NOT everyone begins life on equal footing. Some are born into comfort and opportunity, while others face the harsh realities of conflict, poverty or exclusion. Inequality is a challenge that shapes the futures of many, especially in developing nations.
While economic growth surges forward in the Asean region, there remains a pressing matter—how can progress reach everyone? Despite advancements in infrastructure and technology, many communities across Asean and Malaysia remain underserved.
Whether it is limited access to financial services, quality education or stable housing, these gaps keep a number of individuals on the margins of development. When crises strike, it is these very communities that are impacted the most.
Recognising these challenges, RHB Banking Group (RHB) has placed social inclusion at the heart of its sustainability strategy—empowering underserved communities through inclusive financing, social-focused initiatives and long-term capacity-building programmes.
Its group managing director Mohd Rashid Mohamad says: “When we expand financial access and equip individuals and businesses with the right tools and knowledge, we unlock opportunities for communities to thrive sustainably. Financial inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s the cornerstone of meaningful social impact and a resilient future for all.”
Purposeful, meaningful financing
Driven by the belief that access to financial services is a fundamental right, RHB is working to reshape the financial ecosystem to better meet the needs of underserved and unserved communities.
This includes developing solutions that respond to real-world challenges—such as helping gig workers access home financing and enabling low-income families to obtain affordable insurance coverage.
Under its Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap, RHB has set a target to mobilise RM90bil in Sustainable Financial Services by 2027.
“When we expand financial access and equip individuals and businesses with the right tools and knowledge, we unlock opportunities for communities to thrive sustainably. Financial inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s the cornerstone of meaningful social impact and a resilient future for all.
As at December 2024, the group has mobilised more than RM40bil in sustainable financial services. These funds support key areas such as affordable housing, essential services, food security and socioeconomic empowerment, with a particular focus on underserved individuals, including those with informal or undocumented incomes and limited credit visibility, segments often excluded from traditional banking.
The bank’s First Home Mortgage/-i scheme is designed to support first-time homebuyers, with access enhanced through partnerships with Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Bhd and Cagamas SRP Bhd.
As of December 2024, RHB has approved RM1.29bil in home financing for 4,376 homebuyers under the scheme, demonstrating its continued commitment to accessible housing solutions.
For buyers of sustainable properties, RHB also offers Green Residential Financing, which includes higher financing margins and Shariah-compliant options for certified developments.
To address the protection gap, RHB has expanded its suite of inclusive insurance offerings. The Rahmah Personal Accident (PA) Insurance is designed for gig workers and the self-employed, while the bank’s fire insurance with flood coverage supports homeowners exposed to climate-related risks.
Meanwhile, RHB’s Motor Saver Insurance rewards lower carbon emissions with reduced premiums, aligning cost savings with environmental responsibility.
Altogether, RHB has issued 96,197 policies for ESG-aligned insurance products—including Rahmah PA, Motor Saver, electric or hybrid vehicle cover, solar and flood-inclusive fire insurance—supporting greater resilience and peace of mind for communities across Malaysia.
Long-term empowerment
RHB’s approach to community empowerment goes beyond the provision of financial services, with a sustained focus on building long-term financial capability through knowledge-sharing, digital literacy, and ESG awareness.
Launched in 2021 in partnership with the Higher Education Ministry, the MySISWA Programme equips students from 20 public universities with foundational tools for financial independence.
Featuring the ProSavings-i account and MySISWA Debit Card, the initiative offers a structured, cashless solution to instil sound financial habits.
The MySISWA Debit Card also serves as a university access tool, enabling seamless financial transactions and services such as library access and attendance tracking. This programme supports students in building financial literacy and managing their finances effectively.
Financial education is delivered through practical modules on saving and budgeting, with RHB employees serving as community ambassadors. These efforts aim to foster responsible financial behaviour and promote broader financial inclusion.
The bank also maintains a strong commitment to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development through capacity-building initiatives, notably its collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). In 2024, nine roadshows were held across Malaysia, reaching over 570 SMEs and promoting the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
Further engagements with SME Corporation Malaysia, SME Association Malaysia, and the Malaysian Retail Chain Association have further extended outreach. As part of the group’s commitment to enabling SMEs in their sustainability journey, RHB offers tailored ESG tools and financing solutions that empower businesses to transition towards greener operations.
Through Bank Negara Malaysia’s Low-Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF) and in collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, we provide SMEs with access to the Low Carbon Operating System (LCOS) to track greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing transparency and reporting capabilities.
Additionally, RHB’s partnership with CGC enabled the launch of Malaysia’s first LCTF Portfolio Guarantee worth RM100mil,
further supporting SMEs in embracing low-carbon practices. RHB’S SME clients, such as Antara Ventures Sdn Bhd and Roflex Pipe Sdn Bhd, have leveraged its SME Sustainable and Green Financing to integrate renewable energy solutions and eco-efficient operations.
“With RHB’s support, we are now closer than ever to realising our vision of creating nature-driven educational spaces that inspire young minds while reducing our environmental impact,” said Antara Ventures.
Roflex Pipe echoed this sentiment. “RHB’s SME Green Renewable Energy Financing allowed us to install solar panels without placing pressure on our cash flow. Their Green Working Capital Financing also helped us optimise production in a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way.”
These partnerships reflect RHB’s long-term focus on empowering SMEs to thrive sustainably. RHB has strengthened its digital support for SMEs through its SME e-Solutions platform, which provides integrated tools for operations, human resources and accounting. Offerings such as RHB Reflex Premium Plus and EduGo for learning centres have further supported digital adoption.
As at end-2024, a total of 27,687 SMEs had been onboarded. Of the 7,354 new customers acquired in 2024, 66% were new-to-bank (NTB). These SMEs benefited from RHB’s suite of digital and e-solutions designed to enhance accessibility, streamline onboarding, and provide convenient, seamless banking experiences tailored to their business needs.
When including existing-to-bank (ETB) customers, total current acount balances stood at RM253mil. On average, SME e-Solutions customers maintained 13% higher deposit balances than non-users, underscoring the platform’s role in enhancing SME banking engagement and financial outcomes.
These efforts align with RHB’s broader agenda to modernise SME operations and improve access to financial services. In parallel, the bank has participated in ESG-focused engagements, including the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) SME Focus Group.
Real people, real impact
The true measure of a social impact strategy lies in the tangible change it brings to communities. For RHB, initiatives such as the RHB #JomBiz programme have delivered meaningful outcomes. A notable example is Mohd Shafiq Ezwanie Jafri, founder of Senju Co in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
A skilled baker, Mohd Shafiq faced significant challenges in scaling his pastry and bakery business due to limited capital and technical expertise.
Through the programme, he received RM12,000 in seed funding, enabling Senju Co to expand production capacity and streamline its supply chain—contributing to marked business growth. At its heart, RHB’s mission is to help build a financial ecosystem where no one is left behind. Social sustainability is not a side initiative—it is woven into the fabric of how the bank operates and whom it serves.
From helping individuals realise their dream, to supporting families in purchasing their first homes and guiding small businesses on their path towards sustainability, RHB is flaming the fire for hope, progress, resilience and opportunity.
As the region continues to grow, RHB remains committed to ensuring that this progress is inclusive, grounded in empathy and rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance at a better life and future.
