Johor Corporation (“JCorp”), the principal development institution and a leading economic enabler for Johor, has successfully established its maiden Sustainable Finance Framework (“Framework”), the first of its kind by a Malaysian development institution with a diversified multi-sector portfolio. Maybank Investment Bank Berhad has been appointed as the Sole Sustainability Structuring Adviser. In December 2025, MARC Solutions Sdn Bhd assigned a “Gold” Impact Assessment to JCorp’s Framework in an independent Second Party Opinion (“SPO”), confirming its alignment with relevant local, regional and global market guidelines. The Framework serves as a forward-looking stewardship tool for JCorp and its Group of companies, including operating companies, subsidiaries, special purpose vehicles, and joint ventures to raise and deploy sustainable finance across its five core businesses that encompass wellness and healthcare, real estate and infrastructure, agribusiness, food and restaurants as well as patient capital. This is to ensure alignment with existing and prospective sustainable projects with JCorp’s overarching sustainability commitments. Reflecting this diversified portfolio, the Framework covers a range of Sustainability Finance Transactions (“SFTs”), such as Green, Social, Sustainability, and Sustainable and Responsible Investment (“SRI”) sukuk, bonds, loans, and financing, to support eligible investments that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits. The SFTs will support JCorp’s commitment to balance financial prudence with socio-environmental responsibility. This commitment is built on the foundation of JCorp’s Membina dan Membela (Creating Value and Enabling Sustainable Communities) mission, leveraging financial assets with its shared social and environmental heritage. The Framework aligns with market standards and outlines 10 Eligible Green and five Eligible Social Use of Proceeds categories which include green buildings/cities/infrastructure, energy efficiency, pollution prevention and control, affordable housing, food security and sustainable food systems, and socioeconomic advancement and empowerment, as defined in the Framework. Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President and Chief Executive of JCorp said: “This Framework reflects how JCorp approaches capital and responsibility over the long term. Sustainability is not an “add-on”; it is embedded in how we allocate capital, govern risk, and steward assets. By anchoring our financing strategy in our Membina dan Membela mission, it guides how we deploy capital responsibly to deliver measurable outcomes for Johor and Malaysia.” Michael Oh-Lau, CEO of Maybank Investment Bank Berhad said, “JCorp’s Sustainable Finance Framework brings rigour and credibility to financing sustainability initiatives, further amplifying the company’s impact as an investor across multiple industries. Maybank has supported JCorp group in achieving sustainable debt market milestones, including KPJ Healthcare’s Sustainability Sukuk, a first for a healthcare issuer in ASEAN, and Johor Plantations’ pioneering integrated Sustainable Finance Framework. Maybank is committed to advancing our clients’ transition to a more sustainable future, aligned with our ROAR30 strategies.” Maybank targets to mobilise MYR300.0 billion ($63.8 billion) in sustainable finance over the next five years, having mobilised MYR156.3 billion ($33.3 billion) from 2021 to the end of the third quarter of 2025. Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker
