AEON Launches #AEONResponsible Suppliers Programme, To Boost ESG Practices

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- AEON Co (M) Bhd has launched the #AEONResponsible Suppliers Programme to empower supplier to enhance their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices through resources, capacity-building, and financial incentives.

AEON announced its collaboration with Bursa Malaysia Bhd and CIMB -- represented by CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd for this initiative.

In a statement today, AEON said the programme leverages the Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) solution platform, developed by Bursa Malaysia and the London Stock Exchange Group.

The platform assists Malaysian companies with ESG disclosures by providing tools to assess carbon emissions and simplify sustainability reporting.

Through its partnership with CIMB, AEON’s suppliers will also gain access to CIMB's sustainable finance offerings to support the use of green technology, adoption of sustainable business practices, and transition to low-carbon operation. 

"This includes CIMB’s Sustainability-Linked Financing for small and medium enterprises, with an allocation of RM3 billion through 2030.  AEON's suppliers could benefit from financing rebates of up to 0.50 per cent per annum upon achieving pre-agreed sustainability performance targets set," it said.

AEON managing Naoya Okada said the programme aims to empower suppliers by equipping them with essential tools and resources to strengthen ESG practices, including training workshops, ESG assessments to identify improvement areas, and financial support to enable sustainable changes. 

He said AEON is also developing an ESG scorecard to track suppliers’ progress in adopting sustainable practices, providing a framework to evaluate their eligibility for business expansion opportunities based on their commitment to sustainability.

"This programme reflects AEON’s commitment to driving meaningful change as we commemorate our 40th anniversary in Malaysia. It aligns with our goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. Together with our suppliers, we strive to drive a low-carbon economy that creates lasting value for all stakeholders," he added.

-- BERNAMA