This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026

Financial institutions play a big part in supporting the country’s socio- economic development. True to its role, Public Bank Bhd’s (KL:PBBANK) two-pronged sustainability agenda translates into immediate assistance while providing longer-term focus by helping individuals and communities build the skills and resources needed to become more financially and socially resilient.

The group’s sustainability efforts have evolved beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR), placing greater emphasis on widening access to education and financial opportunities, supporting community development and environmental conservation.

Hence, it is a well-deserved first win for Public Bank at The Edge Billion Ringgit Club (BRC), with the award for Best CR Initiatives among Super Big Cap Companies with above RM40 billion in market capitalisation.

“The group’s commitment to sustainability is anchored in our philosophy of creating long-term value for all stakeholders, customers, shareholders, employees and the communities we serve. We believe that responsible banking goes beyond financial performance. It is about fostering positive social impact, supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy, and safeguarding the environment for future generations,” said Public Bank’s managing director, CEO and chairman of the sustainable management committee Datuk Tay Ah Lek.

Public Bank’s “Prosperous Customers and Communities” sustainability theme seeks to address social needs through a combination of tools. One of its key focus areas for 2025 was helping lower-income individuals become more financially independent.

Through Public Islamic Bank’s iTEKAD programmes, which support low-income micro entrepreneurs, the group has disbursed RM723,000 across four programmes since 2023, benefiting 100 of these entrepreneurs.

Education, including financial education and scam awareness, is another important pillar of its community investment.

The group’s School Adoption Programme adopted 858 schools to cultivate the saving habit among students. It spent more than RM20,000 on upgrading facilities at four schools and awarded RM65,000 to 250 students through its Star Achiever Programme.

Additionally, Public Bank has contributed more than RM1.5 million to the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) since 2017, supporting efforts to improve financial education among young people.

Through its PB Scam Rangers, Public Bank sent cybersecurity specialists around the country to educate the public on financial scams, complemented by webinars and nationwide roadshows with various stakeholders.

In collaboration with INTI and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the banking group funded about RM70,000 to establish a 21st Century Learning Cube at PPR Lembah Subang 2. The learning centre provides digital tools and learning spaces to more than 4,400 low-income residents, broadening the group’s focus from financial support to building longer-term capabilities in communities.

It also donated 4,000 refurbished personal computers to Medical Awareness Camp Outreach (MACO), helping underprivileged students gain access to digital tools.

Overall, Public Bank has spent about RM9.6 million cumulatively on community development initiatives since 2023, including about RM5.3 million in 2025 alone, more than double year on year. The initiatives benefited more than 5,700 people last year, while employee participation in community programmes has also grown significantly.

Since 2024, Public Bank employees have contributed more than 56,300 volunteer hours, exceeding the group’s target of 50,000 hours. In 2025 alone, more than 6,800 employees clocked over 27,800 hours of voluntary service.

Apart from providing funding for environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives, employee volunteers similarly play a big role in this regard.

Some 407 employee volunteers participated in river and mangrove clean-ups, with financial support given for river-cleaning efforts and coastal clean-ups. They restored riverbanks and planted 240 native and forest tree saplings across the Klang Valley and Selangor.

Public Bank also contributed to conservation awareness by supporting Zoo Negara’s Glow and Grow aesthetic and educational programme, donating about RM50,000 to the initiative.

This community support extends to healthcare and social welfare. In 2025, the banking group donated about RM235,000 to hospitals and clinics, while another RM270,000 went to nursing and welfare homes and orphanages.

Taken together, the initiatives reflect Public Bank’s efforts to make community investment more enduring. As one of the largest listed banks in Malaysia, it has a huge footprint in society, one that is not only supporting those in need, but also helping to build the capabilities and resilience needed for more sustainable socioeconomic progress.

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.