LAUNCHING: Abang Johari (centre), flanked by Hamad (left) and Bujang Nor, launching the new ASNB Kuching branch at the Al-Idrus Commercial Centre, Jalan Kulas yesterday. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa
KUCHING: Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), a subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), remains the premier choice for Sarawakians till today because it provides an avenue to save and invest.
Since opening its first Kuching branch in 1981, it has also proven itself to have a strong footing in Sarawak through its four branches and 134 agents state-wide.
“Besides looking for new investors, ASNB has also taken a proactive approach to continuously educate the public to become wise and knowledgeable investors,” said Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the official launch of ASNB Kuching new branch at the Al-Idrus Commercial Centre, Jalan Kulas here yesterday.
His speech was read by Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
On the new branch, Taib said it would benefit some 700,000 residents of Kuching as they would be able to directly invest in unit trust funds or become indirect investors in major companies.
“Today, urban and rural folks are able to invest in schemes such as ASN, ASB, ASW2020 and AS1Malaysia. In other words, the wealth of our country can be shared through investments within the trust fund units,” said Taib.
Taib also highlighted that ASNB is a risk-adverse investment due to its fixed unit price regardless of the fluctuation in share market.
“Starting from RM1 or one unit, investors from the low income group will not feel the burden,” said Taib.
Meanwhile, Taib also said Sarawak was rich in natural resources such as gas, petroleum, timber and palm oil, backed by tourism activities.
“Sarawak has this huge potential to grow which will contribute greatly to its economy and improve the income of the citizens in tandem with or above the nation’s income capita,” said Taib.
He said through the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), focus would be given to 10 major industries dealing in petroleum, aluminium, steel, glass, tourism, palm oil, wood based products, aquaculture, livestock and marine engineering.
This, he said, would provide 1.5 million job opportunities that would ultimately upgrade the standard of living and income of the people.
“As we move towards this direction, what is the point of earning high salaries if the people do not have the proper skills to manage their own finance for them and their families,” said Taib.
Taib assured that the state government would continue to give full support to PNB and ASNB by encouraging more educational activities on investments.
Also at the launch were PNB president and CEO Tan Sri Dato Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman, PNB Board of Directors member Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Nor, Semariang state assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and Kuching North commissioner Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai.