KUALA LUMPUR, 30 September 2025 – Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”), together with its subsidiaries, Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (“EXIM Bank”) and SME Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”), is stepping up collective action with Amanah Lestari Alam (“ALAM”) to accelerate Malaysia’s sustainability journey.
The pledge of the BPMB Group’s collective action was the highlight at the Climate Change Forum – Suara ALAM: Road to COP30 Belém 2025 jointly hosted by ALAM together with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental (“NRES”) and the Malaysian Green Tech & Climate Change Corporation (“MGTC”) at Aloft Hotel Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
Witnessed by YBhg. Datuk Nor Yahati Binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the collaboration intends to build on initiatives already in motion – from capacity building and green trade financing for businesses, to reforestation, marine conversation and efforts that reinforce Malaysia’s position as a megadiverse country of global significance.
BPMB Group ensures that every transaction aligns with national priorities and sustainability goals by investing in projects that deliver economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Its MIND and Sustainability Framework introduced in 2024 with the Measuring Impact on National Development (“MIND”) Model developed with the World Bank Group serves as the guiding principle. The framework embeds ESG considerations across governance, operations and decision-making.
Beyond this, SME Bank has already approved over RM11 billion in sustainable financing since 2022, issued Malaysia’s first Sustainability Sukuk worth RM2 billion, and trained more than 1,500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in ESG standards through its Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (“CEDAR”). It is now charting a Customer Transition Blueprint and measuring Scope 3 emissions to reinforce its Net Zero 2050 goal.
Additionally, EXIM Bank introduced a RM1.5 billion green financing facility to accelerate adoption of sustainable practices, while also equipping businesses to navigate global requirements such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”).
“Across BPMB Group, we are clear on one thing: financing the future means financing sustainably. Every investment, whether in infrastructure, trade or SMEs, must bring Malaysia closer to a low-carbon economy and a just transition. With this in mind, we pledge to power the nation’s green transition through sustainable financing, talent development and a clear path to Net Zero by 2050. Our pledge reflects these long-term aspirations to turn capital into climate action and inclusive growth, with ALAM playing a vital role by mobilising grassroots action and connecting community-led solutions with institutional support.” said YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Chief Corporate Strategy Officer of SME Bank, representing BPMB Group.
Since 2020, BPMB has invested over RM5 million – in both monetary and in-kind support – to ALAM, enabling the Foundation to channel more than RM3 million into community and research projects. Within this commitment, RM390,000 was dedicated to establish Sinar ALAM, a new crowdfunding platform for grassroots climate action. Early partners include MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, supporting ‘ALAM Be-Leaf’ reforestation programme, while Reef Check Malaysia has become the platform’s first recipient of RM100,000 seed fund to scale its marine conservation efforts.
“Sinar ALAM is not just an idea – it is a living platform where communities lead, and partners rally around them. By giving people ownership, the solutions are more meaningful and lasting,” said Datuk Ali Tan Sri Abdul Kadir, Chairman of ALAM.
As Malaysia counts down to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the collaboration between BPMB Group and ALAM shows that real change is already in motion. By uniting grassroots action with institutional support, it places communities at the heart of climate and biodiversity solutions – proving Malaysia is ready to contribute meaningfully to global goals.
For more information on ALAM, visit https://alam.earth.
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About Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB)
Incorporated on 28 November 1973, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad is a development financial institution wholly owned by Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The Bank holds the highest ‘AAA’ rating from both RAM Rating Services Berhad and Malaysia Rating Corporation Berhad and operates under the regulatory oversight of Bank Negara Malaysia as stipulated by the Development Financial Institution Act 2002.
With Group Total Assets valued at RM34.6 billion as of 31 December 2024, Bank Pembangunan is well-equipped to meet the financing and development needs of Malaysian businesses. Effective 1 May 2025, EXIM Bank and SME Bank became subsidiaries of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad.
For more information, visit www.bpmb.com.my.
About Amanah Lestari Alam (ALAM)
Amanah Lestari Alam (ALAM) is an independent, tax-exempt not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLBG) committed to inclusive development through community-driven sustainability and ESG programmes, mooted by Ministry of Finance. While supported in its founding by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), ALAM operates as a legally distinct entity under the Companies Act 2016. Its mission is to transform the mindset and behaviour of Malaysians towards environmental stewardship by raising awareness, educating on sustainability issues, and fostering a culture of environmental accountability. ALAM achieves this by collaborating closely with public and private sectors, civil society, and policymakers, serving as a vital bridge between industry and government to improve governance and deliver impactful sustainability initiatives.
Targeting three key segments i.e. Primary school students, Youths and Adults, ALAM focuses on nurturing a positive relationship between Malaysians, the country’s natural capital, and future generations. Its programmes align with seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).