24/12/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | DEC 24, 2025

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PETALING JAYA: Maybank in collaboration with the Institute of International Finance (IIF) recently hosted the third annual IIF-Maybank Sustainable Finance Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, which brought together over 130 attendees con sisting of financial leaders, regional and local corporates, senior policy makers, investors and sustainability experts from across the globe. The one-day event served as a global platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration to advance credible transition pathways, climate and nature ambitions as well as sustainable economic growth. The forum attended by Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, saw the collaboration of IIF, represented by Global Policy Initiatives managing director and sustainable finance head Sonja Gibbs, and Maybank president and Group CEO Datuk Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, and Maybank Group chief sustainability officer Datuk Shahril Azuar Jimin. Speakers of the forum presented key topics in panel and virtual discussions such as Maybank’s take on what’s next – key takeaways from COP30 and Beyond, from risk to resilience, navigating the energy transition and climate adaptation, navigating contemporary geopolitics, the path towards nature positive transition, finance and infrastructure (B20 policy letter) and advancing climate adaptation and transition finance for a resilient future. Following the success of its 2022 Enabled through a RM1 million commitment via CIMB Islamic’s EcoSave-i savings account (EcoSave-i), this renewed collaboration builds on earlier efforts to expand environmental education, strengthen biodiversity protection and broaden community engagement in Penang and Perak. The new phase will extend to Royal Belum State Park in Perak, with a dedicated focus on revitalising endangered seladang or Malayan gaur populations through improved habitat conditions and enhanced grazing zones to ensure adequate nutrition and healthier breeding herds. In collaboration with the local Orang Asli community as the stewards of the forest, the programme will support herd monitoring, saltlick maintenance and the identification of suitable new grazing areas. CIMB Islamic CEO Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff said: “We are honoured to continue our collaboration with The Habitat Foundation and Penang Institute to safeguard the PHBR and Royal Belum State Park, two of the Malaysia’s most important ecosystems. Through EcoSave-i, we aim to create inclusive and meaningful opportunities for communities to connect with nature, broaden their

IIF-Maybank forum charts sustainability pathways

o Annual event serves as global platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration

sectoral, and national decarbonisation pathways.” In his keynote address, Akmal Nasrullah said: “The discussions taking place at the event could not be timelier. As we navigate a rapidly changing global landscape - from climate impacts to economic transition - collaboration between the public and private sectors will determine how effectively we can build a low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive Asean economy. “As we move forward from COP30, the challenge before us is clear: to convert global pledges into real, measurable progress. PETRA will continue to lead Malaysia’s journey towards an energy system that is sustainable, secure, and inclusive.” The 2025 forum is Maybank’s third collaboration with the Institute of International Finance, continuing from the success of the second IIF-Maybank event held in 2024 which was attended by participants consisting of eminent regional and local corporates and financial institutions.

embed ESG practices with support from partners including Chemsain Konsultant. Speaking at the event, Shahril said: “In an era of fragmentation and rising multipolarity, navigating global growth requires strategic agility, local insights, and a recalibration of risk. “As global markets face new headwinds and opportunities amid shifting capital flows and geopolitical realignments, it is clear that sustainable growth must remain at the heart of our collective strategy. “Global politics may change, but the laws of nature do not and at Maybank we lead by conviction, not convenience. “We must continue to advance our respective sustainability efforts and work towards a structured and inclusive transition to net zero. Expanding the sustainable finance market is critical to achieving these goals - enabling capital to flow where it can drive the greatest environmental and social impact. “We hold steady on the essential role financial institutions play in aligning markets, with corporate,

and sustainability consultant, to collaborate on decarbonisation and sustainability projects, including carbon credit initiatives across Malaysia. The partnership aims to leverage both parties’ expertise and networks to develop innovative solutions, create sectoral decarbonisation roadmaps, and establish industry best practices. Following this, at the event, Maybank also launched its Sustainability-Linked Loan Programme for eligible Commercial Banking clients with the goal of establishing an ecosystem to support those at the early stage of their sustainability journey. Aligned with Maybank’s mission of Humanising Financial Services, the programme promotes inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy by guiding clients to adopt and

