ESG

In a continued demonstration of its environmental stewardship, Kenanga Investors Berhad returned as the lead sponsor for the Dive Against Debris initiative for the third consecutive year. The programme, organised by the Black Eye Scuba Team (BEST), was held from 10 to 12 May 2025 at Pulau Perhentian Kecil, focusing on both marine and shoreline clean-up efforts along Long Beach and its surrounding waters. A total of 282.4 kilogrammes of waste was successfully removed from the beach and marine environment, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local and international volunteers. Among them were 25 representatives from Kenanga Investors, including employees, distribution partners, and clients—all united by a shared commitment to sustainability.The initiative also featured an environmental awareness session at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Perhentian, where students were engaged on topics related to conservation, sustainability, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. This educational component reflects Kenanga Investors’ broader ESG mission to empower future generations with the knowledge and values to make a difference. “Phase 3 marks our third year supporting this initiative and reinforces our commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities,” said Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors. “We believe in taking active steps to protect our environment and remain dedicated to long-term efforts that drive meaningful and lasting change. This initiative is one of the many ways we uphold our belief in ‘Invest for Good’.” He added, “We are thankful to everyone who represented Kenanga Investors during this programme. It is through the dedication of all of our stakeholders that we bring our values to life and make a tangible difference where it matters.” Beyond beach clean-ups, Kenanga Investors continues to integrate ESG principles into its investment strategies. A standout initiative includes the Eq8 FTSE Malaysia Enhanced Dividend Waqf ETF (Eq8WAQF)—the world’s first Waqf-featured Exchange Traded Fund. This innovative financial product reflects the firm’s commitment to impact investing and delivering sustainable value to both investors and communities. Through initiatives like Dive Against Debris, Kenanga Investors is not only advocating for environmental preservation but also actively shaping a more responsible and resilient future for all. -Manila Times

Not everyone begins life with the same opportunities. While some are born into privilege and security, others face adversity from the outset—be it poverty, conflict or marginalisation. These disparities, particularly in developing nations, can have far-reaching consequences, creating structural barriers that hinder progress. In the dynamic ASEAN region, rapid economic expansion often contrasts starkly with uneven development. Despite improvements in infrastructure and technology, large segments of the population across Malaysia and Southeast Asia remain underserved, lacking access to essential services such as quality education, stable housing and financial products. These communities are also the most vulnerable in times of crisis. Recognising this urgent need, RHB Banking Group has placed social inclusion at the core of its sustainability agenda, embedding inclusive financing, social-focused initiatives, and long-term capacity-building into its strategic roadmap. Group Managing Director Mohd Rashid Mohamad articulates the bank’s commitment: “When we expand financial access and equip individuals and businesses with the right tools and knowledge, we unlock opportunities for communities to thrive sustainably. Financial inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s the cornerstone of meaningful social impact and a resilient future for all.” Purpose-Driven Financing for Real Impact At the heart of RHB’s strategy is a belief that financial services are a basic right. The Group is actively reshaping the financial ecosystem to better serve underrepresented communities, including gig workers and low-income households, often excluded by traditional banking systems. RHB has committed to mobilising RM90 billion in Sustainable Financial Services by 2027 under its Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap. As of December 2024, the bank had already channelled over RM40 billion into these services, directly supporting affordable housing, essential services, food security and socioeconomic empowerment. Particularly noteworthy is the First Home Mortgage/-i scheme, tailored to support first-time homebuyers. Through partnerships with Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Bhd and Cagamas SRP Bhd, RHB approved RM1.29 billion in home financing for 4,376 buyers by the end of 2024. RHB also champions environmentally aligned financial products, offering Green Residential Financing with enhanced margins and Shariah-compliant options for certified developments. In insurance, the Group has introduced targeted products such as the Rahmah Personal Accident Insurance for gig workers and inclusive fire insurance with flood protection, as well as Motor Saver Insurance, which incentivises low carbon emissions. By the close of 2024, RHB had issued 96,197 policies under its ESG-aligned insurance offerings, helping