ESG

Singapore Management University (SMU) has raised S$150 million through the successful issuance of its first-ever Sustainability Bond—marking a historic first for a university in Singapore. The bond, which matures in July 2032, carries a coupon rate of 2.022% and was arranged by Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC), the Sole Lead Manager and Bookrunner. Proceeds from the bond will be used to finance and refinance eligible green and social initiatives under SMU’s Sustainable Financing Framework, launched in June 2025. These initiatives include green buildings, energy-efficient infrastructure, sustainable IT systems, water and waste management, as well as social programmes focused on inclusive education, mental health, and public knowledge sharing. “This bond is more than a financial milestone — it reflects SMU’s commitment to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future,” said SMU President, Professor Lily Kong. “Issuing it during our 25th anniversary year underscores our vision to grow with purpose and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.” SMU President Professor Lily Kong The bond aligns with SMU’s 2022 Sustainability Blueprint and the national goals outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. SMU’s Sustainable Financing Framework, developed in partnership with OCBC, enables the university to pursue green, social, and sustainability-linked financing with clear governance and transparency. “This issuance is a strategic step in aligning our financial planning with our sustainability ambitions,” said Mr Lim Boon Wee, SMU’s Senior Vice President, Administration. “It allows us to fund infrastructure and initiatives that deliver both environmental benefits and positive social outcomes.” Mr Lim Boon Wee, SMU’s Senior Vice President, Administration The framework received a Second Party Opinion from Moody’s Investors Service, earning a Sustainability Quality Score (SQS2 – Very Good). Moody’s also reaffirmed SMU’s top-tier Aaa credit rating, citing the university’s strong financial health and governance. SMU’s bond stands out in the education sector. While other local universities have issued green or sustainability-linked bonds, SMU’s approach integrates both environmental and social elements. A portion of the funds will directly support students from low-income backgrounds, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and inclusive education. “This milestone builds on OCBC’s long-standing collaboration with SMU,” said Ms Elaine Lam, Head of Global Corporate Banking at OCBC. “We’re proud to support this pioneering bond, which not only reflects SMU’s sustainability leadership, but also sets a powerful example for future generations.” Ms Elaine Lam, Head of Global Corporate Banking at OCBC

KUALA LUMPUR, The Asia Institute for Sustainability (AIS), a Singapore-based body focused on sustainability and ESG leadership, has introduced the Certified Sustainability Officer (CSO) Professional Training Program in Malaysia. The program is developed in collaboration with Deloitte, its official training partner, and organised by Business Media International. The CSO Program is designed for both current and aspiring sustainability professionals. It offers global standards tailored to regional needs and teaches practical skills in ESG strategy, compliance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement—key areas needed to lead sustainability efforts within organisations. Datuk William Ng, AIS Program Chair for Malaysia, highlighted the country’s goal to reach Net Zero by 2050, and the need for 10,000 sustainability professionals by 2030. “To achieve this, we must train at least 2,000 qualified individuals each year. The CSO Program is a key step in this direction,” he said. The course content is aligned with Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework and global disclosure standards, helping participants stay ahead of regulatory changes. Graduates will receive the ‘CSO’ title to strengthen their professional credentials in this growing field. The first intake begins on 2 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. The program is HRD Corp claimable and eligible for the 2025 ESG tax deduction for Bursa-listed companies investing in sustainability training.

B.Grimm Power Plc and Singapore-based Digital Edge have announced a US$1 billion investment to develop a 100-megawatt data centre in Thailand, set to launch by the fourth quarter of 2026. The facility aims to meet growing demand for AI, cloud, and digital services across Southeast Asia. Harald Link, Group President of B.Grimm Power Located in Chon Buri, approximately 100km from Bangkok, the data centre will be fast-tracked to support global technology companies expanding their AI infrastructure in the region. This project aligns with Thailand’s push to strengthen its digital infrastructure, backed by government incentives and pro-investment policies. Recent major tech investments in Thailand include: ByteDance (TikTok): US$8.8 billion over five years Alphabet (Google): US$1 billion for a planned data centre Microsoft: Construction of its first regional data centre US$3 billion in data and energy projects approved by Thailand’s investment board (BOI) in May The new data centre will prioritise sustainability by using Thailand’s clean energy grid, aligning with the carbon-neutral goals of global tech firms. John Freeman, CEO of Digital Edge B.Grimm Power is also exploring additional investments of up to US$1.6 billion to expand data centre capacity by another 200 megawatts, according to Usa Nuetap, Head of Data Centre Development at B.Grimm Power. This partnership reflects a strategic convergence of digital and energy infrastructure, further positioning Thailand as a rising hub in Asia’s digital economy.

