1.0 Introduction

Hong Leong Bank Berhad

Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLB) is one of the largest banking and finance company

that is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur at Malaysia. Hong Leong Bank is a unit of the

Hong Leong Group Malaysia. It operates about 200 branches and sales centre and 16

business centre in its home country. With more than 100 years of banking knowledge

and experience, HLB has a strong market position and a well-recognized business

franchise. HLB is principally engaged in all its aspects of the banking and finance

company businesses which are personal financial services, wholesale banking, Islamic

financial services, electronic banking and the provision of related financial services.

Furthermore, the Bank offers investment banking and private banking. It operates

through its subsidiaries which includes Hong Leong Islamic Bank and Hong Leong

Tokio Marine Takaful. (Hong Leong Bank Berhad, 2007).

The founder of Hong Leong Bank, Mr Lam Ji Chiew began the business in 1905 in

Kuching, Sarawak under the name of Kwong Lee Mortgage & Remittance Company

(Hong Leong Bank, n.d.). In 1934, HLBB was established as Kwong Lee Bank

Limited. After that, Kwong Lee Bank Berhad was acquired by MUI Group in 1982

and renamed as Malaysia United Bank Berhad on 2 February 1983. In 1989, it was

named as MUI Bank Berhad. Under the Bank, it grew from 11 branches to 35

branches (Hong Leong Bank Berhad, 2007).

Later on 3 January 1994, MUI Bank Berhad acquired by the Hong Leong Group

Malaysia through Hong Leong Credit Berhad and renamed it as Hong Leong Bank

Berhad (HLBB). HLB was then listed on the Bursa Malaysia on 17 October 1994

with its total paid up capital increased to RM 470 million. Since that, the growth of

the company had been noteworthy (Hong Leong Bank Berhad, 2007).

HLB also acquired the financial company business of Hong Leong Finance Berhad in

2004. Lastly, HLB completed the combination with EON Bank Group in 2011. The

combination effectively evolved the Bank into banking group of more than RM 145

million in assets and an expanded network of 329 nationwide of branches (Hong

Leong Bank Berhad, 2011).

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HLB proves that the vision together with quality, innovation, unity and the ability to

face the challenges and chances in order to present a powerful and compelling force in

business. Besides that, the slogan of Hong Leong Bank “Reaching Out To You”

which means this is the mission and promise of HLBB to their customers in order to

fulfill the customer satisfaction (Hong Leong Bank Berhad, 2007).

Nowadays, HLB is built on the commitment of a global staff force to quality and

professionalism. In an ever-changing environment, the Bank will continue to drive

towards building a sustainable group of businesses to remain competitive.

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2.0 SWOT

The SWOT analysis is a tool that identifies the strength, weaknesses, opportunities

and threats for understanding and decision making for all sorts of situation in business

and organization. SWOT analysis of the venture and situations in business, strength

and weaknesses are identifying as internal factors, however opportunities and threat

are identifying as external factors (Businessballs, n.d.).

Strengths

Integrated comprehensive financial services group

In the Hong Leong Berhad provide the Hong Leong Group’s banking and financial

service has grown over the years in strength and extensive focused business strategies

aided by strong management an expanded distribution network and financial. Hong

Leong Bank has over 300 branches, 1200 self-service terminals nationwide in

Malaysia, sales and business centre around the Asia such as Malaysia, Singapore,

Hong Kong, Vietnam and so on the service are provide to loyalty customer and

wealth management in local country either overseas to supply financial management.

Hong Leong Bank Berhad has a comprehensive service range of alternative and

electronic channels that include Hong Leong Phone Banking, Hong Leong Online,

Hong Leong Mobile Banking, Hong Leong Call Centre, self-service terminals and so

on. Nowadays, Organizer of Hong Leong Bank as an investor investing activities in

each year of experience and financial excellence of the global market leverage in long

term businesses. Assumed the mission to create attractive risk-weighted rate of return

and capital value the Group made up of well-trained, experienced investment

professionals, supported by up-to-date information systems and technological

infrastructure. Hong Leong Bank also provide the transformed business franchise with

over 70% gross loan to retail customer and 21% share of the bankable population with

the middle market business community. However, in the financial institutions more

powerful will ensure that the industry will be able to service and funded the

development aspirations of our enterprises and low-income population of the higher

financial needs as the same times more competitive depth and better diversified

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portfolio, the better growth of not only credit the cause of reason, but will also crack

down on prudent in the current price war (HLM Takaful, n.d.).

