Category: sustainability

Alliance Bank introduces biodiversity module in AEIOU financial literacy programme

The introduction of the biodiversity module into Alliance Bank’s AEIOU Financial Literacy Programme to primary school students in Sabah was attended by 128 primary school students from 17 schools across Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Tuaran.

Carrying the theme ‘AEIOU for Responsible Living: Smarter Finances, Caring for Nature, Greener Choices’, the biodiversity module of the programme was delivered in collaboration with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Malaysia and supported by the Sabah State Treasury Department (JBNS) and the Ministry of Education.

The programme, which began on July 5 and ended on July 26, was conducted through practical workshops and interactive simulations that provided students with the opportunity to explore the field of environmentally friendly entrepreneurship, better known as ‘ecopreneurship’.

The highlight of the programme was the AEIOU Sabah Biodiversity Challenge’ where students aged 9-12 competed fiercely to win the competition. The finalists successfully demonstrated their knowledge while playing the ‘Eco Heroes’ board game, where their creativity, understanding of money management and sustainability awareness were put to the test.

SK St Catherine from Kota Kinabalu, was crowned the champion of the Biodiversity Challenge and won a cash prize of RM5,000, a trophy, a medal, and a certificate of achievement for presenting an interesting story on the concept of money management and biodiversity preservation through their recycling program of reusing milk boxes.

SK St Anthony came in second place and took home a cash prize of RM3,000, a trophy, a medal, and a certificate of participation. While SK St Agnes came in third place and took home RM1,000, a trophy, a medal, and a certificate.

The AEIOU programme, which was launched in 2015, is recognised by the Ministry of Education Malaysia and supported by Bank Negara Malaysia, based on the concept of fostering financial skills among young Malaysians.

The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, and was attended by nearly 142 students and 38 teachers.

According to YB Wong, “The overwhelming response from the students and the encouraging number of participation is proof that the message of nature conservation has truly touched their hearts.”

He added, “I would like to commend Alliance Bank for its continued commitment to fostering biodiversity awareness among the younger generation. As the saying goes, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree”, it is important for us to provide knowledge and awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity from a young age so that they can become responsible environmental stewards in the future.”

Meanwhile, Alliance Bank Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. Dr. Aaron Sum said, “I am confident that with this kind of programme, students will realise that their daily activities and decisions have an impact on the environment and through this understanding, they will be able to develop a responsible attitude towards the environment.”

He added, “I am very proud of all the students who participated in the AEIOU Sabah Biodiversity Challenge and hope that what they have learned will be put into practice and shared with other friends and family.”

The prize giving ceremony was also attended by representatives from Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots Malaysia. Its President, TP Lim conveyed his appreciation and said, “We are pleased to share the success of the recently concluded biodiversity module developed in collaboration with Alliance Bank. This partnership has been instrumental in expanding environmental awareness among schoolchildren and strengthening our commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Since its launch in 2015, the AEIOU Challenge Programme has reached over 180,000 primary school students through its seven editions. The programme also provides community outreach, ensuring that all children have access to financial education resources. Students can continue their financial learning journey through the AEIOU mobile app, which provides financial education videos and digital comics. The acquisition of these resources supports the key objectives of the Ministry of Education’s 2027 School Curriculum framework, prioritising the importance of lifelong learning.

30/07/2025
Maybank becomes first Southeast Asian bank to grant sustainability-linked loan to Austria’s AT&S

Maybank announced it is granting a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) amounting to USD150 million to Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Malaysia (AT&S Malaysia). This landmark transaction marks the first SLL issued by a Malaysian and Southeast Asian commercial bank to AT&S, and notably the first such facility by a local lender to a multinational company in Malaysia’s semiconductor sector. This deal follows a USD250 million loan provided to AT&S Malaysia by International Finance Corporation (IFC) in March 2025 and concludes the parallel loan arranged by IFC under the same agreement.

AT&S Malaysia is the subsidiary of Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft (AT&S), a public listed company in Vienna and a leading global manufacturer of high-end printed circuit boards (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) substrates.

The said financing will support the development of AT&S’ first high-end IC substrate plant in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Malaysia, that will include state-of-the-art equipment and closed-loop recycling systems, adhering to AT&S’ comprehensive sustainable energy framework. The facility will produce advanced IC substrates, essential components to meet surging demand for high-performance data processors, data centres, and AI infrastructure. Its clients include among others, AMD for data centre processors. With over USD1 billion committed to Malaysia, this represents AT&S Group’s largest initial investment.

