The Maybank Marathon 2022, which took place on August 26-28, is not just a long-distance running event. On the second day in Saturday, 27 August, Maybank held the Sustainability Day. According to Maybank Group President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli, the Sustainability Day celebration is a manifestation of the Maybank Group's commitment to encourage sustainable business practices.

“In line with our commitment to be an ESG leader at the regional level, as outlined in our M25 Plan, we would like to promote and implement good sustainability practices across our line of operations. We strive to make every activity a means for educating and raising awareness on sustainability by instilling the elements of sustainability in both business and daily life,” he said.

The CFO of Maybank Indonesia, Thila Nadason, explained a number of examples of sustainable practices that have been carried out by the Maybank Group as well as Maybank Indonesia. These include accelerating the provision of digital services, developing human resource capacity, establishing good corporate governance, focusing on environmentally sound lending, and practicing green office activities in Maybank's work environment every day.

According to Thila, awareness about sustainable finance is still minimal. Whereas, the awareness is very important in line with the threat to climate change that has continued to strengthen in recent years.

“Even though these challenges are real, they do not dampen our intention and commitment to continue building a business that is responsible and upholds the principles of sustainability,” Thila said.

For this reason, Maybank's Sustainability Day is expected to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability principles. “And, at the same time, providing insights into the efforts made by both the Maybank Group and Maybank Indonesia,” she continued.

One of Maybank's efforts in the community to implement sustainable practices is through Corporate Social Responsibility which runs programs aimed at improving the community's economy through community empowerment and financial assistance programs. “In fact, schools around the route of Maybank Marathon receive assistance from us,” said Thila.

Another program that has been consistently implemented by Maybank is the economic empowerment training program for people with disabilities and marginalized communities through the R.I.S.E. (Reach Independence & Sustainable Entrepreneurship). This program aims to train self-reliance and build entrepreneurship for people with disabilities and marginalized communities in order to improve their economy and welfare.

Since the R.I.S.E. was started in 2016, within three years this program has trained 2,267 people with disabilities and marginalized communities in 17 cities. Meanwhile, in 2020, when R.I.S.E 2.0 was launched, this program had targeted 1,467 people with disabilities and marginalized communities who participated in 36 training sessions in 16 cities. Meanwhile, in 2021, there have been an additional 1,320 participants from 12 provinces.

The next CSR program is Maybank Woman Eco-Weavers (MWEW). This program is designed to support environmentally friendly traditional weaving practices in ASEAN. One form of sustainable practice in this program is the use of natural dyes that are environmentally friendly.

The weaving works of the MWEW program were also exhibited by 11 models through a fashion show on Maybank Sustainability Day. As another engaging entertainment, there was also a performance from the vocalist of Navicula, Gede Robi, a musician who is also an activist for environmental issues.

Also present was the Chairman of Maybank Group, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Zamzamzairani; Maybank Chief Sustainability Officer, Shahril Azuar Jimin; Head of Financial Services Authority (OJK) Regional 8 Bali and Nusa Tenggara, Giri Tribroto; Head of the Gianyar Regency Education Office, I Made Suratna; and Head of Ecoregional Development Control Center (P3E) Bali & Nusa Tenggara, Ni Nyoman Santi. (*)