Hong Leong assurance major medical schedule of benefit and premium tables

A lot of time we are looks at our insurance coverage more often than not years ago,

we bought the insurance policy is insufficient to meet current needs especially in the

hospital and surgical medical plan. However, Hong Leong Assurance (HLA) major

medical is substantial and comprehensive health insurance plan that is designed to

cover the cost of hospitalisation and surgical up to age 99 years old. HLA major

medical card can be purchased as a traditional life insurance policy or rider taking of

investment-linked plan. The unique benefit and features of HLA major medical card

are higher annual and lifetime limit as compared to competitor like Tokio Marine

Medic Plus because the treatment costs are fully borne by insurer and multi-level

deductible depending on the choice and affordability of the buyers pretty

comprehensive list of panel in the hospitals. In HLA will has a full pay to the cancer

treatment and kidney dialysis whether not subjected to deductible and you may claim

up to RM 60,000 compared to Tokio Marine Medic Plus only can claim RM 50,000

due to the deductible medical card (Sense of money, 2012).

Features and Benefits of Hong Leong credit card

Hong Leong bank has won numerous awards and honours. In year 2006, Hong Leong

has won Asia’s Best companies, Best E banking Project in 2007 and Best Credit Card

Product Award in 2006 and 2011 by Asian banker. Nowadays, all EX-EON bank

credit cards have converted to Hong Leong credit card by non-interest balance

transfer plan can request their savings or current account to deposit cash and treat it

like a short term loans. Hong Leong bank away update new promotion and privileges

to new credit card and existing card holders such as provided Hong Leong club

rewards exclusively for priority banking to customer, travel insurance

coverage, discounts to exclusive business partners and free travel inconvenience

insurance compensation. In addition, Hong Leong bank special designed Hong Leong

Essential Credit Card combined with the most significant feature of each credit card

so cardholder can enjoy the best of both worlds of benefit of having multiple cards

and convenience. The main benefits of the basic credit card unlimited cash back 1%

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to 2% of the low fees, cash advance, a higher credit limit, and lifetime free. Besides

that, cash advance transaction fee at a minimal of 2% amount advanced compared to

other’s bank credit cards would charges as 5% of the amount withdrawal. Hong

Leong bank Essential Credit Card also provide 10.8% per annum interest on cash

advance of the outstanding amount calculate basic on daily transaction date but

other’s bank credit card would charges 18% per annum on cash advance.

Best e-banking project 2007 for Hong Leong bank

Hong Leong Bank is recognized as a region has won many honours over the year its

brand strength, good quality products and services, management and results of

operations. In March of 2007, Hong Leong Bank award by Asian Banker's as Best e-

Banking Project 2007 for the superior efficiency, convenience and speed of

transaction delivered to its customers and users. Hong Leong Online bested regional

submissions illustrious IT Implementation Award recognizes the best emerging

technology practices and benchmarks in Asia Pacific banks (Hong Leong Bank,

2011). Today, the demand of the online banking has increased there are 4.5million

register internet banking customer the growth rate of 40.6% in Malaysia. HLB online

provide the comprehensive suite of features to customer and the Corporate Internet

Banking facility is extended for small and large corporations for the financial

transactions they include funds transfer, credit card services, e-bill payment, account

maintenance and so on. Trends and statistics tracking network HLB is positioned to

catch up with emerging trends in network development in order to promote innovation

in the area of customer experience and takes online banking steps further than

competition by constantly innovating on its offerings and introducing even more

aggressive promotions to ensure attracting even more new customers (Cyber Village,

2008).

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Weaknesses

Poor of service management

Slogan of Hong Leong Bank “We Focus on You” as priority to the customer service.

First of all, the customer service center didn’t provide the best service to the customer.

The staff in Hong Leong bank’s some has less particle and training in the center. It’s

because the customer has make complain about the staff has spell and less skill

problem they especially English pronunciation when communication with the

customer. Besides that, poor management in the customer application the staff has

made the promise with the customer. Almost 2 month the applicants still didn’t

received the card from the Hong Leong bank and some of the applicants cam

complain about the applies for Essential Card but the worker given they classic card.

However, Maybank service management are more fast and efficient than the Hong

Leong because they didn’t give any hassle to the customer.

Problems caused during transactions

Online banking provides customer conduct financial transactions such as funds

transfer, credit card services and e-bill payment to able customer perform a verity of

banking transaction online with secure website operated. Sometimes, Hong Leong

bank also facing intermittent interruption of its computer system which has affected

some automated teller machines (ATM) operations especially all the braches and

business daily could not withdraw money at all even. Since the transactions has been

happen but the customer and some corporate customer of Hong Leong bank compliant

the staff was not settle the situation well, didn’t info and notification about what to do

and failed to keep they promise to fixing the problem by a specified time. In the

cases, this problem will made big influence the customer emergency used to made a

transaction such as pay salary advance to employee, withdraw money medical

treatment and so on. In addition, Hong Leong bank’s used facing theft problem

electronic payment systems during transactions and closed to the smart card. However,

this happened will affect the customer’s mentality about the unsafe and danger of the

expenditure entire bank balance.

