12/05/2025

BANKING & INSURANCE 12 MONDAY | MAY 12, 2025

DKSH launches RM300m sustainability-linked bonds

HLB records third win for sustainable energy financing at national awards PETALING JAYA: Recognised for its commitment to sustainability and suppor ting Malaysia’s transition towards a robust circular economy, Hong Leong Bank (HLB) was named Best Domestic and Islamic Bank for Sustainable Energy Financing 2024 at the National Energy Awards, marking its third win in the series. The latest recognition follows HLB’s significant progress in its sustainable finan cing portfolio, recording RM15.4 billion in outstanding green building and affordable property financing, RM3.64 billion in ap proved renewable energy financing and RM1.4 billion in outstanding green car loans as of December 2024. The bank also achieved a 23% decrease in operational carbon emissions since 2019, aligned with its goal of achieving total net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

PETALING JAYA: DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Bhd (DKSH Malaysia), via subsidiary DKSH Malaysia Sdn Bhd, has debuted its medium term notes (MTN) issuance of RM300 million under its newly established commercial paper and MTN programmes totalling RM800 million. OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd acted as the sole principal adviser, lead arranger, lead manager, sustainability structuring adviser and facility agent. DKSH Malaysia provides market expansion services to more than 170 clients and thousands of customers, primarily in the consumer goods and healthcare sectors. It is majority-owned by DKSH Holding Ltd, Switzerland, which has its headquarters in Zurich and 160 years of company history in Asia. Through the programmes, DKSH Malaysia will diversify its funding sources as part of its strategic initiative to accelerate and expand its business in Malaysia. The programmes have been structured with the flexibility to issue sustainability and sustainability-linked MTN to complement the group’s key sustainability objectives – enabling people to flourish, creating sustainable value chains, achieving net-zero emissions and making a positive local impact. The sustain ability-linked nature of the MTN issuance, o OCBC Bank lead advises and arranges issue under company’s commercial papers and medium-term notes programmes

Tan (left) and Sandeep at the financial close ceremony of DKSH Malaysia’s commercial paper and medium-term notes programmes.

“This protection gives ticket buyers greater assurance, knowing they are covered if the unexpected happens, while also reinforcing trust between event organisers and attendees. By reducing financial risk and making ticket purchases more secure, we are enhancing confidence in event attendance and supporting a more dynamic, worry-free event experience for all,” Chia said. For sports enthusiasts, Sports PA (Personal Accident Insurance) is available as an optional add-on, providing financial protection for accidental injuries sustained during sports related events, ensuring peace of mind while staying active. Available to all Ticket2U customers pur chasing event tickets, the insurance is available at 5% of the ticket price. investment banking head Tan Ai Chin said: “OCBC Malaysia is honoured to be entrusted to lead advise and arrange DKSH’s maiden CP and MTN programmes in the Malaysian capital market. OCBC’s strategic partnership with DKSH Group spans operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and beyond and this milestone achievement reaffirms OCBC Group’s position as a trusted financial partner for reputable multinational corporations like DKSH Group. “We have continued our pioneering efforts in providing and deepening sustainable financing solutions for our valued clients through the maiden sustainability-linked MTN issued by DKSH Malaysia, which is linked to DKSH’s gender equality and GHG emissions reduction targets. “Through such commitment, both of our organisations are aligned in our ongoing efforts to champion diversity, equity and inclusion which is essential for long term business and societal progress.”

