Latest news with #ESG-led
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Session highlights growing role of Sarawak SMEs in driving state's sustainability, hydrogen ambitions
Dr Aaron Sum KUCHING (May 13): Sarawak's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are playing a growing role in driving the state's sustainability and hydrogen ambitions, with two-thirds already implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad group chief strategy and transformation officer Dr Aaron Sum said 62 per cent of SMEs surveyed indicated familiarity with ESG principles, signalling growing awareness and recognition of sustainable business practices. 'This is the first time we've had concrete data to gauge ESG maturity among Sarawak SMEs, and the momentum is very encouraging,' he said during a plenary session at the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) here today. The research, conducted in collaboration with Alliance Bank, UN Global Compact, and Monash University, found that 44 per cent of SMEs have integrated ESG into their business strategies, while another 22 per cent have begun implementing ESG on an ad hoc basis. Among non-adopters, 60 per cent plan to begin within two years, many driven by innovation and customer demand from overseas markets. Sum underscored that Sarawak's hydrogen strategy is not only an energy transition but a broader ESG-led transformation. 'With 70,000 SMEs forming the economic backbone of the state, their participation is critical in ensuring a just and inclusive transition.' However, he shared that key challenges remain as many SMEs still face obstacles such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and unclear or fragmented sustainability guidelines. To address this, Alliance Bank has launched a simplified online ESG diagnostic tool in collaboration with UN Global Compact, providing tailored action plans and peer benchmarks for SMEs. In addition, the bank has linked financing rates to a company's ESG maturity profile, offering more favourable terms to businesses demonstrating stronger climate performance. 'We've already deployed 50 per cent of our RM1 billion climate-inclusive financing allocation for Sarawak SMEs,' said Sum. The study also identified key ESG focus areas for local SMEs, including waste management, resource efficiency, and digital governance. He added that nearly half of respondents are also prioritising social responsibility efforts, and emphasised the importance of continued support, training, and capacity building to sustain the current momentum. 'This puts Sarawak on strong footing as we align economic growth with sustainable development,' he said. Alliance Bank Dr Aaron Sum hydrogen economy small and medium enterprises
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru attract $16.5 billion equity investments in CY 2022-24: Report
NEW DELHI : Mumbai topped the real estate equity investments with the highest inflows of $6.9 billion, accounting for 26% share in the total real estate equity investments between CY 2022-24, according to a report by CBRE South Asia & Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Together, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru attracted around $16.5 billion, accounting for a cumulative 62% share during this period. Rishi Kumar Bagla , chairman, CII Western Region and chairman & MD, BG Electricals and Electronics, said, "With 1 in 5 investors prioritising green buildings, ESG-led investment strategies are no longer optional—they are central to long-term value creation. As the sector becomes more structured and regulated, we expect deeper participation from global funds, especially those focused on sustainability and resilience." Land/developments sites attracted the largest share of equity investments, accounting for a 44% share of total inflows between CY 2022-24, followed by built-up office assets, which had a 32% share. Total real estate equity investments during CY 2022-24 stood at USD 26.7 bn in India. Rami Kaushal, MD, Consulting & Valuation Services, India, Middle East, Africa, CBRE, said, "With land acquisition and platform-level investments already gaining traction, we anticipate increased investor interest in these future-ready asset classes." Between CY 2022 and 2024, tier-II cities accounted for nearly 10% of total real estate equity investments, amounting to approximately $3 billion. During this period, land/developments sites emerged as the leading investment sector in tier-II cities, attracting approximately 47% share of the total tier-II capital inflows, followed by the industrial and logistics (I&L) sector, which accounted for around 25% share.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abdulwahhab Abed appointed as CEO of SEDCO Capital
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: SEDCO Capital, a global Shariah-compliant and ESG-led asset management and advisory firm, announced today the appointment of Mr. Abdulwahhab Abed as Chief Executive Officer. This decision follows a successful tenure as Acting CEO, during which he demonstrated strong leadership and a proven ability to deliver exceptional results. Mr. Abdulwahhab Abed brings over 18 years of professional experience, having held multiple leadership positions, including board memberships in several companies. Within SEDCO Capital, he has taken on various key roles, most recently serving as Chief Business Development Officer. He holds an MBA in Finance from the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University in the United States, where he also earned his bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting. SEDCO Capital praised Mr. Abdulwahhab Abed's efforts during his tenure as Acting CEO, highlighting his strong leadership in navigating the company through a challenging period and reinforcing its position as a leading asset management firm. In its statement, the company noted: 'Through his leadership, Mr. Abdulwahhab oversees the execution of investment strategies designed to create sustainable value for clients while maintaining full commitment to Shariah principles and responsible ethical investing.' The company also highlighted the significant growth SEDCO Capital achieved under his leadership across various sectors. The number of newly launched investment funds surged by 350%, assets under management grew by 50%, and net profit increased by 72%. Additionally, the company introduced 24 new investment funds and products, including 15 real estate investment funds. During this period, SEDCO Capital also launched its ambitious three-year strategy and was recognized as a 'Best Workplace' for the period from October 2024 to October 2025. SEDCO Capital concluded its statement by expressing its strong confidence in Mr. Abdulwahhab Abed's ability to drive continued success and wished him all the best in his new role as CEO. --Ends-- About SEDCO Capital SEDCO Capital is a global, Shariah-compliant, and ESG led asset management and investment advisory firm. Our investment philosophy is underpinned by three Ps: principles, partnership, and performance. We provide clients with investment solutions through a dynamic asset allocation process across diversified asset classes that deliver strong risk-adjusted returns. By adopting a global view to investing while looking through the lens of our proprietary Prudent Ethical Investment (PEI) approach, an integration of Shariah-compliant and Responsible Investment principles, we provide our clients with unparalleled global access to investments across developed and emerging markets, including Saudi Arabia, in alignment with their investment objectives. In 2014 we proudly became the first Saudi company and the world's first Shariah-compliant asset manager to become signatory to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and we continue to be recognized for our commitment to responsible investments. SEDCO Capital oversees over $9.9 billion in total assets under management (AUM) and is headquartered in Jeddah with offices in Riyadh, Dubai, London, and Luxembourg. SEDCO Capital is licensed by the Capital Market Authority (License No. 11157-37). The Firm's headquarters is in South Tower, Red Sea Mall, King Abdulaziz (Malik) Road, PO Box 13396 Jeddah 21491, Saudi Arabia. Find out more at For further information, please contact: Maha Ali Abul-Ola Vice President, Corporate Communications SEDCO Capital Email: mahaa@
