@Green July/August 2026 | Page 20

JS-SEZ opens new gateway
20 • LOCAL NEWS
@ green | July-August. 2026

Leading the change

RAISING THE BAR: The MoU is signed by Ir. Anthony Teoh Teik Thiam( second from right) and Ms Kelly Lee( second from left), formalising a collaboration to strengthen suppliers ' readiness for evolving business and environmental requirements.

AS pressure grows on businesses to account for emissions beyond their operations, WCT Holdings Bhd( WCT) is focusing on suppliers ' sustainability readiness across its value chain.

The group has launched the ESG Queen Bee Programme, a paid initiative designed to help selected suppliers strengthen their environmental, social and governance( ESG) capabilities
while developing practical plans to reduce carbon emissions.
The two-year programme combines ESG training, carbon assessments and decarbonisation planning. Suppliers will establish a carbon baseline, develop emission reduction strategies, and reassess in the second year if they implement proposed measures.
WCT Group managing director Datuk Lee Tuck Fook said suppliers would be central to the group ' s efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient value chain.
" Through the ESG Queen Bee Programme, we aim to support selected suppliers in strengthening their sustainability readiness and contribute to a more resilient supply chain," he said.
The initiative was unveiled during WCT ' s recent Vendor Sustainability Readiness Dialogue: Prepare for Future ESG and Project Requirements, involving representatives from the group, BSD Consultancy Sdn Bhd, Climate Asia Pte Ltd and selected strategic suppliers.
WCT has also signed a memorandum of understanding( MoU) with BSD Consultancy to establish a framework for developing and implementing the programme.
BSD Consultancy managing director Kelly Lee said the initiative would encourage suppliers to start building sustainability and carbon-tracking capabilities, as companies face growing expectations around supply-chain readiness and Scope 3 emissions.
" WCT is well positioned to be among the first movers in pioneering this approach," she said.
Climate Asia, a BSD Consultancy subsidiary, will provide technical sustainability and carbon advisory support. Fees depend on the size and scope of suppliers ' operations.
Established in 1981, WCT operates in engineering, construction, property development and management.

JS-SEZ opens new gateway

THE Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone( JS-SEZ) is positioned as a platform for manufacturers to expand in Southeast Asia, with a new Maybank-Singapore Manufacturing Federation( SMF) partnership supporting businesses seeking to scale operations in the region.
The memorandum of understanding( MoU) signed by the two parties will connect SMF ' s network of more than 5,000 manufacturers and vendor partners with Maybank ' s regional banking network, particularly along the Singapore- Malaysia corridor.
Beyond financing, the collaboration will provide businesses with access to knowledge-sharing, networking and capacity-building programmes, including initiatives covering sustainability and environmental
, social and governance( ESG) practices.
Maybank will also offer solutions spanning sustainable finance, trade and supply chain financing, payments, and cross-border funding.
SMF president Lennon Tan said the zone could offer Singapore companies a way to combine their existing headquarters operations with production facilities in Malaysia.
" As JS-SEZ programme manager, SMF has engaged over 700 participants keen on expanding operations. We look forward to partnering with the Johor government and Maybank to help our members grow within the zone," he said.
The partnership comes as investment interest grows. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the JS-SEZ has secured RM126.9 billion in foreign direct investments since its
formalisation.
He added: " Strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, like this with Maybank and SMF, will be critical in translating momentum into long-term growth, investment and job creation."
Maybank Singapore CEO Alvin Lee said the proximity between Malaysia and Singapore, alongside their strong ties and investor confidence, makes the zone an attractive
expansion base.
The bank is facilitating about RM22 billion in financing and investment interests, including projects in manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and SMEs.
The JS-SEZ Masterplan will focus on speeding up investment approvals, improving movement of people and goods, and developing higher-value industries. – @ green