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Impoverished of facility in Hong Leong bank

Nowadays, Hong Leong bank has over 300 branches and 1200 self-service terminals

nationwide in Malaysia but the requirement and equipment of bank still unsatisfied to

the customer. Hong Leong Customer’s has complied with the only one branch in Miri

and the customer need to take long time to find the car park. In the Miri, the bank only

provides 2 ATM, cash deposit and 1 cheque deposit machines and also deposit

machine out of service when in encountered several times. In addition, impoverished

of facility in Hong Leong bank which the bank didn’t has cash deposit machine

compared to other bank such as Public bank, CIMB and Maybank. Cash deposit

machine can real time access to your account balances and transaction activities 24/7

and cheque management including cheque status enquiry, stop cheque request and

new cheque book request. The advanced to provide greater convenience and control,

realize greater efficiency and improve decision making and improve transaction

turnaround time. However, customer of the Hong Leong bank can’t enjoy with the

deposit machine to efficiency and take longer time to make money transaction to 3 rd

party because the customer need to register when he or she to make the transaction in

Hong Leong bank.

Lowest net interest margins ( NIMs ) among peers of Hong Leong

Hong Leong Bank's net interest income growth as a precondition to lower cost of

funds focused on high-yield loans reconstruction and a better current account and

savings account (CASA) management of NIMS. Hong Leong bank has one of the

lowest NIM levels they has note about bank strategy focus on higher yielding loans

such as credit cards and personal loans to ensure NIMs strengthen (eInvest, n.d.).

However, HLB expect to improve NIM over time due to its exposure to higher

yielding loans. As the same time with growth in low-cost deposits, cost of funds is

expected to be lower and net interest income to be the key driver to earnings for Hong

Leong bank. NIM improved significant to 2.1% in one quarter of a fiscal year 08 from

1.6% in 4 quarter of a fiscal year 07 due to higher asset yield and lower cost of funds.

Competition for low-cost deposits will intensify forcing the net interest margin further

(eInvest, n.d.).

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Opportunities

Opportunities to attract more customers as Malaysia’s Gen Y

Opportunities which are external chances to improve performance in the environment

such as make greater profits. Recently, Hong Leong Bank has launched a new sub

brand which is Mach by Hong Leong Bank where the products and services are

customized for the Generation Y customers. Mach by Hong Leong Bank can

categorized as a new banking experience for a new generation. According to the

group consumer banking general manager Mark Tan, Mach Hong Leong Bank were

plenty to lure the Gen Y customers as Malaysia’s Gen Y population which was

getting savvier in information technology, especially in mobile banking. Mach by

Hong Leong Bank is targeted to attract Generation Y customers in order to expand the

profit. While, the initial investment for Mach was costly in investing on technology

and e-banking services, however, it could help the bank save the bank 30 per cent in

terms of cost. Bring to the market a new concept in the brand with the “bricks and

clicks” dedicated life is starting to adapt their product packaging and the next

generation of consumers to provide the best service.

Introduction of these new and innovative products

Hong Leong Bank‘s Hello Kitty Debit Card which is the “first-to-market” that

launched by the Hong Leong Bank where designed to invoke young ladies and

women with young children. The introduction of these new and innovative products is

in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s continuous effort in promoting cashless

payment. Hong Leong Bank Hello Kitty Debit Card arouse the market disturbance

which attracting many young generation and women apply for savings account in

order to get the limited edition Hello Kitty Debit Card. One of the benefits of Hong

Leong Hello Kitty Debit Card is offers security and peace of mind as the purchase

liability loss in limited to RM150 only in the event which the card is lost or stolen.

Besides, card members can view their own Debit Card transactions online for free and

can enjoy the special prerogative ranging from beauty to fashion, health and fitness

and so on (cited as Kuala Lumpur, 18 October 2011, Hong Leong Bank News). This

will increase Hong Leong Bank profit thus also increase the price share.

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Eon Bank was legally and fully vested into Hong Leong Bank on 1 July 2011 which

enables to with a more powerful provide customers, a wider range of products,

services and solutions through extensive network 329 branches and more than 1400

self-service terminals. The new structural basis can create more market focus and

customer-oriented, innovative and universal banking group positioned to utilize on

growth opportunities in the country and region.

