logo
SEC partners Maybank Investment Bank to advance ESG agenda and sukuk programme

SEC partners Maybank Investment Bank to advance ESG agenda and sukuk programme

The Star13-05-2025
From left: Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) CEO Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman, SEC chairman Datuk Annuar Ayub and Maybank Investment Bank CEO Michael Oh-Lau.
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (SEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to institutionalising ESG best practices through a 12-week roadmap to develop a fit-for-purpose Sustainable Finance Framework — a key step towards its inaugural sukuk programme.
SEC group chairman Datuk Annuar Ayub said in a satement the initiative is part of SEC's long-term dedication to responsible energy development, with a focus on balancing environmental sustainability, economic growth, and community well-being.
It will also support the establishment of the company's inaugural sukuk programme to finance green energy projects.
To facilitate this, SEC has appointed Maybank Investment Bank as its sole principal adviser, lead arranger, and sustainability structuring adviser for the sukuk and ESG framework.
The collaboration aims to establish a Shariah-compliant, sustainability-ready funding platform for the state's energy transition efforts.
'Sabah is at an inflection point in its renewable energy journey, with untapped potential in solar, bioenergy and geothermal. Maybank as a regional leader in Islamic debt capital markets and sustainable finance is partnering with SEC to establish a Shariah-compliant, sustainability-ready funding platform to support its energy transition efforts and direct capital towards developing the state's energy resources,' Maybank Investment Bank chief executive officer Michael Oh-Lau said in a statement.
SEC is also launching community-driven ESG initiatives, including an annual corporate charity run aimed at promoting community health and social impact.
The announcements were made during SEC's inaugural ESG Forum 2025, held at Menara SEC, where over 100 delegates from state agencies, financial institutions, and sustainability bodies gathered to explore collaborative pathways in ESG adoption across Sabah.
In his opening remarks, SEC group chief executive officer Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman welcomed guests to Menara SEC, describing it as the corporation's new home and a symbol of progress.
Adzmir also highlighted SEC's responsibility to pursue responsible and forward-looking energy development — one that balances environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community well-being.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Shift in industrial asset disposal mindset
Shift in industrial asset disposal mindset

The Sun

time4 hours ago

  • The Sun

Shift in industrial asset disposal mindset

AS environmental and social governance (ESG) becomes a key consideration for businesses in Malaysia and worldwide, many companies are re-examining how their day-to-day operations align with long-term sustainability goals. One area often overlooked in this process is industrial asset disposal, which is the management of equipment, machinery, and other capital goods once they reach the end of their productive life. Today, the way companies dispose of their industrial assets is becoming a new frontier in ESG performance, and those leading the shift are discovering unexpected economic and environmental returns. Traditionally seen as a backend administrative function, asset disposal is now emerging as a vital piece of the ESG puzzle. As Malaysia progresses toward its national goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by frameworks such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Green Technology Master Plan, businesses are expected to contribute meaningfully, not just through emission reduction, but also through resource efficiency, waste minimisation, and circular economy practices. Reframing Disposal as a Strategic ESG Lever The conventional approach to asset disposal — where decommissioned or surplus equipment is left to deteriorate in storage or sent to landfills — is rapidly losing ground. Businesses today are rethinking the end-of-life phase of their equipment, recognising it as a critical opportunity to advance ESG commitments, recover economic value, and reduce environmental impact. This mindset shift is closely aligned with the global momentum behind circular economy principles, now gaining traction across Malaysia's key industrial sectors such as oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing. Locally, e-waste recovery initiatives have demonstrated how cross-sector collaboration can lead to impactful results. For example, public-private recycling campaigns have successfully collected tens of thousands of electronic devices and diverted tonnes of hazardous materials from landfills through accessible collection models, including door-to-door pickup and postal return systems. On a larger scale, integrated waste management facilities in the country are proving how infrastructure-led solutions can address complex disposal needs while advancing national sustainability goals. These developments reflect a broader awareness that responsible decommissioning isn't just an operational necessity — it's a strategic lever for ESG-driven transformation. Measuring Impact Transparency and traceability have become non-negotiables in ESG. Bursa Malaysia's 2024 Sustainability Reporting Guide strongly encourages outcome-based reporting, where companies must back up their ESG narratives with quantifiable results, including emissions reductions, waste minimisation, and measurable resource efficiency (pg. 43). For example, BidMyAsset, a Malaysian industrial asset disposal platform, has begun embedding carbon savings metrics, asset lifecycle tracking, and audit-compliant disposal reports into its digital offering. This enables businesses to not only track disposal outcomes but also to align with Bursa's sustainability disclosure requirements and future-proof their operations. Recent community-level efforts further reflect this shift: Ipoh City Council collected 25 tonnes of e-waste in just five months (Jan–May 2024), while Sarikei District saw a 52% increase in recycling rates driven by its 3R and e-waste campaigns. The movement is growing from boardrooms to municipal councils. Empowering SMEs and Local Industry Circular practices in asset disposal are not just a big-business concern. SMEs, which account for over 97% of business establishments in Malaysia, stand to gain significant economic value from access to pre-owned industrial equipment. These access allow smaller firms to upgrade or expand without the heavy capital outlay typically associated with new machinery. By facilitating resale, reallocation, and responsible decommissioning, platforms like BidMyAsset are helping to democratise access to capital assets while reducing unnecessary waste. Technology as an Enabler From blockchain-enabled traceability to integrated reporting dashboards, digital technology is revolutionising how businesses handle end-of-life assets. Online auction systems, real-time asset tracking, and automated documentation are making the disposal process more accountable and efficient. These advancements allow businesses to align operations with ESG benchmarks while minimising the cost and effort typically associated with compliance. It also opens up a data trail that investors, regulators, and internal stakeholders can trust. Conclusion Sustainability in industrial operations no longer starts and ends with energy savings or emissions targets. It encompasses the full lifecycle of assets, from acquisition to responsible retirement. As ESG expectations rise and circular economy principles take root, businesses in Malaysia must treat asset disposal as a strategic priority. With platforms like BidMyAsset and clear regulatory roadmaps from Bursa Malaysia, the tools and guidance are now in place. The next step lies with companies — to act, to adapt, and to lead responsibly. Responsible asset disposal is no longer a compliance task; it's a competitive advantage. This article is contributed by BidMyAsset co-founder Jeevan Muniandy.

