The SME Focus Group (SFG) under the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3), co-chaired by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and UOB Malaysia, has announced the launch of the Environment Social and Governance (ESG) Jumpstart portal for small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Unveiled during the JC3 Journey to Zero Conference 2023 at Sasana Kijang, this portal is designed to empower local SMEs to adopt ESG practices effectively. ESG Jumpstart serves as a comprehensive information hub, offering practical guidance and suggested actions for SMEs to enhance their ESG knowledge and capabilities.
Ng Wei Wei, CEO, UOB Malaysia, said, “The JC3’s SME Focus Group takes pride in launching the ESG Jumpstart portal, encouraging SMEs to embrace sustainability alongside Bank Negara Malaysia. By combining knowledge and financing, the essential elements for a sustainable future, we aim to inspire more SMEs to transition towards sustainable practices. We encourage SMEs to leverage the portal and embark on this transformative journey to unlock the vast opportunities of sustainability.”
The ESG Jumpstart portal signifies the beginning of the SME Focus Group’s endeavors. As the co-chair, they are dedicated to driving robust collaborative efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian SMEs in the global supply chain, aligning with the world’s shift towards sustainability.
To broaden access to ESG financing for SMEs, UOB Malaysia will actively participate in the Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC)’s RM1 billion portfolio guarantee scheme. This initiative aims to accelerate industry-led ESG financing initiatives by local financial institutions in the near future.
For further details and access to the ESG Jumpstart portal, please visit here.