Regional expansion to Hong Kong possible for Hong Leong bank

Hong Leong Bank is the first bank to be allowed to offer comprehensive Islamic

banking services in Hong Kong. However, the aim for the bank to tap the markets of

mainland China and West and North Asia through this platform leveraging on Hong

Kong’s status as an international financial centre. To attract potential as an Islamic

financial centre, Hong Kong Government has demonstrated the territory from the

booming economies in the Middle East petrodollars. Hong Kong Financial Services

and the Treasury Deputy Secretary of State said that the launch of Hong Leong

Islamic Bank is compatible with the regulatory framework in Hong Kong.

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Threats

New modern technology

Threats are the external elements in the environment that could cause the trouble for

the business or project. Nowadays, the advanced technology is more developed. The

fraud detection technology in Hong Leong Bank is not good enough in detecting

cheats and perfect, it cannot detect fraud immediately and fraudulent transactions

which occur frequently, attractive and comfortable and a thief in possession of stolen

or counterfeit credit card information on the consumption boom. In addition, it has the

right customers to verify the suspicious transactions and it will prevent further

account. The technology is costly and request more time and effort to develop human

resources training. Therefore, the rule-based system is not fraud intelligent detection,

but there is also a very high false positive rate.

Challenges in the financial industry

Nowadays, CIMB Bank, Public Bank, Maybank, RHB Bank and AM Bank which are

the major competitors of Hong Leong Bank. Maybank, which is listed as a top 10 in

Malaysia. Besides, Maybank also is the second largest bank in Malaysia Stock

Exchange and Bursa Malaysia. Within these few years, competency between Hong

Leong Bank and Maybank is one of the clear examples of the rising competition.

Maybank have 374 domestic branches and 90 international branches. While, Hong

Leong Bank manages more than 150 branches in Malaysia and 1 branch in Singapore.

Maybank has the correspondent banking relationship with 700 foreign bank

throughout the world as well as strong performance as the experts in their industry

share their experience with the employees. In addition, Maybank have many others

investments from other companies if compare with Hong Leong Bank.

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Improvement the electronic payment system

Hong Leong Bank still needs the enhancement because this is one of the threats of

Hong Leong Bank which will cause the trouble and lead the customers will feel

unsecured when using the electronic payment system. Customers will apply the new

accounts in others bank such as Public Bank or Maybank which there have a strong

protection in electronic payment system. Today, fraud is on going concern. Internet

and e-commerce fraud would continue to maintain a threat due to hacking, key stroke

records and other forms of dishonest attacks where consumers at risk when

performing such transaction. An electronic payment system is identity theft which is a

great risk involves in the theft or the closing of the smart card. If the card is in unsafe

hands, the customer’s entire bank balance was danger.

Competitive rates could pressure margins of Hong Leong

Net interest margin (NIM) the pressure of competition but the short-term impact of

the policy interest rate cut may be further exacerbated. Particularly for Alliance

Finance Group Bhd (AFG) and Hong Leong Bank (HLB value) net interest margin

compression the main dip. Management in Hong Leong has turned somewhat cautious

given the rising external risks. However, Management margin from the intense loan

and deposit market rates competitive pressures. Management margin from the intense

loan and deposit market rates competitive pressures. The bright spot is the increase in

trade flows in the ASEAN region. Overall, the group’s strategic thrusts are to increase

operating efficiency and be more customers.

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3.0 Competitor Analysis

Hong Leong bank is categorized as banking industry. The banking industry in

Malaysia started off since in the early 1990s when the economy is growing rapidly in

the country. From the profits of rubber plantation and tin industry, Malaysia have

succeeded in opening the first domestic bank during 1913, which is Kwong Yik

Banking Corporation which is now known as MAYBANK. Since then, Malaysia

banking industry has continued its growth they it manage to expand more other

banking institutions as option to the citizens. Due to numerous bank in the country, a

central bank (Bank Negara Malaysia) was establish to control all the banks activities

and operations (Banking Industry in Malaysia [BIiM], 2012). In Malaysia, the types

of financial institutions consist of commercial banks, merchant banks, Islamic banks,

foreign banks’ representative’s offices, finance companies and discount houses. The

evolution of banking industry in Malaysia has led to conventional banking products

and services which also includes deposits and hire purchases. Besides that, the

banking industry also involve with the features facilitated with advance technological

developments such as phone banking, auto pay, auto debit, ATMs , online shopping

and much more (BliM, 2012).

