HLB Advances Expands Mangrove Initiative to Drive Climate Action and Empower Local Communities
HLB Advances Net-Zero Commitment, Expands Mangrove Initiative to Drive Climate Action and Empower Local Communities
This marks the continuation of the HLB Impact For Nature mangrove rehabilitation and restoration project, which aims to contribute
towards climate action and providing job opportunities to the local community.
Pic 1: Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO at the HLB Impact For Nature Mangrove Rehabilitation & Restoration
Project Phase 2 Launch Ceremony.
Pic 2: Despite the rain, members of HLB’s senior management came out in full force to plant mangrove saplings at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park.
From left: I.S. Shanmugaraj Subramaniam, Executive Director of MNS; Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO; Quek Sue Yian, Executive Director of Hong Leong Foundation; Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi, CEO of HLB Islamic; and Chow Sheng Wai, HLB’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 MAY 2026 — Following the recent launch of Phase 2 of the HLB Impact For Nature: Mangrove Rehabilitation and Restoration Project, Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has officially pledged to plant another 50,000 mangrove trees, bringing its total to 100,000 trees planted in collaboration with the Malaysia Nature Society (“MNS”). The project, which focuses on the rehabilitation of degraded land within the Kuala Selangor Nature Park (“KSNP”), aims to transform nutrient-depleted areas into thriving, carbon-capturing ecosystems, and forms a major milestone in the Bank’s strategic plan towards achieving net zero operational carbon emissions by 2030.
Often called “ecosystem engineers”, mangrove forests play a critical role as natural infrastructure for coastal protection, serving as efficient carbon sinks that are capable of “locking away” carbon up to four times higher than tropical forests. These forests are also able to mitigate the impact of storms and coastal erosion, and serve as vital breeding grounds for many commercially important tropical fish species, which in turn protects and supports local fishing communities.
Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO, commented, “As a financial institution, we have a collective responsibility with the industry to ensure that the businesses, customers, and communities we serve are resilient against the escalating risks of climate change, and this includes supporting tangible climate action and sustainable development initiatives. We view Environment, Social and Governance (“ESG”) principles as a fundamental pillar of long-term value creation and risk management across our operations, and by integrating sustainability into our core strategy, we are ensuring that the economic growth we support today does not come at the expense of our environment tomorrow. With this mangrove restoration program, we are bridging the gap between traditional banking and climate action, using our resources to build environmental and economic resiliency, reaffirming our value of being Here For The Long Term.”
The commencement of Phase 2 of the mangrove restoration program signifies a shift from initial restoration to long-term ecosystem scaling, focusing on expanding carbon offset capacity and enhancing the biodiversity within KSNP. Phase 2 will also actively involve local communities in seed collection, nursery management, and planting. This initiative creates jobs, fosters long-term sustainable forestry skills, and empowers communities to play an active role in environmental conservation and economic development.
Chow Sheng Wai, HLB’s Chief Sustainability Officer, commented, “We are incredibly proud to see this project grow and expand, as it reflects our desire to give back to the environment and community in a way that truly matters. At its core, our approach to ESG is about initiatives like this that directly generate sustainable impact while empowering the local community. It is a privilege to contribute to the restoration of our natural ecosystem, and we hope to continue working closely with our partners and the community to do even more for the environment.”
I.S. Shanmugaraj Subramaniam, Executive Director of MNS commented, “KSNP is a crown jewel of our coastal heritage, but its strength lies in its health and longevity. By revitalizing these areas, we are securing a critical defense against climate change and ensuring that this complex biodiversity remains resilient for generations to come. This partnership with HLB demonstrates how corporate commitment can drive the large-scale environmental recovery our planet urgently needs.