Juniper
The ‘Community Banking’ revolution continues as AmBank and Bask Bear launched the new AmBank PJ New Town branch here today, marking a significant step towards the goal of 10 café banking outlets by the end of 2024.
Since the inaugural launch of the concept in 2023 at its first three branches located in the Klang Valley, Penang and Kedah, customers have been enjoying the best of both worlds; a relaxing cup of coffee in a bank while they bank in a café.
The initiative has transformed traditional banking by integrating lifestyle elements into AmBank’s branch network, as Bask Bear adds a relaxed environment where customers enjoy quality beverages and food while conducting their banking transactions.
“Partnering with Bask Bear has allowed us to bring a fresh, innovative approach to the traditional banking experience. We’ve seen how this concept not only deepens our relationships with existing customers but also attracts new ones,” said Aaron Loo, Managing Director, Retail Banking, AmBank (M) Berhad. “The café banking model creates a space that feels like a community, where customers can enjoy a coffee while taking care of their banking needs.”
Bryan Loo, founder and CEO of Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, which owns Bask Bear, added: “Our collaboration with AmBank has been enriching. We’re excited to see how this partnership has transformed the banking landscape in Malaysia by merging the world of finance with a café lifestyle. AmBank’s scalability has allowed us to extend our reach, and in return, our café concept has injected a new level of energy and engagement into their branch network.
Due to the positive response received since the opening of the first three branches, AmBank and Bask Bear have gone on to open more, with the AmBank PJ New Town branch being one of it today. This branch, founded in 1991, is in a bustling commercial district surrounded by many local government buildings, including Menara MBPJ, Bangunan Persekutuan Petaling Jaya (PJ Federal Building), which houses or used to house government offices such as the National Registration Department and a branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
“This branch is an ideal location for integrating café banking into the daily routines of its customers,” said Bryan Loo. With nearly 3,500 sq ft shared between AmBank and Bask Bear, the AmBank PJ New Town truly
displays the ‘Community Banking’ concept.
“AmBank PJ New Town is a fully-fledged branch with our latest concept where customers can choose to speak to our Personal Bankers and Relationship Managers at our round discussion pods in our branch area, our private meeting rooms or enjoy a cup of coffee and toastie at Bask Bear,” Aaron Loo further commented.
Other than AmBank PJ New Town, the other eight branches are AmBank Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor; AmBank Lagenda Heights, Kedah; AmBank Sungai Dua, Penang; AmBank Jalan Zabedah, Batu Pahat, Johor; AmBank Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras; AmBank Sungai Buloh, Selangor, and AmBank Banting, Selangor.
“Stay tuned for another outlet coming your way, which is AmBank Rawang Country Homes – one of the largest and busiest AmBank branches in the nation,” Bryan Loo shared. To celebrate the continued success of the collaboration, AmBank and Bask Bear is offering an exclusive promotion available only at the 10 AmBank-Bask Bear outlets:
- Any 2 for RM10 Promotion Using AmBank Debit & Credit Cards
- Campaign Period: 1st October 2024 – 31st March 2025
Campaign Details: Bask Bear will offer a special combo menu available exclusively at the 10 AmBank-Bask Bear locations, where customers can enjoy any 2 selected products with just RM10 when using their AmBank debit or credit cards.
With plans to expand this concept further, AmBank and Bask Bear remain committed to enhancing customer experience through innovative, customer-centric solutions.
“We look forward to this continued collaboration with AmBank as we plan to open ten more outlets next year,” Bryan Loo quipped. “In addition to our expansion plans, Bask Bear is excited to announce the launch of our exclusive Apps promo in October. Aimed at providing the best value for our customers, we’ll be offering RM4 discounts on our most popular products, available only through our app.”
