KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd have teamed up with SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) for their GreenBizReadyTM programme for SMEs in Malaysia, as part of CIMB’s The Cooler Earth Sustainability Series.
In a statement, the bank announced the introduction of the CIMB ESG Simplified Playbook for SMEs.
With CIMB and SME Corp. Malaysia's collaboration, SMEs now have access to free tools like the MSME ESG Assessment for instant ESG readiness scores and the ESG Quick Guide for step-by-step sustainability integration and reporting.
In addition, SME Corp also offers workshops, training and networking opportunities for CIMB’s SME customers to expand their knowledge and capabilities.
"Being ESG-ready is a huge advantage for SMEs to access local and global markets. Hence, through this collaboration, more SMEs can gauge their ESG readiness and access valuable information and guidance to initiate ESG practices in their businesses,” SME Corp chief executive officer Rizal Nainy said.
CIMB Group co-chief executive officer of group commercial and transaction banking Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman said: “At CIMB, we are committed in our efforts to facilitate the transition of Malaysian SMEs towards a low-carbon economy, in line with the Government’s holistic sustainability agenda. In support of this, we are pleased to introduce the Playbook which aims to empower SMEs with practical sustainability knowledge and examples to integrate sustainable practices into their business operations while reducing costs.”
"By empowering SMEs with the right tools, they can strengthen their resilience and competitiveness, positioning their businesses for success both regionally and globally, while also making significant contributions to the nation’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050,” he added.
GreenBizReady is CIMB’s comprehensive solution designed to empower SMEs on their sustainability journey. It provides access to essential training, advisory services and matches them to relevant suppliers and service providers.
Meanwhile, CIMB said the new Playbook offers practical ways for SMEs to cut carbon emissions from electricity and fuel. It includes free, easy-to-use tools like carbon emissions calculators to estimate emissions and find savings.
It also contains relevant resources for SMEs to enhance their sustainability practices through guidance on policies and incentives, as well as sustainable finance options to boost their transition.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/07/22/cimb-teams-up-with-sme-corp-for-greenbizready