Tune Protect Malaysia CEO Jubin Mehta said the launch of Ticket Refund Insurance is a game changer for event goers, giving them the confidence to book tickets without the fear of the unexpected disrupting their plans. “This protection plan reinforces our commitment to making insurance simple, seamless and accessible to everyone. With event attendance on the rise, we are ensuring that customers can fully enjoy their favourite events stress-free, knowing they have a reliable safety net in place.” Ticket2U Sdn Bhd managing director YC Chia said Ticket2U focuses on elevating the ticketing experience, and Ticket Refund Insurance marks a step towards setting a new industry standard. DKSH healthcare and head, country leadership, Malaysia, vice-president, Sandeep Tewari said: “This marks a first for DKSH Malaysia and represents an important step forward in our financial strategy, enabling us to diversify our funding sources while balancing short-term and long-term financing to fuel our growth. We are grateful for the strong colla boration with OCBC Bank, whose expertise and support have been instrumental in making this possible. Together, we are securing a robust financial future for DKSH Malaysia while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy to enrich people’s lives.” OCBC managing director, senior banker and which is aligned to DKSH Group’s sustainability targets, is linked to DKSH’s social and environmental commitments – to increase gender equality in its senior leadership team positions, and to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030.

Chow (second from right) and Hong Leong Bank solar energy specialist Rodney Wong (right) accepting the award at the National Energy Awards 2024. According to HLB business and corporate banking managing director Yow Kuan Tuck, the award is a testament to how the bank views sustainability as a value-adding asset for customers and the industry as a whole. “Sustainability forms a fundamental part of our corporate banking strategy, firmly embedded in our organisational DNA through our brand value of being ‘Here For The Long Term’. For us, sustainability is more than just a compliance necessity. We believe it is a strategic imperative, providing significant opportunities to optimise and fortify our value chains while stimulating capital allocation towards green projects which will drive the national shift to a net zero carbon economy. “As a value-adding partner to our customers, we also see these green projects as a new horizon for investors and developers across industries, fostering broader engage ment in the burgeoning green economy and unlocking substantial avenues for investment and sustained economic advancement.” HLB’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its recently launched Sustainable Finance Framework, which aims to mobilise RM20 billion in support of projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, affordable housing, clean transport and waste manage ment over the next five years. “Achieving net zero requires a com prehensive approach, including operational measures, rigorous reporting, and innovative financing,” said HLB chief sustainability officer Chow Sheng Wai.

Tune Protect and Ticket2U unveil Ticket Refund Insurance PETALING JAYA: Tune Protect Malaysia has partnered with Ticket2U to introduce Ticket Refund Insurance for events in Malaysia. solutions and enhancing the overall event experience,” it said in a statement.

Ticket Refund Insurance covers tickets for conferences, marathons, runs, concerts, festivals and sports tournaments, enabling ticket holders to claim a refund if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from attending. It protects attendees from disruptions such as medical emergencies, accidental death, home emer gencies like fire or burglary, natural disasters and sudden unemployment, ensuring that ticket buyers are not financially burdened. The coverage also extends to road accidents, vehicle breakdowns on the way to the event, as well as other unforeseen circumstances. “This initiative reinforces Tune Protect’s commitment to delivering customer-centric

Affin Islamic, HDC collaborate to nurture young talent in halal industry PETALING JAYA: Affin Islamic Bank Bhd and Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to nurture young professionals in the halal industry. future of the halal economy. Affin Islamic and HDC will implement the programme over 12 months in four key phases. HDC will work with Affin Islamic to ensure the progress of these candidates for their next career prospects.

Affin Islamic Bank CEO Datuk Paduka Syed Mashafuddin said their collaboration with HDC underscores their strategic ambition of “Responsible Banking with Impact” under Affin’s AX28 Strategic Plan. HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari said the programme emphasises economic empowerment, uplifting communities and ensuring that Malaysia remains a global leader in the halal industry.

HDC will collaborate with community organisations such as zakat collection centres to identify 20 qualified candidates for the Halal Industry Training Programme and upon completion of the training, successful candidates will graduate and be certified as “halal executives” who will then undergo industrial training at selected halal-certified companies.

This partnership aligns with the talent development priorities of the Halal Industry Masterplan 2030. The programme will empower individuals from the underserved communities with essential skills and expertise, fostering a resilient and highly skilled workforce that will drive the

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