Among the banking institutions listed in Malaysia, we will be analyzing 3 top

competitors that Hong Leong Bank will be facing which are Maybank, Public Bank

and CIMB Bank and RHB Bank

Malayan Banking Berhad (MayBank)

Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) as a financial service provider in Malaysia has

the largest network all over Malaysia was founded by Mr.Khoo Teck Puat in1960s. In

1970s, Maybank have started to add more branch every year. The expansion of the

company have lead them form its own investment banking subsidiary and by 1980s,

they had expanded to the international market. Maybank have begun to enter to

Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong and London to start of their operational branches

(Maybank, 2012). Their main activity are offering a full range of commercials,

corporate and private banking services Maybank set a wide network of more than 450

branch offices and more than 2,500 of ATM machines. Besides that, Maybank also

operates a number of specialized subsidiaries in the insurance, investment banking

and assest management, and finance sectors (Maybank,2012). The group’s

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subsidiaries also include Maybank General Assurance, Maybank Life Assurance and

Maybank Takaful. They have later focus on developing insurance products which are

compatible with the Moslem law which also known as Maybank Islamic banking.

Comparing to other competitors, Maybank have apply NFC using the mobile visa

wave payment. NFC is a short range wireless radio frequency that requires at least

4cm or less to initiate a connection. The function of NFC allows it user to share a

small payloads between a NFC tags and Android-powered device (Android

Developers, 2012). The new systems were also collaborated together with Maxis

Communication Berhad and Nokia. Started out in 2004, the pilot test for Maybankard

Visa Wave-enable in a phone is a two in one product. With the Nokia 3220 model

connected to the Maxis network, users could wave and pay wherever a Visa Wave

Sign display (Vivotech, 2012). Consumers could easily identify that Maybank’s

mobile visa wave payment are only available for Maybank account user (Clark,

2008). To convince their customer even more, Maybank is using Total Content

Management (TCM) to manage their software. TCM is a set of integrated software

facilities that capture, manage, store and deliver different content that help to supports

processes and the operations in e-business (INFOMAX, 2012). By using TCM,

customer feels more secure on how their data were kept in the system. The customer

could easily gain the latest information about program and scheme which they are

interested. The storage of data in TCM helps the customer care consultant to work

more efficiently and this will gain the customer trust and loyalty (CBSA, 2012).

Furthermore, Maybank has been partner with Visa International to enhance better in

features in their smart card system. Visa International unveils the new redesigned card

that not only could improve the security features but also will make counterfeiting

more difficult. Being the member in Visa International, Maybank have the privilege to

get updated from the Visa International, thus Maybank even have become the first to

introduce the new card design in Malaysia which is ‘Wave enabled’ (Andreare

Selected Press Releases, 2006). Based on these three features that Maybank have

introduced, it has definitely help the corporate to beat other banks in the industry. The

innovation and differentiation that shows by Maybank have overcome others banks,

plus with their history of being the first bank in Malaysia for more than 50 years will

build customer reliance towards them.

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Public Bank Berhad

Public Bank established in Malaysia in the year 1966, has been founded by Sri Dato’

Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow. Public Bank also deals with other banking operations such as

Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Laos. The Public Bank Group

have more than over 17,160 staff, and 90% of these staff operates in Malaysia while

the rest are in overseas operations which include Hong Kong and China, Cambodia,

Vietnam, Laos and Sri Lanka. In term of size, Public Bank is the third largest

domestic bank in Malaysia. It has been well known for its prudent management,

superior customer service, uncompromising service delivery standards and strong

corporate governance and corporate culture (Public Bank, 2012). The Public Bank

main activities are retail commercial banking, corporate banking, investment banking,

stock broking, funds management, wealth management services and Islamic banking.

In Malaysia, Public Bank is an industry leader in home mortgage financing, vehicle

hire purchase financing and commercial lending to small-sized and medium-sized

enterprises. For domestic operations, Public bank have also place 1,308 ATMs and

other self-service machines such as Cheque Deposit Machines and Cash Deposit

Terminals. Not only that, Public Bank have also provide internet banking and mobile

banking services to convenient their customers to access their account. The Public

Bank branches have expanded more than 248 branches in Malaysia (Public Bank,

2012).

