As part of its long-term ESG goals, Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, implementing a comprehensive suite of initiatives and solutions designed to drive the Bank’s sustainability agenda forward across all layers of operations. A key component of these ESG initiatives is promoting the circular economy, which has been spearheaded by the Bank’s numerous collaborations with SMEs and sustainability changemakers.
Aligned with this, one of the key partnerships that HLB has embarked on over the past year is with Refiller Mobile, through the Bank’s HLB Jumpstart platform, which aims to empower social entrepreneurs to create positive change in their communities.
Refiller Mobile seeks to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics by offering refilling services for everyday household products. With her trusty van, Oh Sok Peng, the founder of Refiller Mobile, travels to various locations throughout Klang Valley, providing refilling services to neighbourhoods, offices, and events. Her van, refurbished to carry products such as eco-friendly cleaning agents, personal care products like toothpaste and shampoo, dried fruits and nuts, and even dog treats, allows customers to stock up on essential household items at their doorstep, eliminating waste and encouraging the reuse of non-recyclable containers.
Following this partnership with HLB, the Bank organises monthly refilling sessions at two of its main office buildings, which have gained positive traction, further helping its staff transition to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Sok Peng commented on her inspiration for Refiller Mobile and expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Hong Leong Bank.
“I have always had a passion for the environment, and my dream is to make it easier for Malaysians to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. With this, we hope to continue growing Refiller Mobile so that it reaches more locations, where we can truly make a meaningful change in people’s lives. This is why I am truly grateful for this partnership with HLB, which has given me the tools and resources to continue growing, whether that is through participating in green events and bazaars, reaching out to more communities, or leveraging corporate social procurement. HLB has given us the chance to do all this and more, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with them in creating a more sustainable collective future.”
In the first half of 2024, HLB helped organise several impactful refilling sessions for Refiller Mobile. The Bank brought the refilling store to service media houses like Bernama and The Star, various HLB headquarters, as well as a one-day collaboration with Paolo Paolo Gelato. By engaging directly with the public, these refilling sessions not only raised awareness about Refiller Mobile’s mission but also fostered a sense of community and encouraged individuals to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives.
Beyond the on-ground activations, the Bank has also empowered Sok Peng to expand Refiller Mobile’s reach through HLB Jumpstart. This includes providing digitalisation support, social media guidance, and even sponsoring the production of a brand video to showcase her inspiring journey and vision.
Zalman Zainal, HLB’s Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, said, “At HLB, we approach ESG commitments and community investment in many different ways, one of which is by actively supporting social enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities through creating social impact. Through HLB Jumpstart, we look to support entrepreneurs and socially-driven businesses through digitalisation and industry-level guidance, helping them build financially stable businesses and amplifying the positive impact they have in their communities.”