FWD Insurance Berhad (“FWD Insurance”) has sponsored 40 digital smartboards worth RM400,000 to 35 schools under the Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Keramat, as part of its commitment to improving financial education for young Malaysians. Official handover of smartboard by Mak See Sen (right), CEO of FWD Insurance Berhad to En Mohd Helmy bin Abdul Najib (left), Timbalan Pengawai Pendidikan Daerah Sektor Pembelajaran. The initiative, launched to support digital learning and promote financial literacy, was officiated by FWD Insurance CEO Mr. Mak See Sen and Mr. Mohd Helmy bin Abdul Najib, Deputy District Education Officer, Learning Sector. It aligns with the Ministry of Education’s Digital Education Policy (thrusts 4 and 6) and PPD Keramat’s Bring Your Own Device to School (BYODS) Programme. All smartboards have been installed, and students are already using them in classrooms. These tools help integrate digital technology and AI into daily lessons, making financial education more interactive and accessible. “At FWD, we want to change the way people feel about insurance – and that starts with building smart financial habits early,” said Mr. Mak. “This project isn’t just about hardware. It’s about preparing students to make better money decisions that support their future well-being.” The smartboard sponsorship is part of FWD’s broader mission to boost financial literacy across all age groups. Other efforts in 2024 include partnerships with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) for the ‘Know Your Money’ programme, JA Malaysia for the ‘JA SparktheDream’ project, and Arus Academy for ‘Fun(d) for Uni Life’. Through these initiatives, FWD continues to invest in Malaysia’s future, supporting the digitalisation of education and helping young people build the knowledge they need to secure a financially stable life.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has become the first commercial bank in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to issue a sustainability-linked loan (SLL), with a US$150 million facility extended to Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Malaysia (AT&S Malaysia). In a joint statement with AT&S, Maybank said this landmark deal marks the first SLL from a local bank to a multinational company in Malaysia’s semiconductor industry. From left: Datuk John Chong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking of Maybank; Michael Mertin, President and CEO, AT&S; Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, AT&S. The loan complements a US$250 million financing secured by AT&S Malaysia from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in March 2025. Together, they form part of a parallel loan package arranged by IFC. Proceeds from the loan will support the development of AT&S’ first high-end IC substrate manufacturing facility in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, which will feature advanced equipment and closed-loop recycling systems in line with the company’s sustainability strategy. The plant is set to produce sophisticated IC substrates that are critical for meeting rising demand for high-performance processors, data centres, and AI infrastructure. AT&S noted that with more than US$1 billion invested, this project is the group’s largest initial outlay in Malaysia. The SLL includes targets such as a 31% reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions by March 31, 2028, using FY2022 levels as the baseline. Maybank’s global banking group CEO Datuk John Chong said the financing aligns with the bank’s strategic push in the semiconductor sector and reinforces its commitment to sustainable finance and the green transition in the region. “This transaction also deepens our collaboration with the International Finance Corporation,” he said. From 2021 through Q1 2025, Maybank has mobilised RM125.46 billion in sustainable financing across ASEAN, exceeding its RM80 billion target ahead of schedule.

A new generation of conservation leaders officially graduated today from the Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP), a three-month career development initiative designed by Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC) to equip youths from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds with the skills and experience to enter the conservation industry. Supported by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and the MADANI Government under the Belanjawan 2025, TRCRC celebrated the achievements of 16 bold and passionate youth, now ready to join Malaysia’s growing green workforce. “As we close this chapter, I believe we leave here not just as graduates—but as caretakers and storytellers for the rainforest,” said Azri Hasbullah, one of the graduating trainees. The graduation ceremony was officiated by key partners and guests, including Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin (CEO, Yayasan Sime Darby), Azyatul Nurhani Azmi (Treasury, Ministry of Finance), David Dzulkifli (TRCRC Board of Trustees), and Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli (Executive Director, Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre – TRCRC).  “This is more than just a training programme—it is a gateway to opportunity, and a spark for transformation. Through YCTP, we are not only nurturing conservation leaders but also creating pathways for B40 youth to thrive in Malaysia’s green economy,” said Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby. “We are proud to support this collaboration with TRCRC and the Ministry of Finance, which reflects our long-standing commitment to both environmental conservation and youth empowerment.” The YCTP, newly rebranded from the long-running G-Team Programme initiated in 2012, is a structured training pathway that bridges academic learning with workplace readiness, with special attention to youth from B40 communities. The programme provides equitable access to conservation careers and begins with theoretical learning at the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC), followed by technical fieldwork and Indigenous knowledge exchange at the Tropical Rainforest Living Collection (TRLC-Banun) in Royal Belum, Gerik, Perak. Trainees also participated in field trips and workshops led by experienced conservation professionals. “Conservation was never something we saw advertised as a job,” said Dzaeman Dzulkifli in his closing speech. “But today, it’s one of the most in-demand professions—aligned with Malaysia’s biodiversity goals, ESG priorities, and global climate targets. YCTP gives you the tools, the network, and the experience to thrive in this space.” Trainees shared powerful reflections from their field experiences. “As an educator, I will pass on what I’ve learned from the wisdom of time spent with the indigenous community planting trees in Amanjaya Forest Reserve,” said Vaani, one of the graduates. “Working alongside the field team, I’ve seen what superhumans look like.” “This programme didn’t just give me knowledge—it gave me purpose. Just like my favourite quote from Jane Goodall says: ‘What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.’” shared Pei Ying. Angela Moris, Programme Coordinator at TRCRC, noted the programme’s unique integration of scientific knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills. “This year, YCTP reached new milestones with more field trips, stronger engagement with strategic partners, and wider coverage of ecological topics. This programme is about building confidence, leadership, and science communication,” she said. The curriculum includes certified modules in biodiversity, restoration ecology, soil science, and forest management, delivered in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and experts from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Tropical Rainforest Centre (UMK-TRaCe), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). It also includes AI career readiness training in partnership with Mereka.io, helping participants boost their digital competencies and confidence in navigating modern workplace tools. The programme’s final phase included career preparation, where trainees completed mock interviews with conservation employers. Nine out of the sixteen graduates have applied for job opportunities with TRCRC, with others expressing strong interest in working with conservation NGOs across Malaysia.  “Malaysia’s forests need champions like you—individuals who understand the science and care deeply for the land and its people,” said Dr Hajah Yatela to the graduates.