Eco World establishes RM2bil rated perpetual sukuk wakalah programme
Eco World establishes RM2bil rated perpetual sukuk wakalah programme

The Star

time7 hours ago

  • The Star

Eco World establishes RM2bil rated perpetual sukuk wakalah programme

KUALA LUMPUR: Eco World Development Group Bhd 's wholly-owned subsidiary, Eco World Perpetual Capital Bhd, has established a rated Perpetual Sukuk Wakalah Programme with a nominal value of RM2.0 billion. The entire RM2.0 billion programme is guaranteed by EcoWorld and has been assigned a final credit rating of A IS(CG) with a stable outlook by MARC Ratings Bhd. The company noted that the subsidiary has also successfully completed the first issuance under the programme, raising RM800.0 million, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia today. The proceeds from the RM800.0 million Perpetual Sukuk issuance will be utilised by EcoWorld and its group entities for working capital requirements, investments, acquisitions and capital expenditures; refinancing or repayment of existing debt or future Shariah-compliant financing; and/or general corporate purposes, it said. "The RM800.0 million Perpetual Sukuk Issuance comprises two tranches. Tranche 1, totalling RM550.0 million, was issued on a perpetual basis and non-callable for seven years with the first optional redemption date after seven years. "Tranche 2 amounts to RM250.0 million, issued on a perpetual basis and non-callable for 10 years, with the first optional redemption date after 10 years,' it added. - Bernama

Eco World Establishes RM2.0 Bln Rated Perpetual Sukuk Wakalah Programme
Eco World Establishes RM2.0 Bln Rated Perpetual Sukuk Wakalah Programme

Barnama

time8 hours ago

  • Barnama

Eco World Establishes RM2.0 Bln Rated Perpetual Sukuk Wakalah Programme

BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Eco World Development Group Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, Eco World Perpetual Capital Bhd, has established a rated Perpetual Sukuk Wakalah Programme with a nominal value of RM2.0 billion. The entire RM2.0 billion programme is guaranteed by EcoWorld and has been assigned a final credit rating of A IS(CG) with a stable outlook by MARC Ratings Bhd. The company noted that the subsidiary has also successfully completed the first issuance under the programme, raising RM800.0 million, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia today. The proceeds from the RM800.0 million Perpetual Sukuk issuance will be utilised by EcoWorld and its group entities for working capital requirements, investments, acquisitions and capital expenditures; refinancing or repayment of existing debt or future Shariah-compliant financing; and/or general corporate purposes, it said. 'The RM800.0 million Perpetual Sukuk Issuance comprises two tranches. Tranche 1, totalling RM550.0 million, was issued on a perpetual basis and non-callable for seven years with the first optional redemption date after seven years. 'Tranche 2 amounts to RM250.0 million, issued on a perpetual basis and non-callable for 10 years, with the first optional redemption date after 10 years,' it added. -- BERNAMA

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store