18/06/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | JUNE 18, 2025

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Alliance Bank launches Sarawak SME ESG Report

Prasarana partners UN agency to support vendors PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is stepping up its commitment to sustainability by partnering with the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The partnership was officially formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Prasarana and UNGCMYB recently. The MoU was signed by Prasarana president and Group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and UNGCMYB executive director Faroze Nadar. This collaboration marks a key milestone in Prasarana’s efforts to uplift Malaysia’s public transport industry while contributing to national sustainability goals, benefitting commuters, communities, and the country’s broader economy. As part of the partnership, Prasarana will launch the Vendor ESG Hub – a dedicated digital platform that will provide more than 5,000 SME vendors with access to ESG training, tools, and resources. By strengthening vendor capabilities, the initiative supports the growth of local businesses, which represent 96% of companies in Malaysia, and enhances resilience within Prasarana’s supply chain. The training programme will be rolled out in phases, with the first cohort tentatively beginning in July. Participating vendors will also be guided to eventually develop their own sustainability reports, aligned with international ESG standards. Mohd Azharuddin stated the initiative reflects Prasarana’s role as a responsible government-owned company committed to sustainable progress. “Our impact as a public transport operator goes beyond moving people. We are helping to build a stronger business ecosystem. One that supports SMEs and delivers better services to the public. “The Vendor ESG Hub is part of our long-term effort to help local businesses grow sustainably alongside us.” This initiative complements Prasarana’s ongoing sustainability blueprint, which includes plans to reduce carbon emissions by electrifying its bus fleet, expanding renewable energy usage, and supporting grassroots programmes.

that encourages the adoption of best practices across industries.” He added: “We recognise the challenges that stand in the way. Many businesses face limitations in terms of resources, staffing, and clarity – especially when confronted with numerous frameworks and fragmented information. “Access to financing remains another hurdle. These are real issues that we must address collectively. We hope that the report is able to provide critical guidance to SMEs, helping them build capacity and access useful tools and resources as they navigate their ESG journey.” Speaking on the research component of the report, Monash University Malaysia CEO and pro vice-chancellor and president Professor Datuk Adeeba Kamarulzaman said: “This initiative brings together government, academia, industry, and civil society, underscoring the collective effort needed to advance sustainability. “The research component of this collaboration involves a state-wide study that offers critical insights into ESG practices among SMEs. “The findings support the development of policies and strategies that help SMEs integrate ESG principles, enhancing their resilience and competitiveness while contributing meaningfully to Sarawak’s sustainable and inclusive growth”. Some of the key findings of the report are: 0 62% of SMEs in Sarawak are aware of ESG practices: The encouraging level of ESG awareness is the result of concerted efforts of government bodies, NGOs, and corporations in disseminating ESG-related information and promoting sustainable business practices. 0 66% of SMEs in Sarawak have incorporated ESG practices into their business operations including a portion who are unconscious adopters. 0 Meeting market demand, along with the pursuit of cost efficiencies, has driven ESG adoption among SMEs. These efforts not only enhanced competitiveness but also unlocked access to new customer segments and expanded market opportunities. 0 Among non-adopters, 98% indicated a strong intention to adopt ESG measures, with 59% planning to act within the next two years.

businesses but also highlights areas where support and intervention are necessary. By aligning their practices with ESG principles, SMEs can bolster their resilience, competitiveness, and contribute significantly to Sarawak’s sustainable future. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, in the foreword, said, “Our companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of ESG principles and are actively seeking pathways to implement them.” Invest Sarawak, a key partner in this report is committed to supporting SMEs in overcoming challenges related to ESG adoption, including providing clarity, financial support, and facilitating capacity-building opportunities. InvestSarawak CEO Timothy Ong said: “ESG practices are increasingly vital for businesses to remain competitive, attract investment, and ensure long-term viability. The findings presented in this report clearly demonstrate that Sarawak’s SMEs recognise the importance of sustainability, with a significant number already taking tangible steps to embed ESG into their business strategies.” The Sarawak SME ESG Report reveals promising momentum among SMEs, showing that six in ten SMEs in Sarawak are aware of sustainability issues, and 66% have already begun implementing ESG practices including a portion who are unconscious adopters. Among non-adopters, 98% indicated a strong intention to adopt ESG measures, with 59% planning to act within the next two years. The leading motivators for SMEs to adopt ESG practices include meeting the evolving expectations of consumers, suppliers, and investors. Despite these positive trends, challenges such as limited resources, staffing constraints, and navigating various ESG frameworks were cited as key barriers to wider adoption. Alliance Bank group CEO Kellee Kam said: “Delivering a Sarawak focused report is not just timely, it is essential. The state-specific ESG report provides a deeper understanding of the realities faced by local businesses. This enables us to identify both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. The data gathered will empower businesses to make informed decisions while also serving as a benchmark

