Latest news with #JohnChong
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Maybank grants US$150m green loan to Austria's AT&S
KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) is granting a sustainability-linked loan (SLL) amounting to US$150 million (RM638 million) to Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Malaysia Sdn Bhd (AT&S). In a statement yesterday, the bank said the landmark transaction marks the first SLL issued by a Malaysian and Southeast Asian commercial bank to AT&S, and the first such facility by a local lender to a multinational company in Malaysia's semiconductor sector. Maybank said the financing would support the development of AT&S's first high-end integrated circuit (IC) substrate plant at Kedah's Kulim Hi-Tech Park that will include state-of-the-art equipment and closed-loop recycling systems, adhering to AT&S's comprehensive sustainable energy framework. The facility will produce advanced IC substrates, essential components to meet surging demand for high-performance data processors, data centres, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The targets attached to the SLL include reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 31% by March 31, 2028, using fiscal year 2022 as the baseline. Maybank Global Banking Group CEO Datuk John Chong said from 2021 to the end of the first quarter of 2025, Maybank mobilised RM125.46 billion in sustainable finance across Asean, surpassing its RM80 billion target by 2025. 'We are pleased to support AT&S in developing its first IC substrate facility in Kulim, a project that not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also further reinforces Malaysia's position in the global semiconductor value chain. 'The financing aligns with our strategic focus on the semiconductor ecosystem in Southeast Asia, where we have identified financing opportunities,' he said. AT&S president/CEO Michael Mertin said the company's sizable investment of over US$1 billion in Malaysia follows the demand from its global clients, and reflects its confidence in Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem and its growth trajectory. 'It also aligns with the ambitions of Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to position the country as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Bursa Malaysia dips as Trump's 25% tariff on Malaysia rattles investors
From left: Maybank global banking group CEO Datuk John Chong, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd CEO Michael Oh-Lau, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Holdings Bhd group CEO Datuk Ir Pathmanathan K, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei and UOB Malaysia head of wholesale banking, northern area centre Teoh Soon Beng. KUALA LUMPUR: United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) have been appointed as joint principal advisers, joint lead arrangers, and joint lead managers for Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP)'s inaugural RM5bil Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) Programme (Sukuk Programme). Maybank IB also served as the sole sustainability structuring adviser for PBAPP's new Sustainable Finance Framework, which follows guidelines from the Securities Commission and other regional and international sustainable finance standards. In a joint statement, UOB Malaysia country head of wholesale banking Andy Cheah said the RM5bil sukuk programme will fund critical water projects to ensure long-term water security for Penang, addressing rising demand and challenges such as limited water resources and climate change. 'The sukuk programme also highlights the important role banks play in mobilising capital for sustainable financing and demonstrates how we leveraged our capabilities to deliver real change in public sector infrastructure,' he added. Maybank IB chief executive officer Michael Oh-Lau: 'Maybank is honoured to support PBAPP for the simultaneous establishment of its sukuk programme and Sustainable Finance Framework — a historic first for Penang, and one that sets a strong precedent for other state government-linked companies.' 'Malaysia's debt capital markets remain one of the most developed and liquid in the region, with over RM120bil in private debt securities issued annually coupled with a steady growth of sustainability-labelled issuances year on year. Through this sukuk programme, PBAPP is now well-positioned to benefit from deep and diverse investor liquidity, competitive pricing and greater funding flexibility over time.' Proceeds from the sukuk will fund PBAPP's Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), support capital and operational expenses including refinancing, and finance eligible green and social initiatives under its Sustainable Finance Framework. PBAPP is the first Penang state agency to launch both a sukuk programme and a Sustainable Finance Framework. The shariah-compliant sukuk Wakalah structure allows it to raise sustainable, long-term funding from Malaysia's capital markets. PBAPP's sukuk programme received a AAA/Stable rating from RAM Ratings Services Bhd, reflecting strong credit fundamentals. Its Sustainable Finance Framework also earned a Gold rating from RAM Sustainability for strong governance, transparency, and alignment with global standards.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
UOB Malaysia, Maybank IB support PBAPP's RM5bil sukuk for water infrastructure
