@AGROBiz January/February 2024 | Page 9

JANUARY-FEBRUARY . 2024 | @ AGROBiz

“ Through financial interventions , Agrobank empowers agropreneurs by providing financing , financial advice , and capital allocations , enabling them to enhance production capabilities and contribute to national food security objectives ,” explained Tengku Ahmad .

Agrobank tackles climate change through innovative financing programmes , such as ;

• Vessel Modernisation and Capture Mechanism Programme / Program Pemodenan Vesel dan Mekanisasi Tangkapan ( PVMT ): Enhancing environmentally friendly equipment and mechanising fishing vessel catch equipment within Fishing Zones A , B , C , and C2 across Malaysia . This helps to reduce greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions . The Malaysian Government has allocated RM150 million for this programme , and Agrobank has approved a total exceeding 454 accounts .

• Agrofood Value Chain Modernisation Programme / Program Modenisasi Rantaian Nilai Agromakanan ( PMRNA ): Modernising the agricultural sector and food industry with the agro-food value chain . This initiative addresses challenges such as labour shortages and the effects of natural disasters due to climate change . The total allocation by the Government was RM60 million for the programme as of Dec 31 , 2023 , and Agrobank has approved 123 accounts , equivalent to RM44.5mil .

Furthermore , Agrobank has outlined a strategic initiative under its 5-year strategic business plan to explore the possibility of achieving net zero .

“ Agrobank also organises various programmes on sustainability and climate-related matters for the board and management , facilitated by external subject matter experts ,” added Tengku Ahmad .

“ The Bank also advocates developmental roles and value creation culture through capacity-building and awareness campaigns such as e-learning modules , posters , bulletins , and knowledgesharing sessions for all staff .

“ Through these efforts , our employees gained basic understanding , hence increasing their appreciation towards sustainability and being able to adopt it in their daily working routines , as well as embed-

ding it into the Bank ’ s relevant processes .”

NAVIGATING MARKET FLUCTUATIONS

Agrobank also spearheads the VBI Financing and Investment Impact Assessment Framework ( VBIAF ) Sectoral Guide , enabling impact-based risk management in agriculture , forestry , and fishing sectors .

“ Impact-based risk management encompasses risk identification and transmission , risk measurement and risk mitigation / remedial measures ,” explained Tengku Ahmad .

“ This Sectoral Guide equips the Bank to navigate market fluctuations and address challenges in the agricultural , forestry , and fishing sectors .”

Agrobank was selected as the project lead for Bank Negara Malaysia ’ s ( BNM ) VBIAF 3rd Cohort Sectoral Guide for the Agriculture , Forestry and Fishing sector , spearheaded by BNM and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia ( AIBIM ), in collaboration with other financial institutions and technical experts .

Additionally , Agrobank aligns with regulatory shifts , particularly BNM ’ s Climate Risk Management and Scenario Analysis ( CRMSA ) policy document and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure ( TCFD ) requirements , ensuring

DATO ’ Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin , with his wealth of experience and expertise , was appointed President and Chief E�������� ������ �� A������� �� J�� �� 2022 .

With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the ������� ��������� ������ A������ journey began in 1994 when he ������ ��B� . ������ ��� ���������� tenure there , he underwent extensive training and development , honing his skills across various banking domains , including operations , credit , commercial , consumer , and corporate banking . He holds a Bachelor of Law , LLB ( Hons ) at University of East Anglia , Norwich , England .

His tenure at HSBC was ������ �� ���������� milestones , where he was selected to undertake several leadership development programmes regionally and nationally . In leadership roles with HSBC and subsequently with Kuwait Finance House , Tengku Ahmad was entrusted with growing revenue contributions from the Wholesale Banking and Markets businesses . His diverse exposure in retail and commercial banking , encompassing Islamic and non-Islamic offerings , provided him with invaluable insights into the various demographics and intricacies of the Malaysian banking landscape .

After his tenure in the commercial banking sector , Tengku Ahmad made a pivotal career shift driven by � ������ �� ���������� �� ��� �������� development .

He joined Pelaburan MARA Berhad , a subsidiary of Majlis Amanah Rakyat ( MARA ) principally involved in investments , asset management , �������� ����������� ��������� advisory , and investment data services .

Under his stewardship , Pelaburan MARA has achieved multiple achievement in widening the investment of the company .

Recognising his contributions �� ��� ������� ��� ������ ������� Tengku Ahmad was appointed Vice �������� �� ���B�� A���������� �� N������� ����������� F������ Institutions in Member Countries �� ��� ������� ����������� B��� �A�F���� �� J��� 2� 2022 .

His appointment underscores his ���������� ��� �������� ������ ��� industry , solidifying his position as � ��� ����� �� ������� ����������� ������ ����������� ������ ��� ������� ������� ��� ������ ��������� .

His dedication to contributing to the nation and society extends beyond his professional endeavours . In his free time , Tengku Ahmad actively engages in Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) activities , demonstrating his commitment to positively impacting the community .