Mahadi (second right) receiving the mock cheque from Tay (second left), witnessed by Chang (left) Balamurugan (right).
Public Bank Berhad is the first bank in Malaysia to embark on the Eco-Schools programme, a pioneering climate education initiative using project-based learning method in schools.
It includes the implementation of projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, Public Bank, together with Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF), signed a sponsorship agreement to roll out the Eco-Schools programme involving 20 schools in Pahang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur for three years until 2025, with a sponsorship of RM1.2mil.
Public Bank’s managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek said, “As financiers, we believe that financing for sustainability will drive future value creation for the bank and its stakeholders.
“As Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘it is investment in knowledge that pays the best interest’.”
The sponsorship agreement was signed by Tay and GGAF executive director Tan Sri Dr Mahadi Mohamad and witnessed by Public Bank’s deputy chief executive officer Datuk Chang Kat Kiam and GGAF’s chief executive Dr Balamurugan Ratha Krishnan at Menara Public Bank, Kuala Lumpur.
Tay said, “We had made significant commitments towards sustainability, balancing our mandate as a financial institution while embracing environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.
“On top of our commitment towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, and net zero carbon by 2050, we also have committed to mobilise RM48bil in ESG-friendly financing by 2025.”
Educating the future generation on climate and environmental matters, the collaboration with GGAF will also support other quantitative initiatives, such as data collection and research relating to greenhouse gases to facilitate further initiatives in achieving the global goal of net zero carbon.
GGAF is a non-profit organisation incorporated in Malaysia that aims to spearhead initiatives to promote new green growth strategy that strikes a balance between economic development, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
As a full member of the Foundation for Environmental Education, GGAF has been implementing the Eco-Schools programme since 2016.
To-date, there are 206 schools from Melaka, Perak and Kedah participating in the programme, with more than 15 schools achieving the International Green Flag Award.
“This remarkable partnership between Public Bank and GGAF makes a significant milestone in our collective efforts towards environmental sustainability and youth empowerment,” said Mahadi.
He said Public Bank’s sponsorship had opened doors to endless possibilities and paved the way for a brighter and greener future.
