ESG

The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) has launched the ASEAN Circular Economy Certification (CEC), the first certification of its kind in the region, aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt sustainable business practices and strengthen competitiveness. Samenta national president Datuk William Ng said the certification is a major step towards helping SMEs transition from the traditional linear “take-make-waste” model to a more sustainable circular economy approach. He said the initiative supports goals under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which focuses on scaling up micro, small and medium enterprises while encouraging the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Ng noted that the current global energy crisis has increased business costs and disrupted supply chains, making circular economy practices more important than ever. He added that circularity is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for businesses. The programme was officially launched by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim. According to Ng, the global circular economy market is projected to reach US$578 billion by the end of 2026 and could generate up to US$4.5 trillion in economic output by 2030. He said SMEs that adopt circular economy principles can reduce dependence on limited resources, lower energy use and protect themselves from volatile commodity prices. Developed with support from the Global Reporting Initiative, the certification offers SMEs a structured and internationally aligned framework to minimise waste and improve resource efficiency. Samenta plans to expand the programme across the region through the ASEAN SME Caucus, with the aim of harmonising sustainability standards for around 70 million SMEs in Southeast Asia. Ng said the certification will also help SMEs prepare for future extended producer responsibility regulations, which will require producers to be accountable for the full lifecycle of their products. He added that early adoption would allow SMEs to redesign products, build waste data systems and create new income opportunities by converting waste into usable raw materials. Samenta aims to bring 15,000 SMEs into the circular economy over the next three years, potentially generating more than RM3 billion in additional revenue and cost savings. To support the initiative, Samenta signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd to provide certified SMEs with access to green financing and subsidised interest rates from as low as four per cent. A total of 20 SMEs received the CEC certification at the launch event, becoming the first businesses in Malaysia to receive the recognition.

For many visually impaired individuals, booking a ride has long meant relying on assistance. That experience took a step forward today as Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia, in collaboration with the Society of the Blind in Malaysia, demonstrated how voice talkback technology can support independent ride bookings at the Inclusive Mobility Seminar 2026 held at Wisma SBM. The session brought together approximately 40 visually impaired participants, who were introduced to how the Maxim app works with screen reader and voice talkback functions, allowing users to navigate the platform and arrange rides without visual input. The initiative highlighted how assistive technology can be integrated into everyday mobility services to improve independence and confidence in travel. A key highlight of the seminar was a guided live booking demonstration, where participants used voice-assisted commands to navigate the app, input destinations and simulate ride requests. The hands-on session provided a practical understanding of how the system responds to spoken input in real time, bridging the gap between digital accessibility features and real-world usage. Participants were supported throughout the session by facilitators, ensuring a structured and comfortable learning environment. The exercise allowed attendees to familiarise themselves with the application at their own pace, reinforcing confidence in using digital transport services independently. In addition to the live demonstration, participants were introduced to Maxim’s OKU-friendly tariff, including eligibility criteria, registration steps and fare structure. The briefing aimed to ensure that accessibility extends beyond app usage to include inclusive pricing options designed for the community. “Accessible technology should not be an added feature, it should be a standard. Through this initiative, we want to ensure that visually impaired users are able to navigate the Maxim app independently using voice talkback support and book rides with confidence. This seminar is part of our ongoing commitment to making everyday mobility more inclusive and empowering for all,” said Syed Abdul Syarif, Head of Division Kuala Lumpur, Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia. “I had the opportunity to experience making a booking on my own during the live demonstration, with guidance from the Maxim team. It was a very meaningful experience for me, as it showed that I can navigate the app and arrange my own rides with more confidence,” said Puan Farahin, a participant who took part in the live demo. To further enhance the session, a supervised ride simulation was conducted with a designated Maxim driver. Selected participants took part in a short demonstration ride, allowing them to experience real-world interaction, including communicating pick-up details and travel requirements in a controlled setting. “We would like to thank Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia for their commitment and willingness to collaborate with us in advancing accessible mobility. It is encouraging to see continuous efforts being made to improve digital services for the visually impaired community. Initiatives like this provide meaningful exposure and help our members gain confidence in travelling independently,” said Dr Ahmad Shamsuri, Vice President, Society of the Blind in Malaysia. For participants, the experience went beyond technical learning. It represented a practical step towards greater independence in daily travel, where digital tools and human support work together to make mobility more inclusive and accessible in real terms. The seminar builds on the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding between Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia and the Society of the Blind in Malaysia, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving mobility access for the visually impaired community through technology and collaboration. As digital platforms continue to evolve, initiatives like this demonstrate how assistive features such as voice talkback can be meaningfully integrated into essential services, enabling users to move through their daily lives with greater autonomy and confidence.