In Public Bank, they have launched a card known as ‘PB Day2Day Visa Card’. This

card functions as a Visa Debit card and ATM Card. It is directly linked to the Public

Bank Savings Account maintained by the cardholder. The card is available to

individuals aged 12 years old and above and no income documents are required for

registration. Customers can use the card for retail purchases, shopping, dining or

entertainment at any establishment that accept Visa or Bankcard or MEPS locally or

globally, face to face or over the internet. The card can also be used for bill payment

and fund transfers. The ‘PB Day2Day Visa Card’ is accepted at all Public Bank self-

service terminals, ATMs displaying the Visa or Plus logo and any MEPS Member

Bank's ATMs. It had increases the convenience to customers while minimizing the

hassles and risk to customers who need access to their cash. The introduction of this

‘PB Day2Day Visa Card’ offers customers the opportunity to enjoy instant savings

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while they shop. Customer can also enjoy unlimited Cash Back of up to 0.3% on other

retail purchases charged to their ‘PB Day2Day Visa Card’. Other than that, Public

Bank have boost up the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The

bank has offer a complete range of products and services to serve the SMEs. The

SME development unit delivers much kind of services such as carry out the market

research on the needs of SMEs, formulating different lending products and scheme to

meet up with SMEs necessity, support business development and joint promotion with

relevant establishments such as SMI Association Malaysia and other business-related

associations and chambers and much more. Furthermore, Public Bank also give out

business support services such as advisory services, training on banking and trade

financing, economic and business review, and Forex and market money updates.

Based on the strong support given by Public Bank on the SMEs, other banks are not

able to induce it as successfully as them (Public Bank, 2012).

CIMB Bank

Commerce International Merchant Bankers Bhd or CIMB Group is a universal bank

that operating in high growth economies in ASEAN. The group runs under several

corporate entities which include CIMB Bank, CIMB Investment Bank, CIMB Islamic,

CIMB Niaga, CIMB Securities International and CIMB Thai. The bank’s primary

business activities are Consumer Banking, Comprising Investment Banking,

Wholesale Banking and Corporate Banking.

CIMB Bank is a small unit of the CIMB Group that providing retail banking services

to over million customers in 324 branches nationwide. The bank straightly covers the

countries of Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia. The bank also has some branches in

London and Hong Kong, as well as the representative offices in Yangon, Shanghai

and Mumbai. As the second largest consumer bank in Malaysia, CIMB Bank carries

significant market shares across all consumer banking products. The bank also

awarded the Bank of the year Award 2012 by The Banker and The Best Bank by

Euromoney (CIMB, 2011).

There are several elements may post some challenges to Hong Leong Bank in terms

of product or service range. The Bank had offered different types of cards. The cards

consist of credit card and debit card (CIMB, 2011). According to Hamilton (n.d.), one

of the most popular credit cards issued by the bank is the CIMB Smart Drivers

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Package. The function of credit card is works as a regular credit card. The Touch ‘n

Go Visa Card, without charging any annual fee and the payment of registration fee

and approach to all services of Touch ‘n Go with free GCS movie ticket for the

respective Platinum Credit Card holders and some purchases can be paid by points

earned (Hamilton, n.d.). Furthermore, CIMB Petronas MasterCard with 5 percent of

rebate on the first month and 2 percent rebate on the other days and discount from

Starbuck and hypermarkets (Hamilton, n.d.).

CIMB also post challenging by keep expanding the outlet and services location to

make it more convenient which Hong Leong Bank not really have it. The purpose is

to remain competitive. CIMB also act the second growth bank in Malaysia that the

bank starting to involve in the growth property investment, internet banking services

which is up-to-date and having strong impact to public society (CIMB, 2011).

RHB Bank Berhad

RHB Bank Berhad is a commercial bank based on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The

bank specializes in Business banking, Islamic banking, Group transaction banking,

Retail Banking, Global financial banking and Corporate and investment banking,

Commercial banking and International banking services (RHB, 2011). RHB Bank was

the 3rd largest bank in Malaysia, with 200 offices in Malaysia. The bank was also

awarded the Best Domestic Bank by both Finance Asia and Euromoney in 1997

(Wikipedia, n.d.).

RHB Bank also post some challenge to Hong Leong in terms of credit card. As we

know, the bank specializes as a commercial bank, international bank and as a

corporate and investment bank. RHB bank issues other credit cards with additional

benefits to cardholders as Hong Leong Bank unable to do so. According to Hamilton

(n.d.), the co-branded credit card, when the customers use the Tesco-RHB credit card

that has offer a 2 percent cash back in Tesco Malaysia stores and earns 1 point for

every purchases that cost RM 2. RHB Evo credit card is geared to youth market with

a stylish and functional card that earns reward points when used (Hamilton, n.d.).

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4.0 Business Strategy

Like any other banking industry out there, Hong Leong bank generate most of its

income in receiving interest out of loans, according to Hong Leong bank annual

report, Hong Leong bank major revenue are acquired through payback of interest

from individual loans and small to mediums enterprises(SME’s) business loans,

partially are from credit cards interest and securities investment. In this part of

assignment we will focus on how Hong Leong bank form its business strategy to

compete with other banking industry to acquire more market share in other to gain

more loans.