individuals and families across Malaysia build resilience against environmental and socioeconomic risks. Empowering Through Education and SME Growth Beyond access to finance, RHB invests in long-term empowerment through financial literacy, digital tools and sustainability education. Its MySISWA Programme, launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry, has reached students at 20 public universities. The initiative includes the ProSavings-i account and MySISWA Debit Card, which not only facilitates cashless transactions but also serves as a multifunctional university access card. Employees of RHB serve as financial ambassadors, delivering practical education on saving and budgeting to foster responsible financial habits among students. RHB is equally committed to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In 2024, through a collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the bank conducted nine nationwide roadshows, engaging more than 570 SMEs to promote renewable energy and energy-efficient practices. Partnerships with SME Corporation Malaysia, the SME Association of Malaysia, and the Malaysian Retail Chain Association have further extended RHB’s outreach. Through initiatives such as the Low-Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF) and the RM100 million LCTF Portfolio Guarantee, the bank enables SMEs to integrate low-carbon practices into their operations with access to ESG reporting tools like the Low Carbon Operating System (LCOS). Clients such as Antara Ventures Sdn Bhd and Roflex Pipe Sdn Bhd have credited RHB’s tailored green financing solutions for enabling the installation of solar panels and the optimisation of sustainable production processes. RHB has also enhanced its SME digital ecosystem through its SME e-Solutions platform. By the end of 2024, 27,687 SMEs had been onboarded. Of the 7,354 new customers acquired in 2024, 66% were new-to-bank, contributing to RM253 million in total current account balances. Notably, SME e-Solutions users held 13% higher deposit balances on average than non-users. These achievements reflect RHB’s broader ambition to modernise operations and broaden access to sustainable banking tools while reinforcing ESG integration through participation in forums such as the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) SME Focus Group. Tangible Impact, Real Lives At the centre of RHB’s social strategy is a focus on delivering real, measurable outcomes. Through the RHB #JomBiz initiative, individuals like Mohd Shafiq Ezwanie Jafri, founder of Senju Co in Sarawak, have transformed their businesses. With RM12,000 in seed funding and expert support, he expanded production capacity and streamlined his supply chain, setting his bakery business on a path of sustained growth. From enabling homeownership and protecting against natural disasters to digitising SME operations and equipping students with vital life skills, RHB remains unwavering in its mission to create a financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind. As ASEAN continues to advance, RHB stands firm in its belief that growth must be inclusive—rooted in empathy, equity and a commitment to a sustainable future where all individuals and businesses are empowered to thrive. -The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia boasts a national electrification rate exceeding 99%, however, certain rural and remote areas continue to experience limited access to electricity. Kampung Chenderong Kelubi in Perak is one such example, where schoolchildren commute during early morning hours without proper lighting. To improve electricity access in the area, Solarvest Holdings Berhad (“Solarvest”) implemented off-grid solar and battery systems at four bus stops in Kampung Chenderong Kelubi. These installations equipped with high-quality solar panels sponsored by Solarvest, provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity that benefits over 1,000 residents from 11 surrounding Orang Asli villages, including approximately 300 school-aged children. The project, conducted from 7 to 9 May 2025, was a collaborative effort between Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) engineering students and Solarvest, with support from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). As an industry player committed to talent development, Solarvest went beyond sponsorship to provide hands-on mentorship. Solarvest engineers guided the students through every phase of the project, from conceptual system design and project feasibility assessments to meticulous installation planning and on-ground execution. Chief Operating Officer of Solarvest, Mr. Vincent Yap Pei Koon (叶培根) added, “This is a meaningful initiative, not only to electrify a remote community, but also to support the young engineers from UTP. It’s impressive to see young talents taking bold steps to turn their ideas into reality. Through this hands-on training, they gain invaluable exposure to the practicalities of solar system deployment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. We hope the training will spark their passion and shape their future careers in the clean energy industry.” He further added, “At Solarvest, we are committed to create meaningful impact, from enabling access to reliable clean energy to