Leading homegrown power distribution specialist manufacturing low voltage (“LV”) and medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, Powerwell Holdings Berhad (“Powerwell” or the “Group”) (“佳电控股”), has marked its 40th anniversary, also known as its Ruby Anniversary, with a celebratory event held on the evening of 17 April 2026, commemorating four decades of steady growth, industry relevance, and operational resilience.  (from left to right): Mr. Tan Yee Sin, Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Tee Joe Ee, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Ms. Wong Yoke Yen, Managing Director, Mr. Tang Yuen Kin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Mr. Chong Guang Wei, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Soh Wei Wei, Executive Director. Reaching its Ruby Anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Powerwell. Since its establishment, the Group has grown alongside Malaysia’s industrial development, building a strong presence across key sectors while adapting to evolving market dynamics. Today, Powerwell is well positioned within high-growth segments such as data centres, renewable energy, semiconductors, and the infrastructure space, where demand for reliable and efficient power infrastructure continues to expand. At the heart of this journey is the Group’s continued emphasis on people. Powerwell has increasingly placed importance on fostering a culture that recognises and rewards employees, while strengthening its ability to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Initiatives such as its talent retention programmes and Employee Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”) support alignment with the Group’s long-term growth, while providing opportunities for meaningful participation in value creation. Ms. Wong Yoke Yen, Managing Director (left) and Mr. Tan Yee Sin, Chief Financial Officer (right), presenting the grand prize, a Proton e.MAS vehicle, to the lucky draw winner, a Powerwell employee, in a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening and a fitting reminder that the heart of the company has always been its people. Concurrently, Powerwell continues to build its pipeline of talent to support high-value and high-tech industries. As the Group moves forward, it remains guided by its purpose of empowering possibilities for its customers, employees and partners. As Powerwell marks this milestone, the Group remains guided by its tagline of ‘Empowering Possibilities’, as the Group continues to build on its established foundation and capture the exciting opportunities ahead to deliver sustainable growth in the years to come. The anniversary celebration brought together employees, management, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders in a night of appreciation and camaraderie. In a reflection of the Group’s shared pride and journey, a Proton e.MAS vehicle took centre stage as the grand prize of the night’s lucky draw. The choice of a homegrown brand mirrors Powerwell’s own journey as a Malaysian company that has grown and established itself over the decades.

Samaiden Group Bhd and Tan Boon Ming Sdn Bhd (TBM) have launched their first in-store solar consumer experience at Bangsar Village, marking a key milestone in their partnership. The initiative allows customers to explore live solar panel displays, consult with advisors, and take steps towards installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for their homes—all within a retail setting. It also introduces integrated smart energy solutions to help homeowners better manage and optimise their energy use. Samaiden’s chief strategy officer Tee Wu Shun said the collaboration aims to make clean energy more accessible by bringing solar solutions into familiar retail environments. He added that rising energy needs, including electric vehicle (EV) charging and higher electricity costs, are driving demand for smarter energy solutions that allow homeowners to generate, store and manage their own power more efficiently. TBM’s general manager Tan Wai Keat said the initiative reflects the company’s evolving role from an appliance retailer to a provider of comprehensive home energy solutions. He noted that as energy consumption grows, combining solar generation with smart energy management is becoming increasingly essential rather than optional. Both companies said the Bangsar Village launch is the first phase of a wider rollout across TBM outlets nationwide, with plans to expand into commercial and SME segments. They added that the partnership will also explore future innovations, including energy storage and integrated home energy management systems.

