Latest news with #KenyalangCard
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Affin Bank's hornbill blunder a serious misrepresentation of Sarawak's identity, says Pending rep
Yong pointed out that the Great Hornbill is not native to Sarawak and cited local zoologist Jason Teo, who confirmed the bird depicted is indeed the wrong species. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 21): Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong insisted she was not making a mountain out of a molehill over Affin Bank's depiction of the wrong hornbill on its Kenyalang Card, calling it a serious misrepresentation of Sarawak's identity. Speaking during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, she criticised the bank for featuring the Great Hornbill instead of the Rhinoceros Hornbill – Sarawak's official state bird – on a card launched by the Premier and marketed exclusively for Sarawakians. 'This is not a trivial issue – it distorts Sarawak's heritage and is an insult to our people,' she said. Yong pointed out that the Great Hornbill is not native to Sarawak and cited local zoologist Jason Teo, who confirmed the bird depicted is indeed the wrong species. She further revealed that the image used was not custom-designed, but lifted from a stock photo website without any Sarawakian input or cultural consideration. 'Affin Bank claiming it as a 'creative tribute' is misleading and disrespectful,' she said. Adding on, Yong criticised the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders for staying silent, saying their lack of response reflects a disconnect from Sarawakian values. She also took aim at Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng for making personal attacks rather than addressing the core issue. In view of this, she urged the Sarawak government to use its 31.25 per cent stake in Affin Bank to withdraw the current card and redesign it with the correct hornbill. 'They have made profits, so don't tell us there is no budget to fix this,' she said. Having said that, Yong expressed sympathy for the Sarawak Tourism Board, saying the misstep undermines years of work to promote Sarawak's identity. She also criticised Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim for dismissing the matter, calling his remarks 'damaging and tone-deaf'. 'I wouldn't have raised this issue if the card hadn't been marketed as a symbol of Sarawak pride – but it was,' she said, warning that leaving the error uncorrected could confuse future generations about the state's iconic bird. Yong concluded by calling for immediate correction and a formal apology, adding that the dignity of Sarawak's identity must be upheld without compromise. Afffin Bank DUN hornbill kenyalang violet yong
Malaysiakini
20-05-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
For Sarawakians, the right hornbill matters
COMMENT | In Sarawak, the hornbill isn't just a bird - it's an emblem of the soul. It soars in their myths, crowns their state crest, and gives the land of the Dayaks their moniker: Bumi Kenyalang - Land of the Hornbills. So when Affin Bank Berhad rolled out its new Kenyalang Card, claiming it was a tribute to Sarawak's identity, one would assume they knew what bird they were featuring. They didn't. Instead of the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), which is the official state bird of Sarawak, the card showcases the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) - a non-native species. That's not just a design error. That's a failure of cultural due diligence.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abd Karim: Criticism over Affin Bank hornbill gaffe blown out of proportion
Abdul Karim speaks to reporters when met at the DUN Complex. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 19) Criticism over the 'wrong' hornbill species used on the Affin Bank's Kenyalang Card is a non-issue blown out of proportion, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the depiction of the hornbill on the card should not be turned into a controversy, adding that the focus should be on the positive intention behind the design. 'That should not have been made into an issue, because there are so many varieties of the hornbill. The intention was to have a hornbill as part of the card's design and I think what they have done is something good,' he told reporters at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today. He thus dismissed the distinction as insignificant, arguing that people should not be narrow-minded, and questioned whether it must specifically be 'this hornbill or that hornbill'. He also opined there was no need to change the logo or design, as the symbolic association with Sarawak remained intact. 'Does the mascot need to look exactly like a real hornbill? The moment someone sees it, it's recognisable as a '(burung) kenyalang', which is synonymous with Sarawak. 'Personally, I view this as an overreaction—making a mountain out of a molehill. Whether the hornbill horn (casque) is going up or going down, that's not an issue. When you see the bird, you know it's a hornbill. So, what's the issue there? 'I believe Affin has good intentions. Why create all these very petty issues and turn them into something big? There are many other issues that can be raised, such as issues that matter to the people—not issues related to a bank card and the hornbill,' he said. He further compared the situation to the many types of common birds, such as the 'burung pipit', which is a local term for small sparrow-like birds, pointing out that just as there were various species of these, the same applied to hornbills. Apart from that, it was his understanding the card was only issued in Sarawak and meant to reflect the state, saying the government saw no pressing need for any correction or apology from Affin Bank. Abdul Karim was responding to recent remarks made by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who had criticised Affin Bank for using the image of the Great Hornbill on a card meant to represent Sarawak. Yong described it as a 'cultural misrepresentation', noting that the Great Hornbill was not native to the state and differed from the Rhinoceros Hornbill, or 'Burung Kenyalang', which is Sarawak's state bird. Abdul Karim Affin Bank Kenyalang Card lead
