In line with its committment towards sustainable practices, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (“RHB Islamic”) becomes the first bank in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region to introduce an eco-friendly recycled plastic debit card, through its collaboration with WWF-Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (“UMT”).
This revolutionary RHB Visa WWF Debit Card-i forms part of RHB Islamic’s initiative under its flagship initiative “Ocean Harmony” that aims to raise public awareness in the conservation and environmental sustainability of the marine ecosystem.
The first edition of the eco-friendly card features the Green Sea Turtle, one of the most endangered sea creatures in the world today.
In a statement, Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, said their new recycled plastic card is the bank’s way of contributing directly to the conservation of ocean life through global affiliated NGOs such as WWF-Malaysia, and local champions including UMT.
“We are delighted to play an integral role in promoting environmental sustainability while at the same time maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem by supporting UMT’s ocean research and development studies,” Adissadikin Ali added.
This is a core component of the bank’s initiatives towards incorporating Value Based Intermediation into their business and operations which will benefit the communities in a meaningful and sustainable manner over the longer term.
Adissadikin Ali further added that through the collaboration with WWF-Malaysia and UMT, RHB Islamic is strengthening its position as a digital social capital enabler, allowing their customers and the community to contribute to worthwhile causes through their digital platforms.
“The issuance of an eco-friendly debit card which carries a visual image of a Green Sea Turtle allows our customers to transition to more sustainable lifestyles, while their contributions give the much needed and renewed hope to life below water, which is an important and often an overlooked part of our environmental ecosystem,” he said.
This initiative by RHB Islamic contributes directly and indirectly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
According to Sophia Lim, WWF-Malaysia CEO, “WWF-Malaysia is in strong support of this collaboration with RHB’s “Ocean Harmony” initiative as we believe that marine turtles play important roles for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and their survival affects human survival in the long run. We are also pleased to be a part of this initiative together with RHB, as we see it as a good opportunity to showcase how industries can work together with us to conserve the environment and our marine life.”
Professor Dato` Dr. Nor Aieni Binti Haji Mokhtar, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, commented that “UMT is honored and grateful to be part of this initiative. We hope this smart partnership between RHB Islamic and WWF-Malaysia and their contribution towards the development of youth at UMT will set as a good example for others to follow.