The targets attached to the SLL include reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 31% by March 31, 2028, using fiscal year 2022 as the baseline.

Dato’ John Chong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking of Maybank said, “We are pleased to back AT&S in developing its first IC substrate facility in Kulim that further strengthens Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor value chain. The financing aligns with our strategic focus on the semiconductor ecosystem in Southeast Asia where we have identified financing opportunities. The SLL structure also strengthens our commitment to mobilising sustainable finance and powering the region’s green transition. This transaction is also a reaffirmation of our growing collaboration with the International Finance Corporation.” From 2021 to the end of Q1 2025, Maybank mobilised RM125.46 billion in sustainable finance across ASEAN, surpassing its RM80 billion target by 2025.

Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, AT&S said, “We welcome Maybank as a valued financing partner in our investment in the Kulim facility. This transaction is a milestone for both Maybank and AT&S as it represents the first time AT&S has raised financing at its Malaysian subsidiary level.”

“Our sizeable investment of over USD1 billion in Malaysia follows the demand from our global clients, and reflects our confidence in Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem and its growth trajectory. It also aligns with the ambitions of Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to position the country as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing,” said Michael Mertin, President and CEO, AT&S. “For AT&S the new facility is an important foundation for our profitable growth path based on superior technology, experience and our global leading customers.”

AT&S ranks sixth in high-end PCBs market and fifth in IC substrates market globally in terms of revenue. The company is also the only non-Asian company producing IC-substrates in significant volumes and one of two non-Asian companies among the top 50 PCB companies in the world.

17/07/2025
National Teacher Summit champions holistic education ahead of Kurikulum 2027

As Malaysia prepares for Kurikulum 2027’s shift to values-based, student-centred learning, targeted teacher training is building capacity through practical strategies that nurture empathy, emotional growth, and stronger teacher-student bonds.

For the first time, 70 teachers from across the country have completed formal training in building Emotional Intelligence through Program Guru KARISMA (Karakter Inspirasi Masyarakat)—a year-long initiative designed and led by Arus Academy, with full funding from Yayasan Hasanah, a foundation under Khazanah Nasional, and Ministry of Finance Malaysia. The initiative is part of broader efforts to prepare educators for Kurikulum 2027—Malaysia’s next major curriculum reform that emphasises holistic development, including values, emotional intelligence, and responsible citizenship.

Character education and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a proactive educational approach that helps students understand and manage their emotions, build empathy, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with others—skills that support academic success, mental well-being, and positive lifelong behaviours.

Held in conjunction with the Sidang Guru Kemuncak KARISMA 2025, the culmination of the programme brought together 300 educators, including the 70 trained participants, for a one-day national summit that blended expert-led workshops, classroom showcases, and panel discussions focused on holistic education. Teachers explored how to embed SEL into academic subjects—an increasingly vital competency under Kurikulum 2027.

“Kurikulum 2027 will shift the role of teachers beyond content delivery—it’s about nurturing emotionally grounded, values-driven young people,” said Alina Amir, Co-founder of Arus Academy. “Program Guru KARISMA equips teachers with the tools and mindset to create meaningful learning environments that reflect this shift. This is about elevating the teaching profession—preparing educators to meet the emotional and social needs of today’s learners with confidence and care.”

The summit featured a national showcase of over 125 classroom activities and 70 action research projects led by the KARISMA cohort. These highlighted how SEL practices can boost student engagement, reduce classroom conflict, and build stronger interpersonal connections in the learning environment.

International SEL expert Keeth Matheny, founder of SEL Launchpad, also participated in the Summit, leading sessions alongside interactive masterclasses on SEL-integrated pedagogy, teacher wellbeing, and holistic student assessment. A multidisciplinary panel of experts from education, corporate, and civil society sectors also convened to discuss new models of student assessment that measure not just academic outcomes, but also empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility.

“When we equip teachers to lead with empathy and intention, we’re not just transforming classrooms—we’re shaping a more compassionate and resilient education system for Malaysia,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Trustee & Managing Director at Yayasan Hasanah. “As a catalyst foundation, Yayasan Hasanah is committed to enabling systemic, people-centred reforms in education. Through Program Guru KARISMA, we’re investing in teachers as agents of change – a vital part of the wider ecosystem that supports our children’s growth. Alongside families, communities, and the whole-of-nation effort, teachers will be equipped with the skills and confidence to nurture a generation of empathetic, socially conscious learners.”

