Bank Islam Recognised As 2-Star Lister On UNGCMYB’s Inaugural ESG Select List 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has been recognised on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Select List 2025 by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB), earning a 2-Star Lister distinction for its exemplary achievements across the North Star ESG Target Setting, Future-Fit and Responsible Workforce categories.

The bank said in a statement that the recognition under the North Star ESG Target Setting category reflects its strong and measurable progress in advancing sustainable finance.

Bank Islam noted that it had initially exceeded its LEAP25 green financing target of RM4 billion by 2025 ahead of schedule. Last year, the bank recalibrated its 2025 sustainable finance target to RM28 billion and, as of June 2025, had already surpassed this milestone.

Bank Islam has continued to champion its Employer of Choice agenda through initiatives such as the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) BITIZEN Developer Programme, fostering a workplace culture anchored in responsibility, inclusivity and long-term talent development, contributing to its recognition under the Future-Fit and Responsible Workforce category.

Its group chief operating officer and group chief sustainability officer Mohamed Iran Moriff Mohd Shariff said the recognition reflects the bank’s position as a resilient, forward-looking institution that integrates ESG principles into its core strategy to deliver sustainable growth, strengthen risk management and create long-term stakeholder value.

“Guided by Bank Islam’s Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap as well as its Five Sustainability Commitments, this recognition highlights our commitment to delivering lasting value for people, society and the environment, guided by globally recognised ESG standards.

“Being included on the ESG Select List affirms our focus on building a proactive organisation, nurturing a responsible workforce, and setting clear ESG targets that translate ambition into measurable outcomes,” he said.

Mohamed Iran Moriff added that the recognition strengthens institutional resilience and positions Bank Islam for sustainable growth in an increasingly complex financial landscape.

“For customers, it builds trust and provides access to responsible, innovative financial solutions backed by ethics, sustainability, shariah principles and societal value.

“For employees, it fosters a culture of purpose, accountability and continuous growth; meanwhile, for communities and partners, it reflects our steadfast commitment to creating shared values and accelerating Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon economy,” he said.

The bank also said that its inclusion on the ESG Select List signals strong governance and sustainability integration, key factors in ensuring long-term financial performance.

As Bank Islam’s Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap 2025 draws to a close, the bank is finalising its new Sustainability Strategy 2030 alongside a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan.

“Together, these initiatives are designed to create long-term value and deliver positive impact across the categories recognised and the overall sustainability and climate agenda,” it added.

-- BERNAMA