KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) has collaborated with Refiller Mobile to encourage Malaysians to embrace a zero-waste lifestyle.
Refiller Mobile becomes the seventh social enterprise on board HLB Jumpstart, the bank’s entrepreneurship-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform dedicated to supporting social enterprises on their missions to uplift communities and contribute positively to society.
Through HLB Jumpstart, the bank will facilitate the digitalisation of Refiller Mobile’s business operations and provide guidance on social media strategies to expand brand visibility and customer reach.
HLB will also provide digital banking and payment solutions such as DuitNow QR codes and all-in-one payment terminals to enable seamless cashless payments.
Additionally, HLB will also support Refiller Mobile in business and financial management through tailored advisory.
HLB chief marketing and communication officer Zalman Zainal said the bank’s approach to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) commitments and community investment in many different ways, one of which is by actively supporting social enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities through creating social impact.
“Through HLB Jumpstart, we look to support entrepreneurs and socially-driven businesses through digitalisation and industry-level guidance, helping them build a financially stable business and amplifying the positive impact they have in their communities.
“We see our partnership with Refiller Mobile as a win-win situation for both parties, encouraging the adoption of a zero-waste lifestyle amongst Malaysians whilst helping to grow a small, local business with a noble cause.
“With this, we hope to expand our ESG portfolio and capabilities even further, enabling a truly holistic adoption of sustainability practices in all layers of operations,” he said in a statement.
HLB chief sustainability officer Chow Sheng Wai said the partnership is aligned with the bank’s sustainability-driven DNA as it looks to embed ESG values into its operations, extending even to its corporate collaborations.
“We believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change, and we want to work with brands and businesses that help us drive our ESG initiatives forward.
“Refiller Mobile is the perfect partnership for us because it marries our passion for entrepreneurship with our commitment towards long-term sustainability.
“We hope that this partnership will be mutually beneficial for all parties as we look to implement ESG-focused practices in our operations further while supporting our customers in their sustainability journeys towards a greener future for all,” she said.
Founded by Oh Sok Peng, a former media producer, Refiller Mobile is Malaysia’s first zero-waste store on wheels.
Her van, refurbished to carry products such as eco-friendly cleaning agents, personal care products like toothpaste and shampoo, dried fruits and nuts, and even dog treats, allows customers to stock up on essential household products right at their doorstep, eliminating wastage of non-recyclable containers.
In their commitment to supporting local businesses and reducing environmental impact, Refiller Mobile sources all their products locally, mostly from stores and brands that have an eco-friendly DNA.
Oh said a big part of their business is being mindful of their own carbon footprint.
She runs her operation on an appointment-only basis and makes it a priority to source her products from local, zero-waste suppliers.
Commenting on the genesis of Refiller Mobile, she cited her own challenges with living a zero-waste lifestyle and her passion for promoting responsible consumption.
“Through going on-ground and engaging with the community, I learned that many want to reduce the waste they produce but do not know where to start.
“There are also not many zero-waste, eco-friendly stores that provide a wide variety of products at an affordable price.
“Hence, I thought of starting my own mobile ‘refilling’ store, filling a gap in the market whilst helping others on their zero-waste journeys,” she said.
