OCBC and Marriott International have announced a strategic partnership to aid 12,000 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) suppliers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The collaboration focuses on providing timely access to working capital and supporting sustainable business practices. Suppliers using Marriott’s procurement platform will benefit from digital invoice financing with same-day approval from OCBC, addressing the urgent need for cash flow amidst rising cost pressures.
The partnership allows SMEs to receive up to 80% of their invoice amount without needing to submit bank statements or financial reports. This streamlined process helps optimise cash flow, enabling businesses to seize growth opportunities more effectively. Since the programme’s inception in 2023, OCBC has disbursed approximately S$250m in loans to SMEs in Singapore and Malaysia.
In addition to financial support, OCBC will assist suppliers in establishing a baseline measurement of their sustainability performance. Partnering with EcoVadis, the bank will offer training and workshops to enhance sustainability practices. Suppliers can also access sustainability-linked loans, incentivising improvements in their sustainability metrics.
Marriott International is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The partnership with OCBC aligns with this goal, empowering suppliers to contribute to Marriott’s sustainability efforts. Rashida Ismail from OCBC emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs in their growth and sustainability journeys, whilst Cristiano Rinaldi of Marriott highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to tackling climate change.
The programme, launched in Singapore and Malaysia in 2025, will expand to Indonesia in the first half of 2026.
