PGB, UOB Malaysia ink five-year Memorandum of Collaboration to drive green financing for JS-SEZ

• Under the MOC, UOB Malaysia is appointed as the preferred banking partner for PGB’s upcoming residential, commercial and industrial developments.

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 7): Paragon Globe Bhd (KL:PGLOBE) (PGB) and United Overseas Bank (M) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) on Friday to support green financing, sustainability integration and cross-border investments linked to the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

According to a press release on Friday, the agreement was executed during the groundbreaking ceremony of Calia Residences by PGB in Danga Bay. It formalises and expands an earlier agreement signed by both parties in June 2024.

Under the MOC, UOB Malaysia is appointed as the preferred banking partner for PGB’s upcoming residential, commercial and industrial developments. Both parties will collaborate to develop green financing mechanisms, facilitate investor connections and embed environmental, social and governance best practices into PGB’s project pipeline.

UOB Malaysia will provide exclusive banking packages to homebuyers and business partners, along with advisory support for green certifications and preferential financing for eligible developments. It will also establish a dedicated presence at the PGB Experience Gallery Property Showcase to offer financial advisory services to potential buyers.

The ceremony was officiated by Johor Bahru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad and attended by Johor Sustainability Centre CEO Fayzul Omar.

Key PGB representatives present included executive chairman Datuk Seri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, group executive director Datuk Seri Godwin Tan Pei Poh, independent non-executive director Datuk Ismail Karim and senior independent non-executive director Tee Boon Hin. UOB Malaysia was represented by executive director and area manager of south area centre Goh Boon Siang.

Edwin said: “Our collaboration with UOB Malaysia is more than a banking partnership—it is a shared commitment to build sustainable communities that balance progress and responsibility.”

The collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), and supports Johor’s positioning as a sustainable investment destination.

Calia Residences is a freehold development on a 3.62-acre site comprising two 36-storey towers with 1,274 units, including one- to three-bedroom and dual-key layouts, and targets GreenRE Gold Certification through energy-efficient design, EV charging points and eco-friendly features.

As Penang girds itself towards the last lap of its Penang2030 vision, check out how the residential segment is keeping pace in EdgeProp’s special report: PENANG Investing Towards 2030.