When flying an aircraft, the most difficult manoeuvre is a short-field landing. That is when the landing strip is shorter than usual and the pilot’s true ability is put to the test. If you flare too fast, the aircraft drops abruptly; too slow, then you land hard or flat; misjudge the distance and you run out of runway.

But when you get it just right, even the toughest landing feels like auto cruise. That’s when you know you’re in the zone.

In many ways, this experience mirrors that of the modern banker – where every day is a short-field landing. While we can’t change the realities of this industry, we can change our approach to its stressors, and if we get the formula right today, there’s a good chance the future finds its own soft landing.

This is the impetus behind the AICB’s inaugural Malaysian Banking Conference 2022, with its special focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and our 500-strong delegation tackled the tough questions in order to steer the banking sector and nation forward in its ESG goals. Finance, with its potential to set the sustainability agenda by directing capital towards net-zero aspirations, is a critical component in realising a greener and better future for all. Given its important contributions to environmental sustainability and financial inclusion – through the Joint Committee on Climate Change, the ASEAN Green Taxonomy, and more – Malaysia is assured of its seat at the table, however, it also means we have a greater duty of care.

I also reflect on this year’s International Conference on Financial Crime and Terrorism Financing and my personal, intense discussions with members on what keeps them up at night. It reminds me of the clarion call by Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, whose keynote address called for vigilance in the ever-expanding borders of crime: “We are now at a new frontier of compliance. The fight against financial crimes is one fought on multiple fronts and the chain is only as strong as the weakest link.”

“Our success requires all parties; the private sector, regulators, law enforcement agencies and other government bodies, and consumers alike, to do their part – to adapt to these new threats, to transform themselves to deal with these challenges, and to collaborate to safeguard the integrity of our country’s financial system.”

The flagship publication of the AICB, Banking Insight, is a key resource for our members. In this December 2022 collection, our feature articles reflect matters that are at the forefront of an increasingly complex and interconnected world. From ‘soft’ issues such as honouring moral codes and Empathetic Banking to regulatory guidance on artificial intelligence and quantum hacking, the subjects are as diverse as the skills needed to navigate the terrain.

As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, mastering the touchdown is constant work in progress – and I believe the professionalisation of banking demands the same. For 2023, let’s resolve to get in the zone, and get more things right.

The Editor