This initiative aligns with the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013–2025 and supports the global education commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7. This target calls for the integration of global citizenship, human rights, peace, and sustainability into education policy, curriculum, teacher training, and assessment. Program Guru KARISMA supports this by helping teachers deliver on the three learning domains of Global Citizenship Education (GCED)—cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural—through interactive, student-centred pedagogy, teacher wellbeing training, and more holistic approaches to student assessment.

09/06/2025
SC unveils initiatives to drive adoption of Masaqid al-Shariah Guidance in ICM

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today launched the 40 Hadiths book series on sustainability and ethical sales transactions to promote a deeper understanding of the Islamic perspective on sustainability and Islamic ethics in commercial transactions.

The publications, launched during the 3rd SC Nadwah of Shariah Advisers in Islamic capital market (ICM) (SC Nadwah), aim to enhance industry awareness and practical implementation. They mark a significant milestone in raising industry awareness on embedding the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah Guidance (Guidance) in ICM, specifically in areas such as environmental stewardship, responsible business, and trade practices.

The SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said internalising the Guidance encapsulated in these hadiths contributes to the development of a just, inclusive and sustainable economy.

“More importantly, the SC is committed to making Maqasid al-Shariah a fundamental framework for business dealings in ICM,” he said. “The outcomes that we are witnessing today is one of the approaches towards ensuring Islamic financial products and services are designed and implemented in a way that promotes the welfare of society and the environment,’’ he added.

The SC also announced the establishment of the Maqasid al-Shariah Task Force for ICM (MaTF), that will drive and streamline adoption of the Guidance across the Malaysian ICM. This includes identifying areas for strategic collaboration and innovation between regulatory bodies and industry players.

Members of the task force include Bursa Malaysia Berhad, the Malaysian Association of Asset Managers (MAAM), the Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM), Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA), the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM), the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM), and the International Council of Islamic Finance Educators (ICIFE).

Established in 2023, the SC Nadwah serves as a convening platform for intellectual discourse on applied Shariah knowledge sharing and charting the next wave of innovative Shariah solutions among Shariah advisers and market practitioners.

This year’s SC Nadwah brought together over 200 stakeholders from the Shariah advisory ecosystem, including policy makers, government agencies, academia, Shariah advisers, State Islamic Religious Councils, State Mufti Departments and Islamic finance practitioners.

Speakers were renowned industry leaders in the Islamic finance space. They include esteemed Shariah scholar Sheikh Dr. Nizam Yaquby and Chairman of SC’s Shariah Advisory Council Professor Dato’ Dr. Aznan Hasan. Sheikh Dr. Nizam Yaquby, who serves on more than 30 Shariah boards globally, including the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), commended the SC’s efforts in organising the SC Nadwah.

He said the SC should continue with this initiative, which he says is an invaluable platform for fostering strategic dialogue and knowledge-sharing in advancing Islamic finance and in facilitating the growth and readiness of the industry to navigate future challenges.

The 40 Hadiths book series are now available for download at https://www.sc.com.my/resources/publications-and-research.

26/05/2025
IFSB releases 13th edition of Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report
The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has released the 13th edition of its flagship Islamic Financial Services Industry (IFSI) Stability Report. This year’s report reflects a renewed momentum across the industry, with total global assets reaching USD 3.88 trillion in 2024—a 14.9% increase year-on-year.

Themed “Navigating Shallow Waters: Addressing Structural Vulnerabilities and Shoring Up Resilience to Global Shocks,”, the report also observed broad-based growth across Islamic banking, ṣukūk, and Islamic insurance, signalling deepening market participation, growing global relevance, and broadening geographical reach.

