The anniversary celebrations opened with a showcase presentation by MARC Chief Executive Officer Mohd Razlan Mohamed on the rating agency’s 20-year journey and its major milestones. Razlan presented a story of perseverance, determination and achievement, which he ended with an affirmation of the organisation’s commitment to continue to embrace change and seize opportunities in the future. “In MARC’s journey into the future, our integrity, independence and analytical excellence will remain the cornerstone of the rating agency’s existence,” said Razlan.

In his welcoming remarks, MARC Chairman Datuk Azizan Haji Abdul Rahman took the opportunity to express gratitude to MARC’s various stakeholders for their support over the years.  “MARC’s success is attributed to its people, processes and governance, and the organisation would continue to invest in these areas to build trust among its stakeholders,” said Datuk Azizan.

At the final highlight of the evening which was MARC’s 2015 Lead Managers League Table Awards, the rating agency honoured the industry’s top-rated bond and sukuk arrangers. CIMB Investment Bank Berhad was announced as the winner in both the issue value and issue count categories. For the first time, MARC introduced a new Sukuk of the Year Award.  Jimah East Power Sdn Bhd's RM8.98 billion Sukuk Murabahah was named the Sukuk of the Year, being the largest sukuk issued regionally in 2015 and in recognition of the project’s economic significance. The award was accepted by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman, the Chief Corporate Officer of the main project sponsor, Tenaga Nasional Berhad.