Singapore-based investor Circulate Capital, which finances companies that recycle plastics and develop eco-friendly packaging, has raised US$220 million (RM885.94 million) for its second Asia fund, despite a global slowdown in ESG-focused investment. The first close of Circulate Capital Asia Fund II brings the firm’s total assets under management to US$480 million, according to CEO Rob Kaplan. The new fund is supported by Builders Vision, the family office of Walmart founder Sam Walton’s grandson, existing corporate investors such as The Coca-Cola Co, and new institutional backers including the Emerging Markets Climate Action Fund, co-managed by Allianz Global Investors. The raise comes amid a challenging year for ESG funds, with many seeing significant outflows, underscoring Circulate Capital’s focus on combining financial returns with environmental impact. Chris Wu, vice-president of Builders Vision, said, “Financial performance and impact aren’t trade-offs—they should go hand-in-hand. With Circulate, we saw an opportunity to achieve strong market-rate returns while driving meaningful environmental outcomes.” Circulate Capital Asia Fund II aims to reach US$300 million by the end of 2026, targeting net internal rates of return of around 20%. The fund will invest in companies across South and Southeast Asia, with average investment sizes of US$15–25 million. While plastics recycling remains the core focus, the fund will also explore other circular economy sectors, such as sustainable fabrics and packaging. Since launching its first Asia fund in 2019 with over US$100 million, backed by major plastics producers and users including Dow Inc and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co, Circulate has expanded with additional funds targeting Asia and Latin America. Kaplan emphasized that partnering with major corporations, even those contributing to plastic waste, is essential to addressing the problem effectively. Circulate supports investee companies in aggregating and processing plastic waste, connecting them with buyers of recycled goods. Notable portfolio companies include Srichakra Polyplast Pvt Ltd and Thailand’s Union J Plus.

Wah Seng (1986) Distribution Centre in Taman Maju Rapat has become the first warehouse in Malaysia to earn the prestigious GreenRE Platinum certification. Wah Seng (1986) Sdn Bhd, an Ipoh-based wholesale grocery and food supplier operating since the 1950s, serves over 800 hotels, restaurants, and cafés across Perak and the Cameron Highlands, providing dairy products, frozen meats, and bakery ingredients. Shaun Lai, the company’s business development director, said Wah Seng invested around RM9 million over three years to renovate and upgrade the warehouse in phases, focusing on sustainable design and operations. “The refurbishment integrates advanced strategies for energy, water, and carbon management, reducing environmental impact while boosting operational efficiency,” he said. Key sustainability measures include: 15% overall energy savings via high-performance building design and solar PV installation 57.53% reduction in water usage through efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting Reduced carbon emissions through tree planting around the warehouse “As a third-generation business, we understand that efficiency, sustainability, and responsibility must go hand in hand to secure Wah Seng’s future,” Lai added. GreenRE executive director Ir Ashwin Thurairajah said the evaluation took several months, reviewing over 100 criteria across energy efficiency and industrial decarbonization. “The Wah Seng Distribution Centre meets the highest standards, earning the GreenRE Platinum rating,” he noted. The GreenRE Platinum is Malaysia’s top recognition for sustainable building design, awarded by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) to buildings scoring over 90 points in energy efficiency, water usage, and indoor environmental quality.

Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) has introduced Malaysia’s first sustainable Islamic finance framework incorporating blue finance elements, with Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) acting as the sole sustainability structuring adviser. From left, PAAB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zulkiflee Omar and right Maybank Invesment Bank Berhad Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Oh-Lau. Wholly owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), PAAB plays a key role in supporting the government’s efforts under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to improve efficiency, service quality, and long-term sustainability in the water services sector. In a joint statement, PAAB and Maybank IB said the framework is the first in Malaysia to integrate blue finance within an Islamic finance structure. It enables PAAB to issue instruments such as Blue Sukuk in line with international guidelines, including those by the International Finance Corporation (2025) and the International Capital Market Association (2023). The framework is designed to support improvements in efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of Malaysia’s water sector, while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. RAM Sustainability has independently reviewed the framework and awarded it a “platinum” rating—the highest under its second-party opinion (SPO)—confirming strong alignment with global sustainable finance standards. PAAB is the first organisation to receive this top distinction, reflecting robust governance and giving confidence to investors. PAAB CEO Zulkiflee Omar said the framework strengthens PAAB’s role as the nation’s water asset custodian and supports sector transformation by embedding sustainability into its financing strategy. Meanwhile, Maybank IB CEO Michael Oh-Lau said the collaboration aligns with Maybank’s ROAR30 strategy, which aims to mobilise RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, including RM100 billion for new economy sectors. He added that the bank has already mobilised RM176.12 billion between 2021 and 2025. He noted that the initiative will help address funding needs for water infrastructure while supporting efforts to reduce non-revenue water.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is encouraging industry players and the public to actively participate in the trading of used cooking oil (UCO) to support the nation’s circular economy initiatives. In a statement, MPOB announced the launch of a domestic UCO price reference portal, which is accessible free of charge to all stakeholders. The platform aims to improve transaction transparency and facilitate the buying and selling of used cooking oil in Malaysia. The initiative, introduced through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance market transparency, strengthen price discovery, and reduce uncertainty across the oil palm industry value chain. MPOB director general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said the reference price provides a clearer and more reliable benchmark, helping to develop a transparent and inclusive UCO supply chain. He added that the move also supports the government’s push for a circular economy, positioning used cooking oil as a valuable raw material. UCO is increasingly in demand globally as a feedstock for sustainable energy products such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as various oleochemical products. Demand for SAF is expected to rise significantly as the aviation industry targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with projections showing demand could grow three to five times by 2030. MPOB noted that Malaysia has strong potential in UCO supply, given the widespread use of palm-based cooking oil in households and the food service sector, including catering businesses and fried food vendors.