In banking industry credibility and security are very important aspects of business

criteria. From customer taking loans to customer saving money, each one of them are

entrusting the bank in securing their transactions. Based on our threat report in the

SWOT analysis we discover that Hong Leong bank still lack in giving the full

confidence in customer compare to other Malaysia major bank for example Maybank

or public bank especially in the part of electronic payment. Although Hong Leong

bank faces a lot of pressure in competing with other bank, it’s business strategy

through these years of advancement had allowed Hong Leong bank to maintain an

uprising market share and penetration within the banking industry of many nation.

Prospector Strategy

Prospector strategy is considered as the most aggressive among the four business

strategies. It typically involves active programs to expand into new markets and

stimulate new opportunities. New market development is vigorously pursued

and offensive marketing warfare strategies are a common way of obtaining

additional market share. They respond quickly to any signs of market opportunity,

sometimes even entering a market without or with little research and analysis. When

using this strategy, the risk of product failure or market rejection is high. Their market

domain is constantly in flux as new opportunities arise and past product offerings a

trophy.

Business user of prospector strategy value being the first in an industry, thinking that

their “first mover advantage” will provide them with premium market opportunities

and high margins. In Hong Leong bank cases, first mover strategy allowed them to

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recaptured the market share from competitor and to target new market.

Advertising, sales promotions, and personal selling are a major concern for prospector

strategy user to penetrate the market with a high percentage of targeted audiences.

Among the banks in Malaysia no one is as aggressive as Hong Leong bank might be,

always seeking to expand its business abroad and seeking for new market segment

even becoming a first mover in other financial product to gain ahead of competitor.

For example of gaining a first mover advantages is the introducing of hello kitty credit

and debit card which we had mention in the opportunities section of this report, the

aim is attract young ladies and mothers for young girls as potential target market. This

strategy is among the brightest strategy ever use in banking in Malaysia, the concept

behind the strategy is due to the user of credit cards loans consist 60% of female than

male, the strategy was able to capture the female market and started from a young

age. Sign up for credit card since young would ensure a future percentage of

profitable market. Though successful, our group questions the ethics behind the

strategy. Although currently this first mover strategy is very successful as it reported

in share gain of increasing in credit card sign up especially among young ladies. This

strategy increases the Banks credit card market as the launches first mover financial

product, but at the same time the strategy from the bank are subjected to the risk of

failure, since no experts can ensure that young ladies or mother of young ladies would

choose a Hello Kitty credit/debit card, as it is not one of the criteria mostly one seeks

in the function of such.

Besides that, Hong Leong Bank react agile to signs that indicates a potential market.

According to Hong Leong Bank Chief Operating Officer Mr Hor Kwok Wai, in an

annual conference last year, He mention that although the Malaysian market are

proven to be very stagnant for Hong Leong Bank, it never stops to expand it business

internationally to gain market share in another country, currently he as the Global

Markets Operating Officer, had been focusing its business in Singapore, Hong Kong,

China and Vietnam, Besides that he clarify their future plan for Hong Leong Financial

Group (HLFG) is to turn its target towards China, as there are a lot of potential market

for Hong Leong to expand. According to the star newspaper entitled Hong Leong’s

strategy for China banking unit published in October 13 2011, Hong Leong will eject

its full investment into China market and expending its business especially in the rural

area where they estimated a market share of RM143.6mil in return. As strategic the

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strategy may sounds expanding in China are actually much more competitive than

Malaysia, beside more competitive, rural area of China where the group are targeting

does not necessarily ensure profit as they are more conservative compare to cities

folk, especially financial loans. Furthermore, the cost of setting up branches in rural

area are more higher than in cities area since it involve a lot of transportations fees

and employees reposition. Those are subjected to the risk Hong Leong is taking.

Although the potential in China rural are high, the risk accompanied is higher as well.

By taking the prospector strategy, Hong Leong are expecting the returns to followed

by high risk.

Cooperative Strategies

Cooperative strategy is defined as a strategy in which firms work together to achieve a

shared objective. In this cases, Hong Leong Bank had a lot of alliances such as

restaurants outlet, cinemas, theme park and so-on to gain a part of market share from

competitors, one of the most successful alliance for Hong Leong Bank is the alliance

with GSC (Golden Screen Cinema). One of the cooperative strategy develop by Hong

Leong is called the GSC-Hong Leong Gold and Platinum Credit cards. GSC being

Malaysia most widely stationed cinema can be found in every corner of shopping

malls in Malaysia, in partnership with GSC Hong Leong can ensure that millions of

fans of GSC will turn the tide in subscribing Hong Leong debit/credit card to obtain

the privileges in GSC outlet. All of the perks and advantages can be gain by

subscribing in GSC-Hong Leong Gold and Platinum Credit cards are enormous

including a huge discount in movie and the priority in buying tickets without having

to queue with other customer.