o Initiative provides practical recommendations to guide businesses on sustainability journey KUCHING: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd recently launched its inaugural report titled Navigating ESG In Sarawak: Insights From SMEs ( Sarawak SME ESG Report ), a landmark initiative aimed at advancing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak. The Sarawak SME ESG Report was developed through a comprehensive study conducted with the support of the Sarawak government, InvestSarawak, Monash University and United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB). The report was officially launched by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, at the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) held in Kuching. The launch was also attended Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni and MINTRED Sarawak Deputy Minister Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. Also present were the report key strategic partners InvestSarawak, Monash University, and UNGCMYB. The Sarawak SME ESG Report offers valuable insights into the current levels of ESG awareness, adoption, and the challenges faced by SMEs across Sarawak, providing practical recommendations to guide businesses on their sustainability journey. In the foreword of the report, Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of its economic development, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). “This comprehensive report not only underscores the progress made by Sarawakian

Asia Platinum Capital signs three MoUs to drive regional investments KUALA LUMPUR: Asia Platinum Capital Bhd (APC), marked a major milestone recently when it signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with regional and international partners in the ESG and sustainable investment space during the Asean Leadership & Partnership Forum 2025. The signing ceremony was led by APC CEO Ramlie Kamsari and director Ladaporn Khunikakorn, the partnership with APC focuses on the development of high-integrity carbon assets across the region, contributing to channel climate finance into nature and innovation projects that will drive measurable climate impact. Group KS & EDENA: Represented The presence of Sok Siphana reflects APC’s strong cross-border collaboration, as they embark on their inaugural carbon credit project for the portfolio of carbon assets in the region, which relates to sustainable technology and involves biogas initiatives in Cambodia. This milestone also highlights Cambodia’s pivotal role in APC’s ESG journey and commitment to climate-positive solutions.

Banking & Finance Represented by CEO Harry Lim, this collaboration focuses on delivering ESG solutions and technologies tailored for markets across Asean and also countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reinforcing APC’s ambition for global ESG leadership. by Co-CEO Wook Lee, this strategic alliance seeks to collaborate in the formation of an international consortium for the establishment of a proposed Malaysia’s first STO exchange with a specific focus on Asean carbon credit tokenisation and integrating Islamic finance principles. Integral Omni Inspire:

witnessed by APC chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan, and Cambodia senior minister Dr Sok Siphana who is also the Honorary adviser of Asean Economic Club . These collaborations aim to drive forward regional transformation in climate finance, next-generation technologies, and ESG integration across Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Three key partnerships signed: South Pole: Represented by Sea & Oceanic climate projects regional

Ramlie stated: “Each of these partnerships reflects our firm belief that technology and smart partnerships are key to unlocking the true potential of ESG transformation across the region. “We are honored to work alongside visionary partners who share our long-term commitment to creating carbon wealth, impact investment, and inclusive green development.” Ladaporn said: “South Pole is excited to work with APC in scaling

(From left) Mohamed Jawhar, Ramlie, Ladaporn, Lee, Lim and Sok Siphana.

“This partnership supports our mission to deliver true climate impact for all, leveraging the power of carbon markets and accelerating much needed low-carbon transformations.”

high-impact climate projects that contribute to meaningful carbon reduction while unlocking long-term investment opportunities across Southeast Asia.

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