KUCHING – Sarawak Energy has strengthened its vendor support ecosystem through new financing partnerships with Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) Malaysia, aimed at widening access to capital for local businesses.
The collaboration, formalised through two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), provides vendors with financing opportunities for working capital, equipment purchases and business expansion.
The initiative is designed to enhance vendor capabilities and ensure smooth project delivery across Sarawak Energy’s supply chain.
Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said the company’s vendor development strategy is anchored in collaboration and long-term growth.
“Working closely with organisations such as PUNB and UOB enhances local vendors’ ability to secure funding, build capacity and improve performance,” he explained.
He added that the approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), which emphasises partnerships that foster resilient and inclusive development.
Sarawak Energy’s Vendor Development Programme (VDP) continues to play a central role in strengthening governance, improving technical competencies and creating clear engagement pathways for vendors.
Complementing this is the Vendor Financing Programme, which connects vendors with financial partners to secure resources for ongoing and future projects.
The company reported that vendor participation surged by more than 70 percent in 2024 compared with 2023, with the majority of contracts awarded to Sarawak-based vendors.
This underscores Sarawak Energy’s commitment to nurturing the state’s business community and supporting inclusive economic growth.
The utility has previously established financing collaborations with Bank Islam, RHB Bank, SME Bank and Ikhtiar Factoring.
The latest partnerships with PUNB and UOB build on this foundation, expanding financing options and reinforcing the robustness of the supply chain ecosystem.
The MoUs were signed at Menara Sarawak Energy on 12 November, with Datuk Sharbini representing Sarawak Energy, witnessed by Senior Vice President for Legal and Compliance George Chapman.
PUNB was represented by Chief Executive Officer Izwan Zainuddin, with General Manager of Business Division Razlan Bachik as witness.
UOB Malaysia was represented by Country Head of Transaction Banking Lucas Chew, with Country Head of Wholesale Banking Andy Cheah serving as witness.
The partnerships mark another step in Sarawak Energy’s ongoing efforts to empower vendors, strengthen collaboration and drive sustainable growth across the state’s economy.
