BIMB Integrated Annual Report 2017

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS We have also intensified our commitment to social finance and community upliftment initiatives in reaching out to underserved communities. The Group’s annual zakat (business tithes) payments for the year, as contributed by Bank Islam and Takaful Malaysia, has also increased to RM13.2 million in line with our robust 2017 performance. This is over and beyond our outreach programmes in which our management and employees volunteer their time and physical effort to uplift the lives of the underprivileged as well as to protect and preserve the environment. Prioritising Talent Enrichment has seen us developing more training and career opportunities for our people through continued investment in capacity and capability building (not only to staff but to the industry as well). The year presented more certification opportunities for Group staff through programmes with Malaysia Institute of Accountants (“MIA”) as well as continued participation in the INSEAD programme. We also play a role in accelerating the development of Bumiputera Professional Acountants by supporting Malaysia Professional Accountancy Center (“ My PAC”) initiatives. In spearheading Islamic Finance & Knowledge-Sharing we fortify our foundation and obligation to the industry. One such initiative in 2017, was our contribution to the publication of the MIA Islamic Finance Textbook in collaboration with Malaysian Accountancy Research and Education Foundation (“MAREF”) on the application of International Financial Reporting Standards for Islamic financial transactions. Finally, by activating Ethical Practice & Reporting we keep a check and balance on whether we are doing the right thing for all our stakeholders. These core pillars will continue to help BHB achieve our performance goals. At the same time, the Board will stay guided by these pillars to fulfil our financial goals and regulatory obligations as well as meet the needs of its stakeholders. More details on our Material Matters are available in the Value Creation section of this Integrated Annual Report. It has been my pleasure to serve BHB and its Board for the past 10 years, and I thank all those who have served with me for their unwavering dedication and commitment through the years. Our new Chairman, Tan Sri Haji Ambrin Buang will now address you on matters moving forward for the Group. Thank you, TAN SRI SAMSUDIN OSMAN Chairman (retired w.e.f. 31 January 2018) ADDRESS BY TAN SRI HAJI AMBRIN BUANG My warmest greetings to all Shareholders. Since 2007, former Chairman Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, who retired on 31 January 2018; and former GCEO of BHB and MD of Bank Islam Dato’ Sri Zukri Samat have headed the team that catalysed BHB and Bank Islam’s successful transformation and series of pioneering milestones thereafter. As the Chairman, Tan Sri Samsudin Osman has ably steered the company to be recognised as Malaysia’s first and only Islamic FHC. I am truly honoured to have been chosen to continue building on this legacy. Towards this end, the Group is uplifting its reporting practices and has advanced further into integrated reporting for this year. Leveraging on our progress in sustainability reporting, this year the Board and management team have set the tone and direction for greater transparency and disclosure, stakeholder 26 BIMB HOLDINGS BERHAD Integrated Annual Report 2017