Kuala Lumpur: Direct Access, a division of CIMB Bank, recently re-launched its Affinity Card for the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), complete with a new design and enhanced features.

The new IEM Affinity Card is exclusively designed for IEM members and includes the institution's logo. At the launch event to introduce the card, CIMB Bank's Head of Direct Banking & Cards, Jean Yap said: "Direct Access has a long standing relationship with IEM as they were our pioneer affiliates when we launched the card program exclusively for professionals and graduates in 1996."

She said the IEM Affinity Card complements the lifestyle of professionals, who appreciate the convenience of cashless payments. "We are also able to provide IEM members innovative solutions for their various financial needs, from obtaining loans and making payments to gaining access to our 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, direct banking services," she added.

IEM members will enjoy free-for-life credit cards as they will not have to pay joining or annual fees on their IEM Affinity Card. Other privileges include bonus points for exclusive gift redemptions, discounts for world-class concerts, access to more than 200 merchant outlets and flexi pay plan on purchases made anywhere. In addition, the platinum and gold MasterCards now come with the "Paypass" functionality. This enables cardholders to pay by simply tapping their cards on a speed reader.

Yap said Direct Access aims to distribute the new IEM Affinity Card to all 16,500 members of IEM. "At present, we have over 8000 existing IEM cardholders and we will replace their cards with the new ones by year end," she explained. Members can apply for the card from the IEM membership department.

"To show our appreciation for the loyalty and support of IEM members, we will channel a percentage of spending on the IEM Affinity Cards back to the IEM to fund the institution's activities," said Jean. Last year, this amount was close to RM100,000.

At the event, IEM President, Datuk Paduka Engr. Haji Keizrul Abdullah became the first member to receive the new IEM Affinity Card from Yap. She also announced that Direct Access will be collaborating with other professional bodies to launch these customised Affinity Cards.