Bank Pembangunan launches impact assessment framework MIND

Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak: “Therefore, an effective impact assessment framework is paramount to ensure these developmental elements can be objectively defined and measured."

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB) launched its impact assessment framework “Measuring Impact on National Development (MIND),” which reinforced its strong commitment as the country’s leading sustainable development finance provider.

In a statement on Friday, BPMP also established the sustainable development Sukuk framework which sets out the principles under which the bank issued its sustainable development Sukuk.

“BPMB successfully priced its inaugural seven-year sustainability Sukuk Wakalah on a private placement basis.

“It is targeted at selected strategic ESG-focused (environmental, social and corporate governance) accounts, which is a strong testament towards BPMB’s credit and ESG agenda,” it said.

Due to the strong interest in the sustainability Sukuk Wakalah, BPMB upsized the transaction from its initial target issue size of RM300mil to RM450mil. This affirmed investors’ overwhelming support of BPMB’scommitment towards sustainable financing and the ESG agenda.

Commenting on the MIND framework, it said it was jointly developed with the World Bank Group and in collaboration with various ministries.

Notably, the MIND framework is largely anchored on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an end-to-end impact framework, MIND complements the bank’s current credit evaluation process by quantifying development impact.

All projects are measured against a set of 32 developmental indicators – selected based on their relevance to BPMB’s mandate and the Government’s priorities.

As at July 2021, 82 transactions have been evaluated using MIND with the following estimated development impact to be materialised upon completion of projects.

They are 5,185 jobs created during and post-construction periods; 177,720 megawatt hour of total renewable energy generated annually; 1,880 units of affordable homes and workers’ quarters built; and on average approximately 33,880 direct beneficiaries including 6,000 students per day benefit from the projects.

BPMB said a virtual launch ceremony was held recently and was it officiated by BPMB chairman, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak. Also present were BPMB’s president/group CEO, Arshad Mohamed Ismail,the Bank’s board members and senior management team.

Others who attended were senior officers from Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia, representatives from the United Nations, World Bank, various leading educational institutions as well as the Bank’s valued customers and strategic partners.

Nazir, had in his speech, said, “Development financial institutions (DFIs) typically assess their lending and investing from an impact perspective, alongside traditional financial performance measures namelycredit risk and profitability.

“Therefore, an effective impact assessment framework is paramount to ensure these developmental elements can be objectively defined and measured. This is so that decisions are made on clearand objective grounds to ensure that our precious resources will be properly allocated and good governance practice is upheld across all facets of our operations.”

Nazir pointed out BPMB, as one of Malaysia’s oldest DFIs, it is imperative that it is able to meaningfully measure and quantify the potential developmental outcomes of the projects which it finances in line with its mission of providing “Impactful Delivery with Strategic Outcomes”.

“Therefore, the launch of our Impact Assessment Framework is a significant milestone for BPMB and is a testament of our strong commitment to move towards impact driven financing as the leading sustainable development finance provider in Malaysia,” Nazir added.

Meanwhile, BPMB’s Arshad said sustainability is key in everything BPMB does in its efforts to serve Malaysia’s evolving developmental needs.

“As the financial sophistication of the nation continues to advance, it was evident that BPMB needed to transform to realise our vision to be Malaysia’s Leading Developmental Partner.

“We recognise that we have a counter-cyclical role to play to ensure those who are most vulnerable will be able to navigate the much anticipated economic upturn and drive Malaysia into a high-income economy.

“We will continue to support the government to revitalise and reinvigorate the economy through our various products and financing solutions with an emphasis on Digitalisation, Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Arshad said.