Maybank has extended a term loan facility of up to S$65 million (RM200.42 million) to ISE Foods Holdings (IFH) as the sole financier to partly fund the development of Singapore’s fourth egg farm (SG4EF). IFH is a subsidiary of SGX-listed Ellipsiz Ltd, and the project represents a key milestone for both the company and Singapore’s local food production efforts. The large-scale farm will be built on a site identified in collaboration with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and other government agencies. Maybank and Ellipsiz said the project is expected to boost local egg production and support Singapore’s target of meeting 30% of its protein needs by 2035, enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports. Maybank Singapore country CEO Alvin Lee said the financing aligns with the bank’s focus on the new economy and sustainability. He added that the SG4EF project will incorporate advanced agritech and smart warehousing solutions, and qualifies as a social loan under Maybank’s food security and sustainable food systems category.

RHB Banking Group (“RHB” or “the Group”) recently collaborated with the Projek Baju Raya initiative, to support the collection and distribution of pre-loved and new Baju Raya for the underserved communities and orphanages. Through this initiative, RHB served as the collection and distribution platform, enabling members of the public to contribute Baju Raya that they wish to donate. Donation points were made available to encourage wider public participation. A total of 9,000 pieces of festive clothing were successfully collected and delivered to 18 charity homes across Klang Valley, extending festive cheer and support to the underserved communities ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Volunteers also distributed close to 200 sets of essential food supplies, including rice, sugar, flour and condensed milk, to help ease the financial burden of families preparing for the upcoming celebrations. Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group said, “Hari Raya is a time to share kindness, celebrate togetherness and uplift those in need. Through Projek Baju Raya, RHB is honoured to serve as a platform for the public to contribute meaningfully to the underserved communities and orphanages. We are heartened by the overwhelming support received, which saw 9,000 pieces of clothing delivered to 18 charity homes. This initiative reflects the power of collective action in bringing joy, dignity and festive cheer to those in need as they prepare for the Aidilfitri celebrations.” As part of its wider Hari Raya Aidilfitri outreach, RHB also organised RHB Shopping Raya 2026, where RHB volunteers accompanied 100 underserved families on a festive shopping experience in collaboration with AEON BiG Kepong. The programme was aimed at helping ease the financial burden of the families in need while ensuring they could celebrate Aidilfitri with greater comfort and joy. Volunteers joined the families during the shopping trip, helping them pick out festive essentials for the upcoming celebrations. Beyond Klang Valley, RHB also extended festive assistance to 20 underserved families nationwide to help ease their Hari Raya preparations. “Seeing the smiles on their faces mean a lot to us. Moments like these remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can mean so much. Together, we hope to let these families know that RHB cares deeply and will continue to do our very best to support them,” added Dato’ Mohd Rashid. Projek Baju Raya was made possible through the collective efforts of RHB employees and the Group’s community partners, including the Community Recycle for Charity, Dinda Arya, Gatefold Solutions, Kebi Apothecary, the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, the MARA Japan Industrial Institute, the Securities Commission Malaysia and Watsons, each playing their own unique role in the project.