligations. We are guided by our Key Priorities and the VBI to drive Islamic finance to its next level of growth through actions that generate positive sustainable impact and value creation to the economy, community and the environment. We continuously invest in human capital and empower them so that they, in turn, can help make a significant impact towards building a sustainable business for inclusive growth. Part of this commitment also determines that we serve the community in which we operate in, guiding and building them up as well, so that together, all can participate in shared prosperity. One of the ways in which we approach this is through the SME Development Programme driven by Bank Islam that aims to empower the SME community with the skills and knowledge that are vital in improving their bankability and hone their competitiveness, especially in facing the challenging economic environment. The training programme involves comprehensive and structured modules that include digitalisation, basic accounting, charting growth, human resource, branding and marketing, financial management and governance to empower entrepreneurs to become more entrepreneurial and capitalise on opportunities for self-development, so that they can be in a position to contribute to the well-being of themselves, their families, their community and the country. With the help of technology and the development of digitally- enabled financial services, Islamic finance is able to expand its reach to the underserved populations and increase financial inclusion. Through Bank Islam’s mobile application Go and Takaful Malaysia’s affordable online medical, term and accident coverage plans under Takaful my Click MediCare, Takaful my Click Term and Takaful my Click PA respectively, access to financial services are made more expandable and reachable to a wider segment of customers. At Bank Islam, our Zakat fund continues to underpin our contribution to the community. For the year in review, the Bank collectively contributed more than RM3.5 million in Zakat for the betterment of our community, making a positive impact on more than 11,000 beneficiaries. Notable efforts for the year included building and repairing 14 homes for underprivileged communities in Sabah under Projek Bantuan Rumah as well as our annual Hari AMAL , which is a nationwide Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) programme helmed by Bank Islam volunteers. Over 900 Bank Islam employees nationwide participated in community and environment initiatives at 15 locations across the country. We also helped 736 students with the necessary school supplies including bags, stationaries and uniforms under our annual Jom Ke Sekolah programme. LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS We believe in providing our deserving communities support and enablement so that they in turn, can be empowered to live a better life and capitalise on opportunities. Over the years, we collaborated with Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (“AIM”) on the AMAL Musa’adah programme that equips the underserved with the necessary means to earn a living. In 2019, we provided 56 beneficiaries with the relevant equipment and means to own their own business and become entrepreneurs. Environmental causes were also a priority in our community contribution efforts. The AMAL untuk Alam initiative was kicked-off in 2019 with the aim of strengthening our contribution to the protection of natural environment and promotion of bio- diversity. Efforts such as these can only be appreciated for its sustainable impact when educative and awareness elements are experienced by the people taking part in these initiatives. At the Bank, employees were educated on the adverse impact of e-waste on the environment and were encouraged to recycle their unwanted electronic products and devices such as batteries and charging cable in a responsible manner at Menara Bank Islam. We also embarked on efforts to raise environment pollution awareness by inviting the public as well as university students and partners such as Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (“SWCorp”) to participate in a beach-plogging activity and help beautify the area at Pantai Sepat and Pantai Balok, Kuantan, Pahang. For 2019, Takaful Malaysia carried out various community- based activities and programmes via their CSR umbrella Takaful my Jalinan . Two sub-brands under this CSR umbrella was introduced to further categorise the CSR activities undertaken. The sub-brands are Takaful my Jalinan Kasih which provides monetary assistance to the needy while the Takaful my Jalinan Ilmu complements the work of school teachers by helping students to excel in their studies. Integrated Annual Report 2019 Group Overview Sustaining The Group Management Discussion & Analysis Group Governance 54