Key takeaways from the report includes:
- Renewed growth momentum of the IFSI: High year-on-year growth across key sectors of the IFSI, registering double-digit growth rates. In 2024, total asset growth for the Islamic banking and Islamic insurance grew by 17.05% and 16.9% respectively, while sukuk issuances increased by 25.6%.
- Emerging markets opening new frontiers: Africa and Central Asia posted the highest growth rates globally, representing important opportunities to deepen local financial markets and expanding the industry’s global footprint.
- Financial soundness indicators remained broadly stable: Capital, leverage, liquidity, and asset quality positions in both the banking and insurance sectors remain broadly sound. This is reflecting the positive impact of strengthened regulatory frameworks, wider adoption of IFSB standards, and growing investor confidence.
- While outlook remains positive, some structural vulnerabilities remain: The report underscores the need to address long-standing structural imbalances, particularly the underdevelopment of capital markets and insurance sectors, which can constrain the industry’s scalability and its ability to fully support investment, funding, and liquidity needs across sectors.
- Critical need to address structural limitations in ṣukūk markets: A key conclusion of the report is the need to deepen ṣukūk markets, which plays a vital role in strengthening financial intermediation and supporting macro-financial stability. While 2024 saw a surge in ṣukūk issuance and growing issuer diversity, structural limitations remain, including underdeveloped market infrastructure, complex ṣukūk structures and limited local-currency sovereign issuances, investor concentration, and low trading volumes, among other factors. If unaddressed, these structural limitations may constrain the IFSI’s long-term growth and pose broader financial stability risks, while also affecting other segments of the industry that depend on capital markets to manage their funding, investment portfolios, and liquidity positions.
The report further outlines a forward-looking set of policy priorities to address these limitations and unlock the potential growth of Islamic finance. It calls for coordinated action among regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address these challenges, to ensure the sound development of the Islamic financial services industry.

First published in 2010, the IFSI Stability Report has become a key reference for global stakeholders, regulators, and market participants. It offers in-depth insights into industry trends, vulnerabilities, and evolving policy priorities shaping the future of Islamic finance.

The IFSB Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report 2025 is now available at https://www.ifsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IFSI-Stability-Report-May-2025.pdf.
26/05/2025
Bursa Malaysia and Boardroom partner to scale CSI adoption

Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia or the Exchange) announces its collaboration withthe BoardRoom Group (BoardRoom), a leading provider of corporate and advisory services in the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration seeks to encourage wider adoption of the Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) Solution among Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs), with the goal of enhancing the quality of sustainability disclosures across the corporate sector.

The CSI Solution was developed by Bursa Malaysia in support of Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It enables companies — listed and non-listed — streamline sustainability reporting. Following its designation in March 2025 as the Exchange’s official sustainability reporting channel, the CSI Solution’s disclosure module now supports the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF).

Commenting on the collaboration, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia, said “Bursa Malaysia is committed to supporting Malaysian companies in their decarbonisation journey and lowering their climate impact. This commitment is reflected in our decision to make CSI reporting tools, aligned with IFRS S1 and S2, accessible at no charge to all public listed companies.”

“Our collaboration with BoardRoom will extend the CSI Solution’s reach. Leveraging Boardroom’s established presence and sustainability advisory expertise in the corporate advisory space, we hope to support more companies in navigating evolving disclosure requirements and enhancing the quality of their sustainability reporting with greater confidence.”

Angeline Aw, Group Chief Executive Officer of BoardRoom Group, said, “We are proud to partner with Bursa Malaysia, to scale the CSI Solution across the corporate sector. This collaboration builds on our strong and long-standing relationship with the Exchange, underpinned by our shared commitment to strengthening corporate governance and regulatory readiness. With our deep experience in serving public listed companies and expertise in Sustainability Reporting and Advisory, BoardRoom is well-positioned to support clients in adopting the CSI Solution and producing impactful sustainability reports.”

Since its launch in June 2024, around 180 PLCs have onboarded onto the CSI Platform. All companies, not just PLCs but also mid-tier companies (MTCs) and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to adopt the CSI Solution to strengthen their sustainability journey. By leveraging its comprehensive suite of services, including an emissions calculator, a supplier management module, and a range of complementary value-added services delivered through a network of ecosystem partners, businesses can enhance their environmental performance and drive long-term value.

For more information regarding the CSI Solution and its value-added services, please visit Bursa Malaysia CSI Solution or contact csi@bursamalaysia.com.

26/05/2025
Zurich releases report addressing climate risks
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) releases the “Climate Risks: Strategies for Building Resilience in a More Volatile World,” report emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action against the rising threats posed by extreme weather and natural catastrophes. The report outlines the increasing costs of these events, highlights the role of insurance, and offers recommendations for policymakers to build resilient societies and economies.

