SEC Holds Inaugural ESG Forum
- nabalunews
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
13 May 2025
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (SEC) successfully held its inaugural ESG Forum 2025 today, under the theme “From Intention to Impact: Building a Fit-for-Purpose ESG Future”.
The event was held at Menara SEC, one of Kota Kinabalu’s newest and most prominent office landmarks.
The forum brought together over 100 delegates from state agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), financial institutions, and sustainability practitioners.
Its objective was to foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices within Sabah’s energy sector and beyond.
In his welcoming address, SEC Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman greeted attendees to Menara SEC, referring to it as the corporation’s new headquarters and a symbol of forward progress.
Adzmir underscored SEC’s responsibility to pursue responsible, future-oriented energy development—balancing environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community well-being.
As part of its broader ESG agenda, Adzmir also announced the launch of an annual Corporate Charity Run, aimed at promoting community health and social impact.
The initiative reflects SEC’s commitment to inclusive and purpose-driven engagement that extends beyond the corporate realm.
The forum was officially opened by SEC Group Chairman Datuk Annuar Ayub, who emphasised that ESG should not be viewed merely as a reporting requirement, but rather as a strategic tool for long-term competitiveness and resilience.
He praised the forum as a milestone in embedding sustainability as a shared value across Sabah’s institutional landscape.
Annuar reaffirmed SEC’s commitment to institutionalising ESG best practices through a structured 12-week roadmap exercise aimed at developing a fit-for-purpose, Sukuk-ready Sustainable Finance Framework.
In the afternoon session, Maybank facilitated a deep-dive workshop with SEC leadership to refine its ESG ambitions and framework components in alignment with recognised sustainability standards.
Maybank Investment Bank Berhad has been appointed as SEC’s Sole Principal Adviser, Lead Arranger, and Lead Manager for the establishment of its inaugural Sukuk Programme, as well as Sustainability Structuring Adviser for its Sustainable Finance Framework.
Michael Oh-Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Investment Bank, stated,“Sabah is at a pivotal moment in its renewable energy journey, with significant untapped potential in solar, bioenergy, and geothermal resources. As a regional leader in Islamic debt capital markets and sustainable finance, Maybank is partnering with SEC to build a Shariah-compliant, sustainability-ready funding platform to support the state’s energy transition and channel capital into developing its energy assets.”
The forum also featured impactful presentations from En. Wan Sayuti of PETRONAS and En. Nazim Noor, Director of ESG Strategy & Solutions at Group Global Banking, Maybank, who shared insights on national ESG priorities and unlocking Sabah’s energy potential.
This was followed by a dynamic panel session featuring experts from AGV Environment, Maybank Investment Bank, Valerie Ng (Head of Sustainable Finance), and SEC’s own ESG champions.
The forum is envisioned to become a flagship platform for advancing ESG leadership in Sabah, marking SEC’s bold step towards translating sustainability ambitions into meaningful action.