One of the forms of cooperative strategy is called Joint venture. Joint venture is define

as a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new

entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over

the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets. Joint venture is

one of the most common business strategy in international business expanding

(Investopedia, n.d.). When Hong Leong decided to expand in to the mainland of

China, it realizes its expertise are not without limit. As such it cooperate with Bank of

Cheng Du (BOCD).

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To form a Joint venture company called Sichuan Jincheng Consumer Finance Limited

Company or (JV CO) where Hong Leong owning 49% of total equity and BOCD

owning 51%. According to the press release of Hong Leong Bank, their expertise

which possess a wealth experience in consumer finance and the alliances with BOCD

which posses a vast knowledge and experience in the banking market of China will

form a strategic Joint venture that will focus on central and western area of China.

HLB(Hong Leong Bank) further explain in the press release of their upcoming future

plan with BOCD is to form alliances with local major electric appliances chain store,

reputable consumer electric and computer stores to offer financing to consumer for

the purchase of consumer durables. Loan applications are carried out in the site of

purchase, with a modified procedure by JV Co it provide conveniences for applicants

including a low turnaround time. In the second stages of their Joint venture, they will

expand their business to furniture goods chain and offer general loans to consumer for

travel, wedding and education.

From the business strategy and Joint venture above we can see that Hong Leong Bank

had decided to advance its business into the market of China, beside with BOCD,

Hong Leong Bank had also form a strategic alliances with Industrial and Commercial

Bank of China Ltd which is a Bank originated from Singapore company, to launch

and offer trade settlement services in Yuan for trade customers, furthermore Hong

Leong Bank also partner with China development bank to develop cross-border

financing and funding opportunities. Hong Leong Bank is targeting China very

aggressively, and plan for a market share before any bank could join in. In this section

of cooperative strategies no other bank form Malaysia can form a more successful

strategies than Hong Leong Bank.

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5.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, Hong Leong Bank has the ability to become a strong and stabile bank if

the bank maintains its current business activities and planning. Besides, the bank must

enhance and develop some new policies and procedures in order to remain

competitive. The biggest income of Hong Leong Bank is come from the loans. Other

than that, Hong Leong proves that the vision together with determination, innovation

and the power to respond to challenges and opportunities to present a powerful and

compelling force results in growth and success in business Hong Leong Bank is

practicing the Banking and Financial Institution Act 1989 and Islamic Banking Act

1983.

Usually, the comprehensive SWOT analysis of Hong Leong Bank provides an in-

depth strategic analysis of the companies businesses and operations. The strengths and

weaknesses and the potential opportunities and threats has been complied bringing a

clearly and an unbiased view of the company. The SWOT analysis helps the company

to formulate strategies that augment the business by enabling the company that to

understand their partners, customers and competitors better.

One of the Hong Leong strengths is the best e-banking project in 2007. We able to

know that its brand strength, good quality products and services, management and

results of operations. Totally, this shows a significant result to the bank in terms of its

business performance. However, Hong Leong is also facing rising competition from

major competitors such as Maybank, Public Bank, CIMB Bank and RHB Bank.

Because of poor customer services will lead to dissatisfaction of potential customers.

Therefore, we recommend Hong Leong Bank should let its coordinators to have more

training and knowledge in how to handling the complaints from customers.

Hong Leong Bank use the prospector strategy. It is considered as the most aggressive

among the four business strategies. It respond fast to any signs of market chances,

sometimes even entering a market without or with little research and analysis. When

using this strategy, the risk of product failure or market rejection is high. Their market

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domain is constantly in flux as new opportunities arise and past product offerings a

trophy.

Besides that, Hong Leong Bank is using cooperative strategies in their business

strategies to predict their future plans and prospects. The partnership with GSC Hong

Leong can ensure that millions of fans of GSC will turn the tide in subscribing Hong

Leong debit/credit card to obtain the privileges in GSC outlet. In addition, the strategy

joint venture also important for the Hong Leong. Sometimes, a company joint venture

with the highly potential other firm, it will be increase its market share. Hong Leong

decided to expand in to the mainland of China, it realizes its expertise are not without

limit. As such it cooperate with Bank of Cheng Du (BOCD).

Lastly, Hong Leong Bank still has plenty room for improvement, especially on the

customer service. Hong Leong should continue move forward to keep this ability in

competencies. It is important to understand and keep tracking on the competitors such

as Maybank, Public Bank, CIMB Bank and RHB Bank.

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