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires caused about USD2 trillion in economic losses over the past decade according to the International Chamber of Commerce. The frequency and intensity of these events are increasing, potentially exacerbated by long-term climate shifts like temperature variations, rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns.

“The insurance industry is uniquely positioned to help strengthen resilience to physical climate risks,” said Alison Martin, CEO EMEA and Bank Distribution. “However, addressing the escalating costs of extreme weather and natural catastrophes requires collective and immediate action. Our paper provides a roadmap for how governments, insurers and communities can collaborate to meet the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and natural catastrophes.”

Insurance is crucial in protecting households, businesses and governments, helping them recover financially from the effects of natural catastrophes. However, insurance coverage is not keeping up with growing losses, leading to more underinsured or uninsured households and businesses.

Zurich advocates for a new approach that focuses on risk reduction and extending insurance coverage to protect communities and businesses. The insurance industry can provide risk management insights and capabilities to strengthen resilience to physical climate risks. By de-risking capital flows, the industry can also help unlock the necessary finance to build the infrastructure required to deliver that resilience, enhancing the protection provided by insurance.

Teresa Wong, Chief Risk Officer – General Segment / Head of Sustainability Risk at Zurich Malaysia, emphasises “The growing volatility of climate-related disasters globally demands that we reframe the role of insurance and takaful beyond traditional risk transfer. While financial protection remains critical, our focus must also shift towards risk prevention, reduction, and resilience-building strategies. This is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where our Climate Resilience Survey highlights that more than half of respondents feel unprepared, with many citing financial constraints as a key barrier to readiness. As insurers, we must harness our risk expertise to support customers and communities not just in recovery, but in building long-term adaptive capacity. Now more than ever, strengthening climate resilience is fundamental to ensuring protection remains accessible and sustainable in the face of escalating risks.”

However, the insurance industry cannot tackle this challenge alone. A coordinated effort between the private and public sectors is needed. This paper makes three recommendations for policymakers:
1. Invest in risk prevention and reduction: Governments should make formal commitments to strengthen climate resilience through robust strategies and the implementation of building codes and urban planning regulations. Measures include building climate resilience into national planning, establishing national centres of competence, and making more effective use of technology, data analytics and scientific research.
2. Enhance insurance accessibility and affordability through supportive policy frameworks: Governments can raise awareness of extreme weather risks and offer incentives for households and businesses to obtain adequate insurance. This can be achieved by establishing a regulatory environment that sustains market capacity, attracts new entrants, and fosters competition and innovation to broaden coverage options for consumers.
3. Develop public-private risk-sharing solutions to raise finance climate resilience: Innovative solutions such as blended finance and (re)insurance pools can help share resources and distribute risks, improving affordability and preventing the development of “insurance deserts.” Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can enhance insurance accessibility and affordability, especially in higher-risk areas.
Zurich remains committed to working with stakeholders worldwide to build a more resilient future, ensuring that communities and economies can thrive despite the growing challenges posed by climate risks.

For more information on Zurich Malaysia’s insurance and takaful plans, please visit zurich.com.my.
14/05/2025
Alibaba Cloud’s new whitepaper shows how AI can power sustainable business transformation

A new whitepaper released by Alibaba Cloud, Driving Sustainability with AI: A Guide to Partnering with Technology Service Providers, offers a forward-looking blueprint for how organisations can harness digital infrastructure — particularly AI and cloud computing — to accelerate their sustainable journey.

Based on insights from the Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024, which surveyed 1,300 business leaders across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the report combines industry data, actionable recommendations, and real-world case studies to explore how emerging technologies can close the gap between aspiration and execution.

The State of Sustainability: Progress, Gaps and Opportunity

The whitepaper highlights the growing urgency for businesses to act on sustainability, with 80% of surveyed organisations setting green targets. Yet only one-third of these have committed to science-based net-zero goals. Many companies still struggle to move from commitment to impact, citing gaps in technical understanding, measurement tools and concerns about the energy footprint of digital technologies.

Despite these barriers, a strong majority — 76% — see AI and cloud computing as essential tools to achieve sustainability outcomes. At the same time, 82% say it is critical that these technologies themselves are developed sustainably.

From Insight to Impact: Green AI in Action

Alibaba Cloud is helping organisations bridge this gap through platforms like Energy Expert, which uses AI to measure emissions and energy consumption in real time. The platform has already served over 3,000 organisations globally.

