KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 29 ): Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd (KL:ABMB) launched The ESG Playbook: Practical steps for manufacturing SMEs on Thursday to serve as a comprehensive guide for small medium enterprises (SMEs) to kickstart the conversion of sustainability strategies into practical action.

SMEs have shown interest and are aware of the industry’s demand for environmental, social and governance (ESG), but many are overwhelmed or are unsure of where to begin to catch up and be compliance-ready, according to bank’s previous surveys on SME ESG awareness. The ESG playbook aims to alleviate these concerns for SMEs in the manufacturing sector.

“This is not trying to tell you anymore about what ESG is, it’s about putting it into a guideline, an approach, a framework, starting with the manufacturing sector, on how we can practically implement it in a way that makes sense. That really is the genesis of why this playbook is here, to put thought and strategy into actual action,” said Kellee Kam, group CEO of Alliance Bank Malaysia, during a panel at Go ESG 2026, a conference organised by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers.

One of its key features of the playbook is the in-depth case studies of four different SMEs, including Hexa Foods Sdn Bhd, IGL Coatings, Thumbprints Utd Sdn Bhd and Artmatrix Technology Sdn Bhd. It covers the sustainability archetypes, ESG journey, ESG outcomes, challenges and key learnings of the respective companies to give a clearer idea of how SMEs can progress themselves.

There is also an ESG quick-start guide to give SMEs an idea on how to take the first steps to embed sustainability into their operations through a three-phased approach through awareness building, materiality and baseline assessments, and action and communication.

Additionally, the playbook features the various grants available for manufacturing SMEs and includes information on the form of aid, target group and agencies in charge.

The ESG playbook was developed in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia, Zurich Malaysia and strategic partners including Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association, Penang Green Council, and the UNGCMYB.