and 2023 forum, this year’s Forum arrived at a pivotal moment as Asean’s sustainable and transition finance ecosystem continues to mature in line with evolving taxonomies, disclosure frameworks, and climate commitments. With sustainability positioned as a key theme of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship in 2025, the Forum explored how the rapidly evolving market, policies, and regulatory landscapes are shaping financing practices across Asean. It also addressed how geopolitical shifts and global climate initiatives, including COP30, are influencing the region’s progress towards a low carbon and inclusive future. One of the key highlights of the forum was the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Maybank and Chemsain Konsultant Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian environmental

CIMB Islamic pledges RM1 million to accelerate conservation efforts PENANG: CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd, together with The Habitat Foundation and Penang Institute, has renewed a two-year partnership to accelerate conservation efforts in Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) and Royal Belum State Park through CIMB EcoSave-i: Our Nature, Our Treasure initiative. understanding and actively participate in its protection.” He added the next phase of the partnership marks an important expansion into Royal Belum, where they will strengthen conservation efforts for the seladang, a critically endangered species that is unique to this region and essential to the balance of our forest ecosystems. Corporation acting director Lau Ching Fong, Ahmad Shahriman, Sundarajoo, The Habitat group (From left) Perak State Parks

managing director Danny Chua, Kee Beng and Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng at the launch of CIMB EcoSave-i: Our Nature, Our Treasure initiative.

Banking & Finance Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng said:“Biodiversity within a city calls for progressive ways of thinking that can help sustain the integrity of Nature. We believe that a deep appreciation of our rich tropical biosphere calls for inhabitants to have “The combined efforts of all partners along with public support, will elevate the impact of this initiative and reinforce our shared responsibility to protect our natural heritage, in line with CIMB Group’s purpose of advancing customers and society.” Penang state exco for housing and environment Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said: “The Penang state government has long advocated for a green and resilient future through the Penang2030 Vision, aiming to establish a family-focused, green, and smart state that can inspire the nation. “These projects align closely with our Penang2030 goals and highlight the importance of Our Nature, Our Treasure initiative” The Habitat Foundation board member Ooi Geok Ling said: “Recognition is only the beginning of our journey towards true conservation excellence and deeper nature appreciation. We are heartened that CIMB Islamic stands alongside us in this shared vision.”

process approximately one tonne of food waste into compost annually, supporting urban farming and contributing to habitat restoration activities. These initiatives are supported by EcoSave-i, Malaysia’s first environmentally focused Islamic savings account. Under EcoSave-i, the bank commits 0.2% of the total average portfolio balance per annum towards environmental projects. Since its launch in 2008, EcoSave-i has contributed more than RM12 million to various conservation and environmental programmes nationwide, supporting community-centred efforts to preserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

Programmes talks, experiential nature camps and guided visits will be organised for more than 500 participants from schools, community groups and underprivileged communities annually. These activities aim to encourage meaningful engagement with nature, build understanding of local ecosystems and foster a culture of responsible stewardship. The partnership will also incorporate sustainability innovations aimed at reducing food waste through the installation of Economical Food Waste Composters developed by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in selected schools and community sites. Each machine is expected to such as

nurturing interactions with their natural surroundings. “Accessibility and Appreciation go hand in hand, and knowing one’s natural surroundings leads to a willingness to preserve and protect it. ‘Access with respect’ is a value we need to cultivate in the long run.” In addition to expanded efforts in Royal Belum, biodiversity protection initiatives in Penang will continue with the installation of additional wildlife canopy bridges at identified hotspots to enable safe movement for Penang’s endangered Dusky Langur and other wildlife across busy roads. Beyond on-ground conservation, public awareness and education will also be a key focus.

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