One standout case is its collaboration with Covestro, a polymer material company. Working together, the two helped Chinese beverage brand Nongfu Spring trace the full lifecycle emissions of its recycled water barrels — later repurposed into gel pens – offering supply chain transparency from production to reuse.

The whitepaper also showcases Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to low-carbon AI innovation. Its open-source Qwen series models are designed for efficiency and accessibility. Japanese AI start-up Lightblue, for example, used Qwen to build a localized high-performance Japanese-language model with lower development costs and energy use.

Five Strategies to Drive Recommendations for Sustainable Digital Transformation

The whitepaper identifies five strategic actions that businesses can take to align digital transformation with sustainability outcomes. First, organizations are encouraged to link their adoption of AI and cloud technologies with specific sustainability KPIs—for example, using predictive tools to optimise operations or monitor emissions across supply chains. Second, companies should partner with transparent, green technology providers that publish energy usage and emissions data, operate on renewable energy, and invest in energy-efficient infrastructure. Third, the paper highlights the importance of embedding security into sustainability strategies, noting that cybersecurity concerns remain a key barrier to wider adoption of digital sustainability tools.

Fourth, it recommends embracing open and trustworthy AI, such as open-source models that reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and allow for localized applications. Finally, the paper calls for stronger public-private collaboration, with 82% of surveyed executives supporting more active government involvement to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies through policy, incentives, and education.

A Roadmap for Business Leaders

More than a guide, the whitepaper is a call to action. It emphasizes that sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have but rather a competitive differentiator and a catalyst for growth.

For companies navigating climate and digital transformation simultaneously, the message is clear: success depends on choosing the right partners, tools, and strategies to deliver measurable progress. With the right foundation, AI and cloud can power a greener, smarter, and more resilient future.

14/05/2025
UMW Toyota Motor to support Ministry of Transport’s green mobility drive

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is taking a major step in driving Malaysia’s clean mobility transition through a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Transport (MOT). UMWT has extended a fleet of electrified vehicles to the Ministry, bridging cutting-edge product innovation with public policy development.

The fleet includes five advanced electrified vehicles comprising:
• Three Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), namely the Toyota Alphard, Camry and Corolla Cross, and
• Two Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.

This initiative enables MOT to evaluate the real-world practicality, performance and benefits of electrified mobility technologies in daily operations, offering critical insights to inform future planning and policymaking.

“Malaysia’s journey to net-zero emissions by 2050 requires collaboration and action from all sectors,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “Our support is beyond formality — it enables policymakers to experience the effectiveness of electrified vehicles first-hand. Toyota’s Multipathway approach is inclusive, practical, and tailored to Malaysia’s needs. This ensures that no one is left behind as we move toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

This partnership reflects UMW Toyota’s belief that achieving carbon neutrality requires engagement at every level, from individual consumers to national institutions. By aligning with the National Energy Policy 2022–2040 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the initiative highlights how private-sector innovation can help translate national ambitions into practical, real-world outcomes.

Bridging Innovation and Public Policy

UMWT’s experience in hybrid technology reflects its commitment to delivering practical, scalable solutions that meet real-world needs. Through the deployment of its electrified vehicle line-up, UMWT is giving MOT officials the opportunity to experience infrastructure readiness, user interaction and operational dynamics across different electrification platforms. These first-hand learnings will support more informed and evidence-based policymaking as Malaysia moves toward a cleaner, more resilient mobility ecosystem. While full electrification remains a long-term goal, hybrid vehicles continue to offer a swift, accessible pathway to reduce emissions without placing excessive pressure on current infrastructure or consumer behaviour.

“Hybrid technology continues to be a critical enabler in Toyota’s electrification strategy, especially for markets like Malaysia,” said Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, Executive Director of UMW Toyota Motor. “It offers immediate reductions in emissions without the need for sweeping infrastructure changes. This makes it ideal for building mass-market confidence while paving the way toward full electrification.”

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Progress

The collaboration also supports the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021–2030, which targets 15% xEV adoption by 2030 and 38% by 2040. Through access to a range of electrified drivetrains, the Ministry of Transport can experience these technologies first-hand, offering valuable insights that can inform future planning and infrastructure readiness.

This effort is part of Toyota’s Multipath way journey, which includes Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), as well as Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), and emerging technologies such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels. The company’s approach is grounded in a full well-to-wheel lifecycle view of emissions, ensuring that sustainability progress is meaningful, measurable and grounded in science.

