Dataran Maybank, a new landmark in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi at a special ceremony today.

Present at the ceremony were the Member of Parliament for Bangsar Datuk Shahrizat bte Abdul Jalil who is also the Minister of Women and Family Development, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Dato' Salleh Harun as well as Directors and Management of Maybank Group and other invited guests.

At the launch ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister signed on a plaque to officially declare the opening of Dataran Maybank.

In his address, Tan Sri Mohamed Basir bin Ahmad, Chairman of Maybank said that Dataran Maybank is a unique design consisting of three distinct towers preserving the individual identities of the different subsidiaries occupying each of the towers.

The Dataran has been architecturally planned as an integrated complex to adhere to the concept of 'family unity' within the Maybank Group. The towers are enclosed within a circle and the existence of a symbolic 'eco-friendly garden' square on the podium roofs connects the three towers and reinforces the 'family unity' symbolism of the Maybank Group.

Dataran Maybank comprises of three towers of which two are 20 floors and the third 22 floors. They are the head offices of Mayban Finance, Mayban Life and Mayban Assurance.

The design philosophy provides maximum functionality and maximises the plot ratio area. It also provides efficient spatial distribution as well as conveys a strong corporate architectural image. The design concept also gives a distinct visual impact to the skyline of Bangsar in particular and Kuala Lumpur in general.

"We are convinced the various banking and financial facilities available at the Dataran will be fully utilised by our customers in general and will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Bangsar neighbourhood in particular" said Tan Sir Mohamed Basir.

The head offices of Mayban Finance and Mayban Assurance were previously located at Jalan Medan Tuanku while Mayban Life was located in Menara Maybank previously. The three subsidiaries moved to Dataran Maybank in 2000. The latest tenant to move into Dataran Maybank was Mayban Securities Sdn Berhad in 2001. There are now over 2,400 employees working at Dataran Maybank.

Spacious and modern customer service counters of Mayban Finance, Mayban Life and Mayban Assurance as well as Maybank's e-Kawanku centre are located at the Dataran for the convenience of customers.

Hajeedar and Associates Sdn Berhad designed the three blocks while the construction was awarded to UDA Holdings Sdn Berhad. Construction began on 3 March 1997.

On 14 June 1999, the Chairman of Maybank, Tan Sri Mohamed Basir performed a 'topping-up' ceremony of the highest tower at the site. The Dataran was completed in 2000 at a cost of about RM241 million.

Mayban Finance has 105 branches while Mayban Assurance has 19 branches nationwide. Mayban Securities has a branch in Ipoh.