Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has strengthened its support for local vendors by entering new financial partnerships with Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) Malaysia, aimed at enhancing vendor capacity and bolstering the resilience of its supply chain.
The collaborations were formalised through two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed on Nov 12 at Menara Sarawak Energy. According to SEB, these partnerships will give vendors better access to financing for working capital, equipment purchases, and business expansion — ensuring smoother project delivery across SEB’s operations.
Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said the initiative reflects SEB’s long-term commitment to developing a strong, inclusive vendor ecosystem. He added that SEB’s strategy is centred around building sustainable partnerships that empower local businesses to grow alongside the state-owned energy provider.
“Working with financial institutions and development agencies like PUNB and UOB helps our vendors strengthen their capabilities, secure funding, and improve performance. This supports Sustainable Development Goal 17 by advancing partnerships that foster a resilient and inclusive supply chain for Sarawak,” he said.
SEB said its Vendor Development Programme (VDP) focuses on improving governance, boosting technical competencies, and creating structured engagement pathways for its supplier network. Complementing this is the Vendor Financing Programme, developed with multiple banking partners to widen access to financial support. 
The company noted that participation from local vendors rose by over 70% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with most contracts awarded to Sarawak-based businesses. SEB attributed this growth to its continuous efforts to build local supplier capability and promote inclusive economic development in the state.
Sharbini added that SEB has also worked with other financial institutions over the years, including Bank Islam, RHB Bank, SME Bank, and Ikhtiar Factoring, to provide vendor financing solutions.