Rooted in UMWT’s “Move Your World” vision, the collaboration reflects a broader commitment to people-first innovation that delivers practical, inclusive and environmentally responsible progress. This vision is aligned with Toyota’s global mission to ‘Produce Happiness for All’ by creating mobility solutions that go beyond vehicles to improve lives, empower communities, and protect the planet. Through this initiative, UMWT is not only moving people – it is moving policy, mindset, and the nation forward toward a low-carbon, high-impact future.

UMWT’s ongoing engagement with government, industry and the public is part of a larger movement to build a cleaner, more connected mobility ecosystem for Malaysia. From product deployment to policy dialogue and public education, UMWT continues to play a catalytic role in advancing the nation’s shift toward a sustainable transport future.

28/04/2025
Alliance Bank expands access to cancer screening

Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (Alliance Bank or the Bank), Prince Court Medical Centre (Prince Court) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) have joined forces in a landmark partnership to improve access to cancer screening and encourage early detection among Malaysians. The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025.

The signing was witnessed by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of
Health, underscoring the collective commitment to improving public health initiatives in Malaysia.
Cancer remains a major health concern in Malaysia, with early detection playing a critical role in
improving patient outcomes. This partnership supports the Ministry of Health’s National Strategic Plan
for Cancer Control Programme 2021 – 2025, which aims to reduce cancer risk factors, strengthen
early detection through screening, and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment. This
tripartite collaboration brings the three organisations together to support national efforts in advancing
cancer awareness and screening accessibility, ultimately improving survival rates and the overall wellbeing
of Malaysians.

“Improving access to cancer care is not just a medical priority, it is a moral imperative. These
symposiums mark an important step in bringing together minds, expertise, and commitment from
across sectors to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer. Collaboration is our
most powerful tool — and together, we can build a future where quality cancer care is within reach for
all,” said Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Ms. Gan Pai Li, Group Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Alliance Bank, said, “At Alliance Bank, we
recognise that health and financial security are closely linked. When individuals are financially secure,
they are able to better invest in their health, and good health allows them to focus on achieving their
financial goals. In tandem with the MOH’s initiative to elevate awareness of early cancer detection,
our partnership with Prince Court and NCSM reflects our commitment to empowering our customers
and employees to take charge of their health, while also easing some of the financial constraints
associated with health screenings. As The Bank For Life, we strive to make a meaningful impact on
our customers by being a trusted partner at every stage of their lives.”

Dr. Shuba Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Prince Court, said, “At Prince Court, we see health
screening not as a service, but as a responsibility. Early detection changes outcomes, but more
importantly, it changes lives. This partnership reflects what’s possible when healthcare, community,
and corporate responsibility come together with a shared purpose. With Alliance Bank and NCSM, we
are removing barriers and creating pathways so more Malaysians have the opportunity to act early,
understand their risks, and take control of their health. We are proud to play a role in advancing this
effort and to stand alongside partners who share our commitment to better health for all.”
“Through this series of cancer symposiums, we aim to empower our communities with knowledge,
connect professionals across disciplines, and drive forward our mission of early detection, better treatment, and compassionate care. Together with our partners, we are building a future where no
one faces cancer alone,” said NCSM Managing Director, Kol. Bersekutu Assoc. Professor Dr
Murallitharan Munisamy.

As part of the campaign, NCSM will organise cancer awareness symposiums at Prince Court,
featuring leading surgeons, oncologists, and cancer care experts. Each session will focus on a
different aspect of cancer education, from understanding risk factors to the latest advancements in
treatment. Attendees will gain practical insights into prevention, early detection, and care, while
having the rare opportunity to engage directly with specialists. Open to all Alliance Bank customers
and business partners, these symposiums aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to make
informed decisions about their health and encourage proactive steps towards cancer prevention.

From 2 May to 31 December 2025, all Alliance Bank cardholders will enjoy a 10% discount on all
health screening packages and selected aesthetics, along with a 25% discount on maternity
packages at Prince Court Medical Centre. This exclusive offer is designed to encourage individuals to
prioritise their health and undergo regular health screenings as a preventive measure, as well as
ensure that a trusted medical centre is selected, ensuring safety and professional care.
For more information on the Bank’s products and services, please visit
https://www.alliancebank.com.my.

28/04/2025