In 2024, we introduced the Bank Islam Sustainable Finance Transformation Programme at the leadership level. The programme which was developed by the Asian Banking School (ABS) in collaboration with the Institute of Green Finance (IIGF) at the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) in Beijing, China provides our Senior Management with strategic expertise to advance our sustainability agenda and drive effective stewardship. Further strengthening our commitment to global sustainability standards, we became members of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Malaysia and Brunei. This platform allows us to collaborate with like-minded companies and gain insights and best practices on key sustainability topics, including climate action, resource efficiency, diversity, and SME empowerment. These efforts strongly demonstrate our commitment to the planet, sustainability, and making a positive impact in the world. We are excited to continue this journey, understanding that every step we take shapes the future of our bank and contributes to the well-being of our environment and society. HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF OUR PEOPLE As Bank Islam grows and adapts to the changing financial landscape, we recognise that our greatest asset is our talented and dedicated BITIZEN (Bank Islam Citizen). They are central to our success and the driving force behind our achievements. Recognising the importance of being an employer of choice, we have invested considerable time and effort into providing positive and supportive work environments and supporting our employees’ holistic wellness and wellbeing. This is where our Bank Islam Live Well programme, a comprehensive approach that supports BITIZEN’s welfare, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs, comes in. Through purpose-fit initiatives, from peer-to-peer support platforms to Islamic educational webinars, we ensure our employees are empowered to thrive personally and professionally. Complementing this initiative and acknowledging the growing preference for flexible working arrangements, we introduced BITIZone@Cyberjaya, a hybrid workplace, as part of our Flexi Hours policy. Designed as an open format with collaborative space, it enables employees to “hot desk” in a dynamic and creative environment, fostering greater flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. Underscoring its impact, 89% of our BITI-Pulse employee survey respondents cited flexibility and the work environment as key reasons for staying with Bank Islam. To further strengthen our talent proposition and drive the long-term retention of our best employees, we launched the Bank Islam Talent Council in 2024. We strategically assessed and developed pathways for Senior Management successors and emerging leaders identified across the Group. A customised tiered development approach was formulated for each emerging leader, equipping them with the skills and competencies necessary to step into leadership roles in the future. Ultimately, our efforts to nurture, develop, and support our employees align with our business goals and reflect our commitment to being a responsible and ethical bank. We believe sharing prosperity means investing in our people and ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and support needed to realise their full potential. These efforts focus on achieving business success and ensuring that BITIZEN has the chance to develop, contribute, and benefit from our successes. OUTLOOK The economic landscape presents a blend of optimism and caution. On a positive note, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global growth to stabilise at 3.3% over the next two years, while global inflation is expected to decline to 4.2% in 2025 and further to 3.5% in 2026. Malaysia’s economic outlook remains positive. BNM will likely keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) steady at 3.00% throughout 2025. The economy is projected to grow between 4.5% and 5.5% in 2025, supported by sustained domestic demand, business expansion, and the continuation of mega projects. Meanwhile, inflation is expected to rise, ranging from 2.0% to 3.5%, driven by potential inflationary pressures from subsidy rationalisation and external shocks that trade wars and geopolitical risks may cause. Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad ◆ Integrated Annual Report 2024 18 Chairman’s Letter
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