SIDC launches new certification programme in sustainable responsible investment

KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC) today launched a new certification programme, Certified Capital Market Professional in Sustainable and Responsible Investment (CCMP-SRI), targeted at professionals in the capital market and financial industry.

In a statement, SIDC said the new certification is aimed at raising the competency standards of professionals in the capital market to meet the growing needs for SRI.

"The programme provides a structured learning pathway, incorporating a blend of e-learning, webinars, workshops, and collaborative learning sessions.

"Participants have the opportunity to enhance their skills in sustainable development, environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, and SRI products and structures, drawing upon best practices globally,” it said.

SIDC said CCMP-SRI graduates would be able to add SRI principles and practices into their skill sets, and they could take on roles that require an understanding of financial performance and the broader impact of investments on society and the environment.

"The CCMP-SRI is mapped to SIDC’s industry competency framework (ICF), offering clear pathways for competency development and ensuring that professionals can meet the evolving demands of the capital market,” it said.

Currently, the ICF has 61 competency titles covering 149 job roles in the capital market, providing details of the required knowledge, skills and attributes of professionals for capital market activities.

SIDC said the certification is available in two structured levels, with the first level, CCMP-SRI1, being aimed at professionals who aspire to upskill in sustainable development and SRI in the Malaysian capital market.

"The second level, CCMP-SRI2, is for professionals with foundational sustainability and SRI skills, aiming to deepen their expertise in transformative sustainability development and ESG and SRI structuring.

"The recommended learning hours are 138 hours for the first level and 126 hours for the second level,” it said.

During the launch of the certification programme, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said that talent shortages present significant challenges across many aspects of nation-building, especially in the country’s goals towards sustainability.

"SIDC’s new certification programme underscores its commitment to equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of sustainable investment.

"This certification programme sets a respectable industry benchmark, recognising each individual’s acquisition of sustainable investment skills and raising the standard of professionals in the capital market,” she said.

Meanwhile, SIDC chief executive officer Tengku Zarina Tengku Chik said that over the past few years, there has been an increase in SRIs in Malaysia, with a wide range of sustainable projects being implemented.

According to the Securities Commission Malaysia’s annual reports, there were 68 SRI funds in Malaysia with a net asset value of RM7.7 billion as of December 2023, a significant increase from just seven SRI funds in 2020 with a net asset value of RM1.46 billion. - Bernama