Hong Leong Bank (HLB) held its 11th Sustainability Roundtable today, partnering with Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd (MASTEEL), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Malaysian Investment Development Agency (MIDA), the Asian School of Business, Bursa Intelligence, and Taylor’s University.
The event focused on challenges and opportunities in transitioning towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Themed “Greening the Supply Chain: The Malaysian Corporate Sector and the Global Sustainability Revolution: A Win-Win Convergence,” the Roundtable addressed critical issues in greening supply chains within the Malaysian corporate sector.
The Roundtable featured a panel of esteemed speakers, including Dato’ Sri Tai Hean Leng, Executive Vice Chairman of MASTEEL; Richard Baker, PwC Director of Sustainability & Climate Change; Prof. Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, Taylor’s University; Syed Kamal Muzaffa, Director of Sustainability Division at MIDA; Dr. Renato Lima de Oliveira, Associate Professor at Asian School of Business & Senior Fellow at IDEAS; and Wong Chiun Chiek, Director at Bursa Intelligence.
In his opening address, Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director and CEO of HLB, emphasized the urgency of greening supply chains. He stated, “The Bank is cognisant that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a business reality. We understand that the financial sector has a crucial role to play in driving the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.
“The Bank is committed to being a catalyst for change, empowering our clients and partners to embrace sustainable practices and reap the rewards of a greener future.”
Lam highlighted the importance of in-person engagements and networking events for providing valuable insights into sustainability opportunities, fostering long-term competitive advantages, and contributing to societal and environmental betterment.
HLB has been a constituent of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index for seven consecutive years, maintaining a 4 Star rating with a score of 3.9 in FY23/24, above the banking sector average of 3.1. This reflects the Bank’s continued success in integrating sustainability into its operations.
This year’s Roundtable featured MASTEEL as a partner, which also received a Four Star rating in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, placing it among the top 25% of public-listed companies.
MASTEEL’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dato’ Sri Tai Hean Leng, shared insights into the company’s journey towards sustainable steel production. He stated, “As a leader in sustainable steel production, MASTEEL is honoured to collaborate with HLB in this important Sustainability Roundtable.
“Our commitment to environmental responsibility underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in spearheading the green revolution. This event serves as a platform for cultivating meaningful dialogues and insights that will pave the way for a more sustainable future, not only for Malaysia but also for the global community.”
Since 2021, Hong Leong Bank has organized 11 Sustainability Roundtables, bringing together business leaders, industry experts, and ESG pioneers to share knowledge and insights on ESG integration.
With a growing global focus on reducing Scope Three financed emissions, greening supply chains represents a convergence of environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.
Through collaborative discussions like this year’s Roundtable, businesses can mitigate risks, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, tap into new markets, and build a stronger, more resilient economy.