From left: Maybank global banking group CEO Datuk John Chong, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd CEO Michael Oh-Lau, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Holdings Bhd group CEO Datuk Ir Pathmanathan K, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei and UOB Malaysia head of wholesale banking, northern area centre Teoh Soon Beng. KUALA LUMPUR: United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) have been appointed as joint principal advisers, joint lead arrangers, and joint lead managers for Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP)'s inaugural RM5bil Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) Programme (Sukuk Programme). Maybank IB also served as the sole sustainability structuring adviser for PBAPP's new Sustainable Finance Framework, which follows guidelines from the Securities Commission and other regional and international sustainable finance standards. In a joint statement, UOB Malaysia country head of wholesale banking Andy Cheah said the RM5bil sukuk programme will fund critical water projects to ensure long-term water security for Penang, addressing rising demand and challenges such as limited water resources and climate change. 'The sukuk programme also highlights the important role banks play in mobilising capital for sustainable financing and demonstrates how we leveraged our capabilities to deliver real change in public sector infrastructure,' he added. Maybank IB chief executive officer Michael Oh-Lau: 'Maybank is honoured to support PBAPP for the simultaneous establishment of its sukuk programme and Sustainable Finance Framework — a historic first for Penang, and one that sets a strong precedent for other state government-linked companies.' 'Malaysia's debt capital markets remain one of the most developed and liquid in the region, with over RM120bil in private debt securities issued annually coupled with a steady growth of sustainability-labelled issuances year on year. Through this sukuk programme, PBAPP is now well-positioned to benefit from deep and diverse investor liquidity, competitive pricing and greater funding flexibility over time.' Proceeds from the sukuk will fund PBAPP's Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), support capital and operational expenses including refinancing, and finance eligible green and social initiatives under its Sustainable Finance Framework. PBAPP is the first Penang state agency to launch both a sukuk programme and a Sustainable Finance Framework. The shariah-compliant sukuk Wakalah structure allows it to raise sustainable, long-term funding from Malaysia's capital markets. PBAPP's sukuk programme received a AAA/Stable rating from RAM Ratings Services Bhd, reflecting strong credit fundamentals. Its Sustainable Finance Framework also earned a Gold rating from RAM Sustainability for strong governance, transparency, and alignment with global standards.
Business Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Maybank backs Thailand's CP Group's Altervim with green loan for solar push in Malaysia
[KUALA LUMPUR] Maybank is financing the Malaysian debut of Charoen Pokphand Group's renewable energy arm, Altervim, as the Thai conglomerate expands its clean energy footprint across South-east Asia. Maybank announced on Monday (Jun 23) that it is the sole bilateral lender for Altervim's inaugural green loan, which will fund rooftop solar installations at Lotus's Malaysia's 28 branches. The initial phase will deliver up to 20 megawatts of installed capacity, generating nearly 24.7 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy a year and offset 433,958 tons of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the projects' life cycle. The facility aligns with Maybank's Sustainable Product Framework and supports its broader regional ambition to drive the energy transition across South-east Asia. 'We have a longstanding relationship with CP Group in the region and a shared vision of accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy,' said John Chong, the group chief executive officer of global banking at Maybank. 'This partnership with Altervim also complements Malaysia's push to increase renewable energy adoption,' he said. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Altervim, which operates under CP Group's extensive energy portfolio, is among several regional players tapping into Malaysia's growing demand for solar solutions as the country targets 70 per cent renewable capacity by 2050. Altervim chief financial officer Borvorn Pienpongpanich said Malaysia is a key growth market for the company and the green financing will help to accelerate carbon savings and reduce energy costs for their clients. The financing facility to Altervim is structured according to Maybank's Sustainable Product Framework, and adds to Maybank's growing portfolio of sustainable finance. As at the first quarter of 2025, the bank had mobilised nearly RM125.5 billion (S$37.8 billion) in sustainable finance, exceeding its RM80 billion target well ahead of the original 2025 deadline.
Business Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Maybank backs Thai's CP Group's Altervim with green loan for solar push in Malaysia
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malayan Banking (Maybank) is financing the Malaysian debut of Charoen Pokphand Group's renewable energy arm, Altervim, as the Thai conglomerate expands its clean energy footprint across South-east Asia. Maybank announced on Monday (Jun 23) it is the sole bilateral lender for Altervim's inaugural green loan, which will fund rooftop solar installations at 28 Lotus' Malaysia stores. The initial phase will deliver up to 20 megawatts of installed capacity, generating nearly 24.7 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy a year and offset 433,958 tons of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the projects' life cycle. The facility aligns with Maybank's Sustainable Product Framework and supports its broader regional ambition to drive the energy transition across Asean. 'We have a longstanding relationship with CP Group in the region and a shared vision of accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy,' said John Chong, group CEO of global banking at Maybank. 'This partnership with Altervim also complements Malaysia's push to increase renewable energy adoption,' said Chong. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Altervim, which operates under CP Group's extensive energy portfolio, is among several regional players tapping into Malaysia's growing demand for solar solutions as the country targets 70 per cent renewable capacity by 2050. Altervim chief financial officer Borvorn Pienpongpanich said Malaysia is a key growth market for the company and the green financing will help to accelerate carbon savings and reduce energy costs for their clients. The financing facility to Altervim is structured according to Maybank's Sustainable Product Framework, and adds to Maybank's growing portfolio of sustainable finance. As at the first quarter of 2025, the bank had mobilised nearly RM125.5 billion (S$37.8 billion) in sustainable finance, exceeding its RM80 billion target well ahead of the original 2025 deadline.
