ESG

KUALA LUMPUR, Manulife Malaysia is stepping up its focus on cancer prevention through new insurance-led health protection initiatives. MANULIFE, Chief Marketing Officer Marilyn Wang. Chief Marketing Officer Marilyn Wang said the move aims to support Malaysians throughout their entire health journey. “We want to be more than just a claims processor. Our goal is to be a true health partner—raising awareness, promoting early detection, providing treatment support, and ensuring continued care after recovery,” Wang said at a media briefing today. She highlighted that this commitment is reflected in Manulife’s flagship products, Manulife HealthSave Enrich (MHSE) and Beyond Critical Cover (BCC). Life insurer Manulife Malaysia is deepening its commitment to cancer prevention through insurance-led health protection. “MHSE and BCC are designed to close key gaps in health literacy, vaccine uptake, and post-diagnosis care,” she explained. MHSE offers coverage for preventive vaccines such as HPV, dengue, and influenza, alongside benefits like up to a 40% no-claims discount, outpatient care, post-cancer recovery support, and annual family coverage of up to RM20 million. BCC provides upfront financial payouts upon diagnosis of any of 48 covered critical illnesses, as well as additional support for ICU admissions and extended hospital stays. Wang noted the approach is supported by findings from the Asia Care Survey 2024, which revealed that 45% of Malaysians are concerned about cancer and 71% feel underinsured for treatment costs. “Many are unaware that HPV vaccines are available for free in public schools. We want to change that by promoting awareness, encouraging prevention, and helping people take action before it’s too late,” she added. The initiative also complements the efforts of Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM), which is dedicated to advancing cancer research and development in the region. Cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia, according to the Department of Statistics. CRM projects that cancer incidence could double by 2040, with one in nine women and one in ten men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.

KUALA LUMPUR, Samaiden Group Bhd has secured three bioenergy project awards through the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia’s 2025 e-bidding exercise. The projects, located in Johor, Terengganu, and Kelantan, will add more than 18 megawatts (MW) of biomass and biogas capacity to Samaiden’s portfolio, reinforcing its presence in Malaysia’s renewable energy (RE) sector. Samaiden Group Bhd has secured three bioenergy project awards under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) Malaysia’s 2025 e-bidding mechanism. The awards cover two biomass power plants in Tangkak, Johor and Kemaman, Terengganu, as well as a biogas power plant in Bachok, Kelantan. Each project has been granted a 21-year Feed-in Tariff (FiT) approval and is scheduled to begin commissioning in the second half of 2028. Samaiden group managing director Datuk Ir Chow Pui Hee said the awards mark a significant milestone in expanding the group’s RE portfolio beyond solar energy. “This diversification enhances our long-term earnings visibility, supports Malaysia’s decarbonisation goals, and strengthens Samaiden’s position as a comprehensive clean energy solutions provider,” Chow said in a statement. She added that winning bids in three different states demonstrates the group’s technical expertise and strong execution track record. These projects will further Samaiden’s role in advancing Malaysia’s RE sector and contribute towards the government’s target of achieving 70 per cent RE generation capacity by 2050.

KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Cement Group, a leading building materials provider, has launched Malaysia’s first pilot facility dedicated to processing and reusing recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), marking a major step toward sustainable and circular construction. Developed in partnership with the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), the research arm of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the facility aims to reduce construction waste and reliance on virgin raw materials. Located in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, near key construction zones, the facility was officially launched by CIDB Malaysia chief executive Zainora Zainal and YTL Cement director Datuk Aziyah Mohamed. (L-R): Datuk Sri Dr. Arifuddin Mohamed Shah, CREAM board member, Patrick Pereira, director of YTL Cement, Datuk Aziyah Mohamed, director of YTL Cement, Zainora Zainal, chief executive of CIDB Malaysia, M. Ramuseren, chief executive officer of CREAM, and Datuk Dr. Gerald Sundaraj, CREAM board member at the launch of Malaysia’s first RCA facility. The plant transforms fresh returned concrete—estimated at 5% of Malaysia’s annual 30 million cubic metres of concrete production—into aggregates that can replace up to 30% of natural aggregates in new concrete mixes. Finer by-products are also repurposed for road base layers or brick-making. This effort supports a low-carbon, resource-efficient construction ecosystem. “This initiative shows our commitment to advancing sustainable development in Malaysia. We aim to change the perception of returned concrete from waste into a valuable resource and replicate this model in other construction-heavy areas,” said Aziyah. Operational since June 2025, the RCA facility is the first major outcome of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between YTL Cement and CREAM, focusing on talent development, research, and the shift to greener construction methods. Zainora praised the project as a model public-private partnership: “The RCA facility demonstrates how collaboration can accelerate innovation and meet national sustainability goals. We hope this will inspire more industry players to adopt RCA and launch similar initiatives nationwide, supporting the National Construction Policy 2030.” YTL Cement and CREAM also plan to expand research into new applications for RCA by-products, particularly aggregate fines, to further enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact across Malaysia’s construction value chain.

