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
