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Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Report: 6 out of 10 Sarawak SMEs aware of sustainability issues, 66 pct implementing ESG practices
Alliance Bank Group chief strategy and transformation officer Dr Aaron Sum (fifth left) presents the Sarawak SME ESG Report to Abang Johari. KUCHING (May 14): The Sarawak SME ESG Report has revealed that six in 10 small and medium enterprises in Sarawak are aware of sustainability issues, with 66 per cent already implementing environmental, social, and governance practices. The Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad report also found that among non-adopters, 98 per cent indicated a strong intention to adopt ESG measures, with 59 per cent of them are planning to act within the next two years. According to the report, the leading motivators for SMEs to adopt ESG practices include meeting the evolving expectations of consumers, suppliers, and investors. 'Despite these positive trends, challenges such as limited resources, staffing constraints, and navigating various ESG frameworks were cited as key barriers to wider adoption,' the bank said in a press statement. 'The encouraging level of ESG awareness is the result of concerted efforts of government bodies, NGOs, and corporations in disseminating ESG-related information, and promoting sustainable business practices.' Meeting market demand, along with the pursuit of cost efficiencies, has also driven ESG adoption among SMEs, said the report. It said these efforts not only enhanced competitiveness but also unlocked access to new customer segments and expanded market opportunities. The bank launched the inaugural report entitled 'Navigating ESG in Sarawak: Insights from SMEs' during the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 opening ceremony officiated at by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here yesterday. The Sarawak SME ESG Report was developed through a comprehensive study conducted with the support of the Sarawak government, InvestSarawak, Monash University, and United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei. Alliance Bank Group CEO Kellee Kam said delivering a Sarawak focused report is not just timely but essential as it provides a deeper understanding of the realities faced by local businesses. 'This enables us to identify both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. The data gathered will empower businesses to make informed decisions while also serving as a benchmark that encourages the adoption of best practices across industries. 'We recognise the challenges that stand in the way. Many businesses face limitations in terms of resources, staffing, and clarity – especially when confronted with numerous frameworks and fragmented information,' he said. Kam pointed out that access to financing remains another hurdle that must be addressed collectively. 'We hope that the report is able to provide critical guidance to SMEs, helping them build capacity and access useful tools and resources as they navigate their ESG journey,' he stressed. Speaking on the research component of the report, Monash University Malaysia CEO, pro vice-chancellor, and president Prof Datuk Adeeba Kamarulzaman said: 'This initiative brings together government, academia, industry, and civil society, underscoring the collective effort needed to advance sustainability. 'The research component of this collaboration involves a statewide study that offers critical insights into ESG practices among SMEs. The findings support the development of policies and strategies that help SMEs integrate ESG principles, enhancing their resilience and competitiveness while contributing meaningfully to Sarawak's sustainable and inclusive growth.'
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Chapman, Hasnita winners of Borneo International Marathon
Kristjan Chapman of Iceland (centre) poses with fellow winners after receiving his prizes from Kam (left) and Dr Heng (right). – Photos courtesy of Chloe Tiffany Lee KOTA KINABALU (May 11): Kristjan Chapman and Hasnita Asis were crowned the Men's and Women's Open 42km winners of the Alliance Bank Borneo International Marathon (BIM) in Likas here on Sunday . The achievement was made even memorable for the duo as the homegrown sports event, the largest and longest-running marathon in Borneo, celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Chapman did not have it easy as he was trailed closely by Malaysian competitor Mohd Ikmal Sahdan in the Men's Open Full Marathon race. The runner from Iceland clocked an impressive two-hour, fifty-six minutes and twenty-six seconds (2:56.26) to edge Ikmal to top placing, with the latter crossing the finish line at the Likas Stadium just shy of one minute (2:57.25) away. Sabah's young talent Oswald Maikol finished third in a time of 3:00.40s. Hasnita (centre) made the state proud after winning BIM Women's Open 42km race. In the Women's Open, Hasnita of Tawau made the state proud as she bested Ririko Nishiki and Li Wen Jing of China to emerge winner. Hasnita clocked 3:49.11 to claim her first BIM Full Marathon title having finished third in 2023 and fourth in 2024 while Ririko and Li clocked 3:56.54s and 4:05.18s respectively. 'The initial aim was to run a sub four-hour race and I did it … I'm happy,' said Hasnita when met after receiving her prizes from Alliance Bank Group CEO, Kellee Kam Chee Khiong. Special mention also goes to Yoshiyuki Ono of Japan and Lee Siok Chin of Malaysia where both were the fastest finishers in the 42km race in a time of 2:52.44s and 3:18.38s respectively as they clinched the Men's and Women's Vetaran titles respectively. In the Half Marathon (21km), Brunei Darussalam runner Ruzaini Mahadi took home the Men's Open title in a time of 1:14.36s while Najib Mooiz of Singapore came second in 1:17.26s and local contestant Romieo Mieo in third place in 1:20.27s. Goh Shing Lin won Women's Open Half Marathon race after clocking 1:23.33s while Malaysian duo Lee Shu Ting (1:40.08s) and Bong Siat Nyuk (1:44.14s) settled for second and third placing respectively. For the record, the BIM featured the Full Marathon and Half Marathon contesting the Open, Veteran and Senior Veteran races for men and women while the 10km category featured Junior, Open and Veteran races for men and women. Overall, over 8,000 runners were involved in the BIM. Present to do the flag-off were Kam, Life Water Berhad managing director Liaw Hen Kong, Pos Malaysia Group Chief Marketing, Communications & Sustainability Officer Fiona Liao, Pos Malaysia director of operations Haji Zaini B. Yahman, Youth and Sports Ministry assistant secretary (sports development unit) Mohd Fadzil @ Ahmad Fakry Maruji, Kota Kinabalu City Hall deputy director general (operations) Robert Lipon and Kinabalu Running Club-cum-Race Director Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng. Alliance Bank BIM 2025 Results FULL MARATHON (42km) Men's Open 1. Kristjan Chapman (Isl) 2:56.26s 2. Mohd Ikmal Sahdan (Mas) 2:57.25s 3. Oswald Maikol (Mas) 3:00.40s
