Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 October 2026
Winners Honoured at Prize Presentation Ceremony of Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
The Prize Presentation Ceremony of Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka marks the culmination of a collaborative initiative between Public Bank and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). The ceremony recognised high-quality literary and scholarly works produced in the Malay language across various segments of society. This initiative was officially launched on 22 May 2025 at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Following the launch, entries were opened until 30 June 2025, whilst the comprehensive panel evaluation process for all categories was completed in December 2025.
The Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka was built upon four primary objectives: to honour and recognise works across various fields written in the Malay language, to empower the younger generation by acknowledging outstanding literary contributions from students ranging from primary to university levels, to cultivate proficient writers capable of producing high-quality work in refined Malay, and to demonstrate Public Bank’s steadfast commitment to elevating the Malay language.
Centred on the overarching theme of ‘Sustainable Development’ across the economic, social, and environmental pillars, the Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka broadens the Malay language's role as an effective medium of knowledge capable of addressing contemporary issues and driving societal progress. By enriching the local publishing landscape with high-impact works, this initiative disseminates crucial insights into sustainability whilst aligning human capital empowerment with the core value of innovation (daya cipta) under the Malaysia MADANI framework.
The Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka featured five main categories, engaging authors of books as well as students from primary through higher education levels. Kicking off the line-up, Category A (Book Category) recognised high-quality books written in the Malay language across various disciplines, awarding five prizes of RM10,000 each. Moving into academia, Category B (Higher Education Essay Writing) was open to students from public and private higher education institutions as well as teacher education institutes, featuring five prizes of RM1,700 each. Category C (Pre-University Essay Writing) targeted Form Six, matriculation, foundation, vocational institute, and polytechnic students, presenting five prizes of RM1,300 each. At the secondary level, Category D (Secondary School Essay Writing) catered to national, national-type, independent, and private schools adhering to the national curriculum, offering 10 prizes of RM1,000 each. Finally, Category E (Primary School Essay Writing) engaged young writers from national, national-type, and private primary schools under the national syllabus, with 15 prizes of RM750 each. Winners across all categories received accompanying gifts and certificates of appreciation.
Beyond serving as a dedicated recognition platform for writers and students, the Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka demonstrates the immense potential of strategic partnerships between the national language agency and the corporate sector. Public Bank’s active engagement with DBP reflects the private sector's firm commitment to jointly champion the national language and enrich the nation's intellectual heritage.

From left: Dato’ Sulaiman bin Abdul Manap, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, Dato' Indera Ikmalrudin bin Ishak, Deputy Secretary General (Management), Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, Yang Berhormat Mr. Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education of Malaysia, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Hazami bin Jahari, Director-General of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Tuan Haji Salahuddin bin Dato' Paduka Mohamed, Deputy Director-General (Policy), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, and Ms Chang Siew Yen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank

Mr. Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education of Malaysia, delivering a speech at the Prize Presentation Ceremony of Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 October 2026
Public Bank Hosts Sustainable Manufacturing Seminar in Penang, Highlights MediAsas
Building on the strong reception of its earlier sustainability seminar in the Klang Valley, Public Bank Berhad expanded its outreach to small and medium enterprise (SME) manufacturers in the northern region with a seminar held in Penang on 8 October 2026. The expansion to one of Malaysia’s key manufacturing hubs reflects the Bank’s continued efforts to engage SMEs on sustainability and support the country’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Held at G Hotel Gurney, the one-day seminar, themed “Embracing Sustainable Manufacturing: Building Resilience, Unlocking Opportunities”, brought together more than 200 SME delegates from Penang, Perlis, Kedah and Perak. Representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) Malaysia and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) Penang Branch were also present, reflecting the diversity and breadth of industry participants committed to advancing sustainability.
The event provided participating SMEs with insights into the evolving sustainability landscape and its implications for their businesses, while highlighting ways to integrate more sustainable practices into their operations. Presentations by industry experts from organisations including Ernst & Young PLT, SIRIM QAS International, GreenRE and Solaroo Systems Sdn Bhd provided practical guidance on key areas such as pathways towards green certification, energy efficiency and renewable energy, government incentives and financing options available to support SMEs in their sustainability efforts.
Recognising that human capital and employee well-being are fundamental pillars of business sustainability, the seminar also featured a specialized session on MediAsas, the Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) Plan designed to provide more Malaysians with access to affordable health protection. MediAsas is a key component of the RESET Strategy, a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, BNM and key stakeholders. The plan is currently being piloted ahead of its planned nationwide rollout in early 2027.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, said the Bank was encouraged by the positive response to its sustainability programmes and would continue extending such initiatives to SMEs across Malaysia.
“As sustainability requirements continue to evolve, SMEs need to understand how these changes may impact their businesses and the steps they can take to respond. Through programmes such as this seminar, Public Bank aims to provide SMEs with relevant knowledge and practical insights to support the adoption of more sustainable business practices and strengthen their resilience over the long term. Sustainability also extends beyond environmental considerations to the social dimension. In this regard, we are pleased to support greater awareness of MediAsas and its aim of providing more Malaysians with access to affordable health protection,” said Tan Sri Tay.
Tan Sri Tay added, “Beyond the seminar, Public Bank supports SMEs through a range of sustainable financing solutions and facilitates access to relevant funding and guarantee schemes, including those offered by BNM, Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad.
The Bank has also set a target to mobilise RM100 billion in sustainable financing by 2030, with over RM77 billion achieved as of 2025. Through PB Sustain, our one-stop sustainable financing hub, customers can also access sustainability capacity-building information, sustainable finance products and sustainability impact calculators.”
Public Bank’s sustainability capacity-building efforts also extend to its collaboration with SIRIM. In September 2026, both organisations jointly conducted the “ACT Sustainable – Activate. Connect. Transform Your Business with Public Bank” workshop, which provided SMEs with practical guidance on environmental certification, energy efficiency and ESG practices, as well as information on available government grants.
Dato’ Seri Lee Teong Li, Chairman of FMM Penang Branch, highlighted the relevance of the seminar to manufacturers as sustainability considerations increasingly influence business operations and supply chains.
“For manufacturers, sustainability is increasingly becoming part of how we do business, from improving energy and resource efficiency to meeting the requirements of customers and supply chain partners. By bringing together industry expertise, practical solutions and financing options, this seminar gives SME manufacturers a useful perspective on how sustainability is shaping the manufacturing landscape,” said Dato’ Seri Lee.
Mr Calvin Kwan Chi Shyan, Chairman of SAMENTA Malaysia (Northern Region), commended Public Bank’s efforts to provide SME manufacturers with practical insights into adopting more sustainable business practices.
“Sustainability does not have to begin with major changes. For SMEs, it is important to understand the options available, assess what is relevant to their operations and take practical steps that make business sense. Seminars such as this can help bridge the gap between awareness and implementation by giving businesses access to practical insights and industry experience,” said Mr Calvin.
For more information on Public Bank’s sustainability programmes, upcoming events and sustainable financing solutions, visit www.pbebank.com or contact PB Customer Services at 03-2170 8000.

Participants listening attentively to a presentation at Public Bank’s “Embracing Sustainable Manufacturing: Building Resilience, Unlocking Opportunities” seminar in Penang on 8 October 2026, which featured insights from industry experts on sustainable manufacturing practices and business resilience.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 October 2026
Comments on the Budget 2027 by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Public Bank Berhad
Budget 2027 is to be lauded for its balanced approach and deeper impact on society and the economy. This inclusive, forward-looking and fiscally-responsible annual plan further solidifies the Government’s focus on strengthening the pillars, invigorating the levers and sustaining the growth momentum of the country, while uplifting living standards of the Rakyat.
In ensuring care for the people, the Government’s outsized assistance measures speak volumes. A higher allocation of RM16.0 billion towards cost-of-living relief and targeted cash aid through Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) reflects a strong resolve to easing pressures on lower- and middle-income households. Continued emphasis on home ownership, job creation and income growth supports domestic demand and is a long-term positive for the broader economy and banking industry.
On supporting businesses today and strengthening for tomorrow, workforce upskilling and reskilling continues to be prioritised, in addition to a focused drive on automation and digitalisation. RM6.6 billion in micro-financing assistance and RM32.0 billion in government-backed financing guarantees for SMEs, amongst others, will widen access to credit for viable businesses. The Public Bank Group stands ready to facilitate the administration and channelling of these funds through our nationwide network, where needed.
We commend Budget 2027’s extension of green tax incentives to 2030 toward supporting Malaysia’s energy transition and ESG goals, which runs parallel to sustainability being central to our business principles. On this note, we have disbursed close to RM80.0 billion in related financing since 2020 and remain well on track to hitting RM100.0 billion by 2030.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, affirms, “As a Bank for the People, the Public Bank Group remains as committed to nation-building in our Diamond Jubilee year as we were on day one, and is fully supportive of the Government’s initiatives for an even stronger future! We welcome Budget 2027 and see it as another firm step toward a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia.”

