Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.
KUALA LUMPUR: Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd
(Kenanga) has become the first Malaysian investment bank to join the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.
Kenanga joins a global network of voluntary companies committed to taking responsible business action to create a better future, by demonstrating its commitment to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact consists of over 12,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories, based in over 160 countries worldwide with more than 70 local networks.
“We are proud to have been invited to be a part of the UN Global Compact. To move the needle on sustainability is a shared responsibility and requires the concerted efforts of players in every sector.
“As the first Malaysian investment bank participant, we hope to be able to contribute and learn in equal measure and aim to punch above our weight to deliver impact that matters,” said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd group managing director Datuk Chay Wai Leong.
A homegrown brand with almost five decades of experience, Kenanga has been accelerating its adoption of environmental, social and governance aspects within its operations. As part of its climate action pathway, the group has set a target to operate on 100% green energy by 2025, in line with Malaysia’s commitment to become a carbon neutral nation by 2050.
“In addition to climate impact, our sustainability agenda also focuses on diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of our workforce, community investment, responsible investment, digitalisation and good business conduct.
“We look forward to the capacity building and networking opportunities from this collaboration with UN Global Compact, which will serve as the impetus for us to further advance our contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.
Responding to the UN Global Compact’s 10th Principle that emphasises the need for businesses to work against corruption in all its forms, Kenanga recently completed its 5th annual flagship fraud awareness campaign, an initiative that was graced by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and Malaysian Association of Certified Fraud Examiners president Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar.
The programme united over 500 internal and external delegates from various regulatory bodies, professional bodies and public listed companies, in a move to promote the fight against fraud, bribery and corruption.
