SME Bank’s financing assistance specifically for green technology and renewable energy projects has paid off when SME Bank was awarded with the Special Awards for Sustainable Energy Financing under the Development Financial Institution (DFI) category by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources recently.

In responding to the recognition, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Bin Tuanku Jaafar said, "It is the Government’s aspiration to see more entrepreneurs venturing into green technology. Various incentives and funds have been allocated to facilitate the development of the Green Economy sector including funds worth RM2.0 billion for the Green Technology Financing Scheme 3.0 and Malaysia's first Sustainability Bonds as presented in the 2021 Budget.”

Dato Sri Dr. added, “SME Bank's efforts in supporting the Government's intention is apparent when the Bank successfully approved financing worth more than RM197 million since 2012 through the Green Technology Financing Scheme as well as other related financing. I am confident moving forward, this amount will continue to increase.”

SME Bank Group President/Chief Executive Officer, Aria Putera Ismail said, “As a DFI that has been entrusted to strengthen the SME sector, SME Bank always ensures that the financing channeled will bring values not only to customers but also will benefit the environment and the rakyat.”

Aria added, “The assistance provided is in the form of working capital for projects such as green buildings, solar farms and the installation of energy saving systems in buildings. Financing that meets business requirements as well as various dynamic entrepreneur development programmes, have allowed us to produce more highly innovative entrepreneurs.”

Moving forward, SME Bank is optimistic that the participation of SMEs in the green technology industry will increase further due to growing demand and supported by various initiatives from the Government and its agencies. SME Bank is always ready to offer complete financing facilities to drive the growth of the SMEs especially in the green technology and renewable energy sectors, in line with the development of technology and the Industrial Revolution 4.0.