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Public Bank
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 October 2026
Public Bank, SEDA, and SIRIM Join Forces to Unlock Sustainable Growth for Local Manufacturers
Public Bank hosted its "ACT Sustainable – Activate. Connect. Transform Your Business with Public Bank" customer engagement workshop on 23 September 2026 at Menara Public Bank. The session featured speakers and facilitators from the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) and SIRIM who were invited to share key insights and discussions on sustainable business transformation. As one of the technical agencies under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), SIRIM provides a range of sustainability-linked advisory services to support the industry in navigating the transition towards more sustainable and resilient business practices. The event brought together 56 business leaders and executives from Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTC) across the manufacturing sector.
Designed to move beyond theoretical discussions, the event focused on bridging the gap between sustainability awareness and practical adoption.
The key objectives of the workshop centered on addressing adoption constraints by actively listening to customer feedback, operational challenges, and wish-lists to tailor practical, sustainable transition solutions. To translate these insights into tangible outcomes, the event facilitated action-oriented, small-group discussions focused on meeting industry-specific decarbonisation and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, while also offering participants consultation opportunities with subject matter experts from SEDA and SIRIM.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s role as an active catalyst for green growth. “At Public Bank, we recognise that transitioning toward sustainability is no longer just a compliance requirement, it is a critical driver of business resilience and competitiveness. Through our ‘ACT Sustainable’ initiative and strong collaboration with key partners like SEDA and SIRIM, we are committed to move beyond awareness and provide our SME and MTC clients with actionable tools, expert advisory, and practical financial solutions to navigate their ESG journeys successfully,” said Tan Sri Tay.
Through initiatives like the ACT Sustainable workshop, Public Bank continues to champion sustainable development, supporting local manufacturers in building business resilience, meeting global ESG requirements, and unlocking new growth opportunities.
To learn more about Public Bank's sustainable finance offerings, visit https://pbsustain.com/

Tokens of appreciation presented by Public Bank to representatives from SEDA and SIRIM following the ACT Sustainable workshop

Attendees gaining insights into available sustainability solutions and support for adopting sustainable practices at the ACT Sustainable Workshop.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 September 2026
Public Bank and iCAUR Join Hands to Drive Malaysia's Green Mobility Transition
Public Bank and iCAUR have joined forces to promote greater accessibility to electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Malaysia, supporting the country’s transition towards greener and more sustainable mobility.
The strategic collaboration is anchored by Public Bank’s exclusive “Go Green with Green Vehicle Financing – Paint the Town Green” campaign, which aims to make green vehicle ownership more accessible and rewarding for Malaysians.
The partnership comes at a time when Malaysia’s EV market is experiencing rapid growth. EV sales in Malaysia more than doubled in the first half of 2026, rising 106% year-on-year from 12,733 to 26,192 units. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has also raised its forecast for xEVs (including PHEVs, HEVs and BEVs) sales to 120,000 units, representing approximately 15% of total industry volume.
iCAUR, a new energy vehicle brand under the Chery Group, is positioned to contribute to this growing momentum with its distinctive range of electric SUVs, including the iCAUR 03 and iCAUR V23. Combining electric mobility with a distinctive boxy, retro-inspired design, iCAUR seeks to offer drivers a new interpretation of sustainable mobility that is adventurous, stylish and fun.
Commenting on the collaboration, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, stated, “Public Bank is pleased to collaborate with iCAUR to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia. As Malaysians increasingly embrace greener mobility solutions, we remain committed to making EV ownership more accessible through financing solutions that support our customers’ evolving needs. This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s green transition and encouraging more Malaysians to make sustainable choices for a greener future.”
“At iCAUR, we believe electric mobility should be adventurous, stylish, and fun. With our 'Born to Play' philosophy, models like the iCAUR 03 and V23 express the identity of modern drivers. Partnering with Public Bank allows us to help every Malaysian take the wheel and literally 'Paint the Town Green',” stated Mr. Men Lin Bo, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia.
Through the “Go Green with Green Vehicle Financing – Paint the Town Green” campaign, eligible customers can enjoy exclusive financing benefits when financing selected green vehicles with Public Bank, making the transition to electric mobility more accessible.
The partnership also reinforces Public Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Malaysia’s green transition through sustainable financing and encouraging responsible consumption and mobility.
As Malaysia’s automotive landscape continues to evolve, Public Bank and iCAUR remain committed to empowering more Malaysians to embrace greener mobility and contribute towards a more sustainable future.

Group photo of momento exchange between Public Bank and iCAUR. From left to right, Daniel Lai, Francis Chin, Michael Chew, Soon Boon Ping, Men Lin Bo, Tan Sri Dato' Sri (DR) Tay Ah Lek, Teh Li Shian, Diona, Dato' Sulaiman Abd Manap, Wong Man Hoe, Ching Yoke Lan.

Management of Public Bank and iCAUR officiating the PB Paint the Town Green campaign collaboration by flagging off the iCAUR convoy.
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