HLB Named Best Domestic and Islamic Bank for Sustainable

Chow Sheng Wai, HLB’s Chief Sustainability Officer [2nd from right] & Ts. Rodney Wong, HLB’s Solar Energy Specialist [1st from right] accepting the award at the National Energy Awards 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 APRIL 2025 - Aligned with its commitment to sustainability and supporting Malaysia’s transition towards a robust circular economy, Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has recorded a third win at the National Energy Awards, winning the award for Best Domestic and Islamic Bank for Sustainable Energy Financing 2024.

This recognition follows HLB’s significant progress in its sustainable financing portfolio, recording RM15.4 billion in outstanding green building and affordable property financing, RM3.64 billion in approved renewable energy financing, and RM1.4 billion in outstanding green car loans as of December 2024. The Bank has also achieved a 23% decrease in operational carbon emissions since 2019, aligned with its goal of achieving total net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to Yow Kuan Tuck, Managing Director of Business & Corporate Banking at HLB, the award is a testament to how the Bank views sustainability as a value-adding asset for customers and the industry as a whole. 

“Sustainability forms a fundamental part of our corporate banking strategy, firmly embedded in our organizational DNA through our brand value of being “Here For The Long Term”. For us, sustainability is more than just a compliance necessity. We believe it is a strategic imperative, providing significant opportunities to optimize and fortify our value chains while stimulating capital allocation towards green projects which will drive the national shift to a net zero carbon economy. As a value-adding partner to our customers, we also see these green projects as a new horizon for investors and developers across industries, fostering broader engagement in the burgeoning green economy and unlocking substantial avenues for investment and sustained economic advancement.” 

HLB’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its recently-launched Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF), which aims to mobilize RM20 billion in support of projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, affordable housing, clean transportation, and waste management over the next five years.

“Achieving net zero requires a comprehensive approach, including operational measures, rigorous reporting, and innovative financing,” commented Chow Sheng Wai, HLB’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are dedicated to driving progress and creating value for all stakeholders, and with our sustainable financing solutions, we look to empower businesses and contribute to a stronger global circular economy, as we continue delivering tangible climate action.”

Besides its innovative sustainable financing solutions, HLB has also recently launched its flagship HLB ESG Readiness Program, equipping businesses with the necessary tools and strategies to achieve their sustainability goals. Developed based on the Simplified ESG Disclosure Guideline (“SEDG”) set out by the Capitals Markets Malaysia, the program looks to help businesses with their ESG integration and sustainability reporting, effectively supporting them in their sustainability journey.

For more information on HLB’s sustainable financing and other environmental management efforts, please visit: https://www.hlb.com.my/en/personal-banking/about-us/sustainability/environmental-management.html