🌱 Empowering SMEs for a Sustainable 2026!

🌱 ESG Association of Malaysia (ESGAM) was pleased to collaborate in the Empowering SMEs & Chinese Investors in Malaysia – Financing, ESG & Growth Opportunities Forum, held at UOB Plaza 1, Kuala Lumpur, on 21 January 2026 🤝

🎤 Highlights: Keynote by Mr. Lee Yew Chen (Vice President, KLSCCCI); welcome remarks by Dr. Bahari Yeow (Partner, RDS) and Mr. Jonathan How (Executive Director, UOB).

💬 Panel 1 featured the following speakers and was moderated by Teo Siang Ly, Partner of RDS:

🏦📈Mr. Joe Ng (Senior Vice President, Kuala Lumpur Main Branch, UOB) shared insights on the 2026 economic outlook for SMEs and introduced the UOB Sustainability Compass, an ASEAN-wide online assessment tool co-developed with PwC Singapore to help SMEs assess sustainability readiness and develop customised transition roadmaps.

🏛️💰Dato’ Teng Chang Khim (Former Selangor State EXCO for Investment, Industry & Trade) highlighted Malaysia’s economic outlook and available incentives, including GITA, GITE, and MIDA DIAF grants supporting SME sustainability adoption.

🌱💼Mr. Tony Ooi (Vice President, ESGAM) shared the evolution of ESG in finance and investment, emphasizing the importance of embedding sustainability into corporate strategy as a competitive advantage for SMEs. He also highlighted practical measures such as the RM50,000 tax deduction for qualifying ESG expenditures.

🌏 Panel 2 discussed cross-border investment opportunities and pitfalls for Chinese investors in Malaysia.

This event was organised by RDS Partnership and DeHeng Law Offices, supported by KLSCCCI, with UOB Bank as Strategic Partner, in collaboration with ESGAM 🏦🏛️

✨ ESGAM remains committed to advancing sustainability and ESG adoption among SMEs through strategic collaborations and partnerships, enabling SMEs to build readiness, strengthen competitiveness, and turn sustainability into real business value.

#ESGAM#SME##GreenFinancing#ESG