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Affin Bank says bank card's artistic design a ‘symbolic creation' inspired by Sarawak coat of arms, Ibu Pertiwi flag
Affin Bank has clarified that the card's design was inspired by the Jata Negeri. KUCHING (May 19): The design of the Kenyalang Card is a 'symbolic creation' inspired by Sarawak's Jata Negeri (Coat of Arms) as well as the state flag Ibu Pertiwi, said Affin Bank Berhad. In a statement today, the bank said the artistic adaptation seeks to symbolise the spirit and unity of Sarawak. 'The design featured is a symbolic creation, thoughtfully blending elements of Jata Negeri as a tribute to Sarawak's rich cultural legacy,' said Affin Bank. 'Inspired by the Jata Negeri Sarawak, the Kenyalang Card stands as a proud symbol of strength, heritage, and identity, reflected in its bold black and white design.' In an infographic shared on Facebook, the bank said the card's colour palette of black, white, and yellow gold 'mirrors the state flag, blending modern elegance with traditional values'. According to the bank, to harmonise the bold black background of the card, yellow gold stripes were incorporated as a visual adaptation of the hornbill's graceful wings, adding contrast and balance to the design. 'The artistic motifs are influenced by Sarawak's rich cultural artistry, paying homage to its legacy while embracing a contemporary aesthetic,' said the bank. The bank also said that the design is rooted in culture and inspired by legacy, as a tribute to tradition through contemporary design. Affin Bank thanked the public for their support and interest in the Kenyalang Card. 'Our priority is to ensure that our creativity and designs genuinely reflect what matters to the communities we serve. 'Your feedback guides us, and we remain committed to celebrating Sarawak with authenticity, pride, and respect,' said the bank. The card's design has come under fire from Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who stated during a Democratic Action Party fundraiser last week that the hornbill used is not the Rhinoceros Hornbill, which is the state bird. Yong claimed that the card actually features a Great Hornbill, which is not found in Sarawak. Affin Bank Bhd ibu pertiwi Jata Negeri Kenyalang Card lead
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Icom branch, new card testament to Affin's focus on Sarawak
Uggah (middle), Wan Razly (left) and other officials during the launch of the Icom Square branch. KUCHING (April 27): The launch of its Icom Square outlet, coupled with the introduction of its Sarawak-specific banking product, underscores Affin Bank's commitment to empowering the state's financial ecosystem. According to Affin Bank chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali, the launch of its eighth branch in Icom Square signifies Affin's commitment to strengthening its presence in East Malaysia and advancing its blue footprint across Sarawak. 'The selection of the Affin Icom Square branch is a strategic move to tap into Sarawak's strong economic momentum, growing population, and central location in Kuching. 'With excellent connectivity via Jalan Pending and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, the branch offers direct access to high-potential business and expansion opportunities. 'Building on this strategic advantage, the Affin Icon Square branch is now fully equipped to offer a dynamic range of financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses, SMEs, and the broader community. 'We believe this positioning will enable us to better serve the community and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak's continued growth,' he said during the officiation ceremony of the branch today. The branch was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, representing the Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Wan Razly also commented on Affin's latest product, the Affin Kenyalang Card, which will be officially launched by the Premier tonight. 'Inspired by the majestic hornbill, the Kenyalang Card embodies strength, pride, and the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak. Making it more than just a card, it is a powerful symbol of identity and aspiration,' he added. 'The Affin Kenyalang Card is available to residents and non-residents with a valid Sarawak address. All Sarawakian IC holders with a 'K' or individuals aged 18 years and above are eligible.' Earlier this year, the Affin Bank CEO unveiled the bank's plans to expand the number of its outlets in Sarawak to 14 by July, in addition to expanding its products and services. He noted that Affin Bank s loans in Sarawak grew by 10 per cent in 2024 to RM3.2 billion and it aims to achieve a 12 per cent growth for 2025. Affin Bank is set on expanding its offerings in the state after the Sarawak Government became its largest shareholder with a 31.25 per cent stake following the completion of a deal with Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera to acquire 165.05 million shares or 6.87 per cent in the bank. The Sarawak Premier previously said Sarawak s decision to invest in Affin was driven by the need to take a strategic step to create a financial platform and synergy with a sound and competent bank, which was essential for the state to elevate its economic potential. Affin Bank iCom Square lead