supporting the development of young talent and uplifting local communities. As corporates, we all have a role to play. Our team has carried out several similar initiatives in the past, and each time, they return with a deep sense of fulfilment. Being able to help others while doing what we do best is the greatest reward. This project empowers remote Orang Asli villages with energy access, and opens doors to improved healthcare, better educational opportunities and an enhanced quality of life.” Echoing the sentiment, Puan Ostini Erna Binti Abdul Wahab, Representative of the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) also shared, “This project was not merely about installing solar PV systems. It was a meaningful step towards building a brighter, more sustainable future for the Orang Asli community. This project proves that collaboration across sectors, industry, academia, and government, can directly address community needs. As the agency responsible for their welfare, our priority is to enhance basic infrastructure, empower communities, and introduce green technologies. This initiative now stands as a foundation for many more impactful and sustainable development programmes to come.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia has announced a collaboration with BoardRoom Group to accelerate the adoption of its Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) Solution among public listed companies (PLCs), with the goal of improving sustainability reporting standards across Malaysia’s corporate landscape. The CSI Solution, developed by Bursa Malaysia to support the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy, was designated as the Exchange’s official sustainability reporting channel in March 2025. It aligns with the IFRS S1 and S2 disclosure standards under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF). Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, CEO of Bursa Malaysia, said the collaboration leverages BoardRoom’s corporate advisory expertise to support more companies in meeting evolving sustainability disclosure requirements. “We are committed to enabling Malaysian companies in their decarbonisation journey by offering CSI tools free of charge to all PLCs,” he said. BoardRoom Group CEO Angeline Aw said the initiative builds on their longstanding relationship with Bursa Malaysia and reflects a shared focus on enhancing governance and regulatory readiness. “We are well-positioned to help clients adopt the CSI Solution and produce meaningful sustainability reports,” she added. Since its launch in June 2024, about 180 PLCs have onboarded onto the CSI platform. The Exchange encourages not just PLCs, but also mid-tier companies and SMEs to adopt the CSI Solution, which includes tools such as an emissions calculator, supplier management module, and other value-added services from ecosystem partners. For further details, companies can contact [email protected] or visit the Bursa Malaysia CSI Solution website.

KUALA LUMPUR: In a swift move to sustain momentum in solar adoption, the government has introduced an additional 100 megawatts (MW) to the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Rakyat rooftop solar quota. This comes just two days after the initial 600MW allocation was fully taken up, reflecting strong demand among residential consumers. According to a joint statement by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and the Energy Commission on Friday, the additional quota under the NEM Rakyat programme will remain available until 30 June 2025, or until the new capacity is fully subscribed. The ministry is also reviewing potential new frameworks and mechanisms for future rooftop solar programmes. The goal is to make renewable energy initiatives more inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all electricity users. Beyond the NEM Rakyat initiative, residential consumers have other options such as the Solar for Self-Consumption (SelCo) programme. Unlike NEM, SelCo does not allow users to export excess electricity to the grid but enables households to use their solar-generated energy entirely for their own needs. Meanwhile, innovative models such as the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism (CREAM) are gaining traction. Under CREAM, aggregators can rent rooftop space from homeowners and sell solar power to commercial users, paying a 15 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh) network usage charge. PETRA reaffirmed its commitment to Malaysia’s energy transition, positioning rooftop solar as a key pillar in achieving the national target of 70% renewable energy capacity in the electricity mix by 2050. This ambition aligns with the Madani Malaysia framework, which emphasises sustainability and inclusive development. The NEM Rakyat programme is one of three major components under the NEM 3.0 framework, which also includes: NEM Nova, targeting commercial and industrial (C&I) users, with 524.65MW quota still available from an initial 1,700MW; and NEM GoMEn, aimed at government entities, with 17.2MW of its 100MW quota remaining. As demand for rooftop solar surges, Malaysia continues to refine its renewable energy strategies to support widespread adoption, ensuring economic and environmental gains across all segments of society.–THE EDGE