Kakao Bank, the internet-only banking arm of South Korea’s Kakao Corp, has pledged $2 million to UNICEF to support young people in Southeast Asia affected by climate change. The two-year partnership with UNICEF’s global and Korean offices will focus on children and teenagers in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand. In Indonesia, the funds will improve school sanitation and clean water access. In Cambodia, they will be used to build infrastructure that reduces student exposure to extreme heat. In Thailand, Kakao Bank will sponsor an educational conference on global warming and encourage youth involvement in climate policy initiatives. Kakao Bank CEO Yun Ho-young, center, poses for a commemorative photo with Kanetaka Sawako, right, lead of Unicef’s Asia-Pacific hub, and Cho Mi-jin, secretary general of the Korean Committee for Unicef, after signing a global partnership agreement on climate crisis response for future generations at the Unicef Korea office on July 28. This pledge is part of Kakao Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, which allocates about $1 million annually to international aid and climate projects. Last year, the bank contributed a similar amount to UNICEF for infrastructure development in Myanmar and Laos, including solar-powered schools and medical facilities, food security, and water access initiatives, as well as education programs in Malaysia and Thailand. The partnership agreement was signed on Monday at UNICEF Korea’s office in Mapo District, Seoul. “Kakao Bank is the only Korean company working with UNICEF on projects addressing the climate crisis,” said CEO Yun Ho-young. “We are dedicated to strengthening our social contributions to support vulnerable communities facing environmental challenges.” UNICEF has highlighted the urgency of building climate resilience for children in the Global South, where rising temperatures and extreme weather pose increasing threats to health, education, and safety. Kakao Bank’s contribution is part of a growing number of private-sector efforts supporting this mission.

KUALA LUMPUR, Global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sukuk are projected to surpass US$60 billion in outstanding value by the end of 2026, according to Fitch Ratings. Global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sukuk is likely to surpass US$60 billion in outstanding value by the end of 2026, according to Fitch Ratings. The rating agency said the growth reflects ESG sukuk’s increasing role in financing sustainability projects, appealing to a wider investor base, and benefiting from regulatory reforms. In the first half of 2025 (1H25), ESG sukuk accounted for just over 40% of all emerging-market US dollar ESG debt (excluding China), with the remainder issued in bond format. Fitch expects ESG sukuk issuance to slow in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25) due to seasonal summer lulls in major markets, but anticipates a strong rebound in the final quarter of the year. “Fitch-rated ESG sukuk have shown resilience despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” said Bashar Al Natoor, Fitch’s Global Head of Islamic Finance. “All issuers maintain Stable Outlooks, almost all are investment-grade, and there have been no defaults. ESG sukuk are increasingly popular with both Islamic and ESG-focused investors, diversifying funding sources and helping issuers meet sustainability goals.” Fitch noted that over 10% of global US dollar sukuk outstanding are ESG-linked, with the total market rising by 12% year-on-year in 1H25 to about US$50 billion. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, accounted for over half of the market, while Malaysia and Indonesia together contributed around 40%. Fitch currently covers about three-quarters of the global US dollar ESG sukuk market, the majority of which is senior unsecured. Listing venues for these sukuk include the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, London, Stuttgart, and Nasdaq Dubai. Issuer diversity has also grown, with notable entries in 2Q25 such as UAE-based Omniyat Holdings’ debut green sukuk (rated ‘BB-‘) and Pakistan’s first rupee-denominated sovereign green sukuk. Fitch added that recent regulatory initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s new guidelines for green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked debt, will further support market growth. However, the agency cautioned that geopolitical tensions, shifting Shariah interpretations, oil price volatility, and greenwashing concerns could affect future ESG sukuk issuance.

KUALA LUMPUR,  Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), through Unifi Business, has launched Usahawan Digital TM, a programme aimed at empowering 2,200 B40 entrepreneurs from the e-Kasih database by equipping them with essential digital tools and skills to succeed in the digital economy. The RM10 million initiative provides an average of RM5,000 worth of in-kind support per entrepreneur, including devices, digital solutions, and training resources. The programme focuses on three key areas: skills enhancement, digital business tools, and empowerment programmes to help micro-entrepreneurs grow their businesses. TM group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris said the initiative is part of TM’s commitment to driving Malaysia’s digital future. “Through Usahawan Digital TM, we are providing digital tools, skills, and 5G connectivity to help micro-entrepreneurs transform their livelihoods. This effort supports our Digital Powerhouse 2030 vision to nurture talent and innovation in Malaysia,” he said.

Coca-Cola Vietnam is piloting the use of eco-friendly pallets made from agricultural waste—part of its push toward sustainable, carbon-negative packaging solutions. Called NetZero Pallets, these alternatives to traditional wooden or plastic pallets are being trialed at Coca-Cola’s automated warehouse in Vietnam. Made from materials like coconut fiber and coffee husks, they offer a greener, non-toxic option for product handling and logistics. The company aims to replace 10.3 million conventional pallets with NetZero versions by 2029. Developed by AirX Carbon, the world’s first manufacturer of carbon-negative materials from coffee waste, each NetZero Pallet can absorb and store up to 34 kilograms of CO₂, contributing to climate change mitigation. AirX Carbon’s CEO, Le Thanh, noted growing global interest in this technology, with companies such as NPC Korea, Hyosung, Olam International, and Pakko Australia exploring its use. International organisations—including UNDP, Switch Asia, GIZ, Action on Poverty, and Helvetas—have also voiced support for the innovation. Scaling up the production of these pallets could prevent tons of agricultural waste from ending up in landfills, while easing rural waste management challenges. Producing 60 million pallets could help: Save 10 million trees Recycle 2 million metric tonnes of agricultural waste Store up to 7 million metric tonnes of CO₂ Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative promises to create income opportunities for more than 600,000 farmers and rural workers, improving livelihoods in Vietnam’s countryside. AirX Carbon’s manufacturing facility in Binh Duong Province, near Ho Chi Minh City, is currently producing up to 1.5 million pallets annually.

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.