Image credit: Maybank Private Wealth
SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region looking to accelerate their sustainability journey can now tap Maybank Singapore’s programme that offers solutions ranging from advisory services to financing.
The “myimpact SME” programme is a Maybank Group-wide initiative that will be rolled out to SME customers in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia, the bank said in a statement.
Alvin Lee, the bank’s country chief executive officer for Singapore, said: “We are aware that many SMEs lack the resources and know-how to embed sustainability in their business operations, and juggle multiple pressing concerns.
“As key contributors to Singapore’s economy, they play a critical role in environmental sustainability.”
He said the bank’s programme offers “tailored insights and guidance” designed to help these SMEs address specific challenges, and to build capability in sustainability and decarbonisation.
The bank has nine partners on the programme now, and they include sustainability consultants, solar panel specialists and cloud-accounting software.
One of them is Gprnt, an enhanced environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting solution launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Maybank said its SME customers will receive funding from the bank, for example, if they use the tool for emissions reporting and climate risk management.
Customers can also gain access to another tool by Singapore-headquartered ESG data company ESGpedia to calculate their carbon emissions and other metrics, so they fall in with the requirements listed by the Singapore Exchange and other international frameworks.
They also get discounts when they take an ESG training course with Capelle Consulting or purchase solar panels from one of the partnering companies.
The bank is offering women entrepreneurs additional support through a programme called HERpower, an initiative Lee said would “help address gender diversity and inclusivity”. The programme offers access to networking events and workshops, as well as certain fee waivers.
Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/maybank-launches-programme-help-smes-level-sustainability-efforts