Rooted in our mission to build lifelong and meaningful relationships with our customers to ensure they continue to access a better life, we are committed to the fundamental ethos of banking everywhere, ensuring ‘No Malaysian Left Behind’. Accessibility to banking services is a fundamental factor in empowering individuals and businesses, especially in rural or marginalised areas. BSN upholds the underlying principle of equity in access to financial services, where every individual regardless of where they are located has the same opportunities to improve their financial well-being.

Digitalisation and technology should enhance accessibility, not create barriers. Our commitment to inclusive customer service means being present for those who prefer traditional banking methods. We further demonstrate this by bringing simple transactional banking services right to customers.

For decades, life on Tioman Island, a peaceful paradise off the coast of Malaysia, was simple and traditional. The local islanders, many of whom have lived here for generations, relied on fishing, small businesses, and tourism for their livelihood. Cash was the primary form of payment for everyday transactions, and with no local banking services available, residents often had to travel to the mainland to manage their finances. This meant long journeys by boat just to deposit savings or withdraw cash, creating a significant challenge for the community.

In 2004, BSN became the first and only bank to open a branch on Tioman Island, revolutionising how islanders handled their money. The presence of the bank brought a new level of convenience and security. Residents could now easily access banking services without leaving the island, helping local businesses grow and families save with confidence. The bank quickly became essential to island life, making daily financial transactions easier and more accessible. 

Fast forward to 2023, Tioman Island took another leap forward—this time toward becoming a cashless society, officially launching on 7 August 2023. As part of our bank's commitment to innovation and improving the financial well-being of the community, BSN also provides awareness on cashless payment methods through a financial literacy programme. Cashless payment methods such as QR codes, pos terminals and Ejen Bank BSN (EB BSN) were introduced to the Islanders. The island’s residents and businesses embraced the shift, transitioning from a cash-reliant economy to one powered by digital payments.

Today, nearly all transactions on the island—buying groceries, booking tours, or dining at local restaurants—are made using cashless, i.e debit card, DuitNow, online transfer. This transformation has not only simplified daily life but also strengthened the local economy with substantial transactions generated by foreign tourists.

In November 2024, Kabong, a district rich in tradition and home to a community of around 14,000 residents across 62 villages, launched its Cashless Society Programme. Kabong’s diverse population, largely made up of the Iban, Melanau, and Bidayuh communities, holds strong cultural roots and a deep connection to the land. Known for their resilience, hospitality, and craftsmanship, Kabong’s people have long upheld a way of life centered around agriculture, fishing, and handicrafts. They live communally, with longhouses serving as iconic hallmarks of the region’s heritage, and festivals and cultural gatherings reinforcing close community bonds.

The Cashless Society Programme in Kabong aims to offer more convenience and security to this tightly knit community by making digital payments accessible to all. The launch on 9 November 2024 introduced the Ejen Bank BSN, giving local vendors and residents better access to digital payment solutions and basic banking services. This approach ensures that, along with cashless adoption, Kabong residents gain financial knowledge to navigate and benefit from the digital economy.

School financial literacy and digital readiness isn't about transforming schools overnight, but about fostering a gradual, meaningful shift that BSN's financial inclusion initiatives bring to public schools every single day. Our approach focuses on building long-term financial literacy among students, ensuring they gain practical experience that goes beyond the classroom. Budgeting and cash flow management are no longer just abstract concepts, as students can now own their first debit card—a tangible step towards financial independence. This simple tool allows them to learn firsthand how to manage their own money, instiling saving habits, budgeting, and spending wisely.

Take, for instance, the stories of Noah and Bella during a typical school day at SMK Tekek, Pulau Tioman. Noah, a student who used to rely on cash allowances from his parents, now uses his BSN Debit Card to track his expenses and pays for food with BSN wearable. Bella, on the other hand, learned the importance of saving early. With her first savings account and financial literacy programme in her school, Bella is not just thinking about tomorrow—she’s already saving for her university education. These stories showcase how BSN empowers students to take control of their financial futures. Through small but meaningful steps, we're helping them build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive in school and life. Noah and Bella's story isn't just about the technology and banking that BSN brings to school; it's about empowerment.

Our mission goes beyond numbers and profits; we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. In 2023, the Bank channeled more than RM30,000 in aid through ‘Mojing Kenin Anak-Anak Penan’ peribumi student attendance improvement programme. The programme was in line with the Malaysia Education Development Plan 2013-2025, which outlined a focus on boosting Orang Asli and peribumi education.

• The programme was organised by the Sarawak branch of the Malaysian School Principals’ Association, the Sarawak state education department and several other agencies in Baram and Miri districts to ensure that students are not left behind and ensure that the community can reach the national average.
• The Bank supports the programme through aid such as the opening of BSN bank accounts for 1,000 students from seven schools - Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Long Banga, SK Long Lamei, SK Pa’ Dallih, SK Bario, SK St. Pius Long San and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Temenggong Datuk Lawai Jau, Long San as well as cash deposits into students account.
• In addition to boosting Penan/Peribumi student attendance at schools, the programme also aimed to motivate school administrators and teachers, to help increase the standard of living in terms of skills, design and entrepreneurship by instilling awareness of financial matters.

Our initial efforts focused on developing products to capitalise on the growth potential of environmental preservation and energy-saving through financing products for solar panels and EV/HEV as well as EcoSave-i accounts which are green-oriented savings accounts designed to support environmental causes.