November-December , 2021 | @ green
LOCAL NEWS
09
MDV pledges support
MDV has financed more than 100 green technology-related companies at a combined amount of RM1.34 billion
MALAYSIA DEBT Ventures Berhad will continue to accelerate its efforts to support the growth of the green technology sector through improved and affordable access to financing for Micro , Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSMEs ).
It is in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan ( 12MP ) to achieve the government ’ s green growth target from 2021 till 2025 , which the Prime Minister recently tabled .
Implementing a “ whole-ofnation ” approach in which the financial services sector will contribute significantly in green or value-based capital to expedite the adoption of sustainable business practices .
The government ’ s emphasis on Green Growth is critical to ensuring that socioeconomic development is pursued more sustainably , which is essential to preserving natural resources , environmental protec-
With the 12MP being in motion , MDV is confident the economic outlook for the next five years will be positive and well-received by both the rakyat and the technology sector . It will be supported by MDV ’ s innovative funding solutions in achieving sustainable and profitable growth for the nation .”
SUSTAINABLE Series- Climate Tech Fund (“ Fund ”), a second sustainable fund launched by AmInvest , offers investors potential long term capital growth by investing in global companies with solutions that mitigate climate change and its effects or help to adapt to it through DWS Invest ESG Climate Tech (“ Target Fund ”).
The Fund is a qualified Sustainable and Responsible Investment (“ SRI ”) fund .
The Target Fund focuses on climate technology-related companies that are likely to profit from rising climate commitments and are currently investing in power generation , transport , real estate , and agriculture .
Companies interested in reducing climate change implications by shifting away from fossil fuels , such as utilising solar and wind technology , hybrid and electrical vehicles and insulation materials , are included in the power generation , transport and real estate sector .
Companies involved in the agriculture sector provide solutions to tion , and raising the overall quality of life of Malaysians .
Khairul Azwan Harun , Chairman of MDV , said the comprehensive five-year plan with nine main focus areas offered strategic direction for the nation to achieve , among others , a sustainable economic growth trajectory , socioeconomic inclusivity and environmental sustainability .
Our reputation as one of the pioneers and leaders in green technology financing and our expertise in financing Renewable Energy ( RE ) and Energy Efficiency ( EE ) projects would be invaluable to the achievement of the green growth target under the 12MP .
“ To date , MDV has financed more than 100 green technology-related companies at a combined amount of RM1.34 billion ,” explained Azwan .
MDV will broaden its financing focus to include all technology sectors , specifically those swiftly growing in importance , such as agri-tech and med-tech , which reflects well for the 12MP ’ s aims .
MDV ’ s efforts include developing plans to attract more private
adapt to the consequences of climate change through developments and research breakthroughs in areas such as irrigation systems and livestock nutrition .
These four industries have previously contributed the most to greenhouse emissions , and companies participating in their solutions are anticipated to experience double-digit annual Earnings Per Share (“ EPS ”) growth until 2023 .
Green transportation , for example , expects its earnings per share to increase by 36 per cent every year .
Commenting on the launch , Dato ’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir , Group Chief Executive Officer of AmBank Group , said : “ In line with AmBank Group ’ s commitment to sustainability across our businesses , this new offering is a qualified SRI fund .
“ It is the second fund in our “ Sustainable Series ” as we recently launched our Sustainable Series- Positive Change Fund . The Fund targets investors who view climate change as a key factor for future investments and expect rising opportunities that complement
funds into the market through the establishment of joint funds to finance technology start-ups in priority sectors with the potential to be transformed through technology adoption , such as fintech , agri-tech , and med-tech , to increase the startups ’ funding capacity and success potential .
“ With the 12MP being in motion , MDV is confident the economic outlook for the next five years will be positive and well-received by both the rakyat and the technology sector . It will be supported by MDV ’ s innovative funding solutions in achieving sustainable and profitable growth for the nation ,” he added .
AmInvest launches climate technology fund to capitalise on sustainable theme
both returns and sustainability objectives .”
Goh Wee Peng , Chief Executive of AmInvest , added that investors could now capitalise on a diversified portfolio of global ESG-compliant companies .
“ Since its inception in October 2018 , the Target Fund has delivered returns of around 87.3 per cent . AmInvest is delighted to partner with DWS , which has an impressive 65-year heritage of funds management experience with a head start in climate technology investment .”
The United States Dollar (“ US $”) is the Fund ’ s primary currency . It was sold to sophisticated investors in US $ and Ringgit Malaysia (“ RM ”) classes and RM-hedged classes at an initial offer price of US $ 1 and RM1 per unit , respectively , until Oct 18 2021 .
Progressture Solar rides on industry ’ s growth
PROGRESSTURE SOLAR , Malaysia ’ s leading solar firm , sees a large window of development prospects for sustainable energy , notably in solar energy .
Despite headwinds from the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns in the first half of this year , the company is confident that it can produce a strong performance in the financial year 2021 / 2022 ( FY21 / 22 ).
A key factor contributing Progressture Solar ’ s optimism is its belief in the public ’ s growing awareness of sustainability issues and willingness to seek out more information on clean energy- particularly among business owners .
Cliff Siaw and Ng Yew Weng , the co-founders of Progressture Solar , said more Malaysian companies started switching to solar energy due to cost savings . Several commercial building owners have reported a reduction in monthly power expenses of up to 85 per cent .
Siaw said : “ For a time , the payback period for investing in a solar photovoltaic ( PV ) system can be considerably long – we ’ re talking about a period of up to 10 years .
“ With tax benefits such as the Green Investment Tax Allowance ( GITA ), businesses are now able to achieve their ROI in approximately three years . On top of that , a substantial saving on their electricity bills will help businesses with their profitability and be able to reinvest those additional savings into growing the business .”
Ng stated the government ’ s incentives , and programmes would inspire numerous businesses .
“ The government has just mentioned in September that it is developing a domestic emission trading scheme ( DETS ) to catalyse the country ’ s carbon trading sector , in a bid to support the fight against climate change ,” said Ng .
The government recently announced its commitment to introducing tax and non-tax incentives policies for the green economy in the upcoming Budget 2022 .
“ If these policies are passed , then the nation is hopeful of achieving its 20 per cent renewable energy target set under Malaysia ’ s National Renewable Energy Policy ,” added Siaw .
The company sees this as an excellent opportunity to expand its presence and impact across industry sectors . It positions Progressture Solar as a cleantech energy solutions provider offering turnkey solutions ranging from engineering , procurement , construction , commissioning , and investment in solar PV energy and energy management solutions .
Moreover , Progressture Solar encourages all Malaysian company owners to explore switching to renewable energy alternatives in ways that contribute to their efforts in climate change and ESG and the monetary perks of cost reduction in their operating expenses . – @ Green