OCBC has introduced a free online tool, OCBC PULSE, designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) evaluate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) readiness. Available across Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, the tool aims to assist SMEs in identifying sustainability gaps and offers actionable recommendations for improvement. Large companies can also use the tool to assess the ESG performance of their SME suppliers, fostering better sustainability practices within supply chains.
As sustainability becomes a priority, large companies are increasingly expecting their SME suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. OCBC PULSE provides a straightforward, cost-free method for SMEs to begin their ESG journey and remain competitive. The tool allows SMEs to track their progress over time and aligns with OCBC’s commitment to support the green transition of SMEs by piloting the tool with its own suppliers.
Developed in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network Singapore, OCBC PULSE is built on Technical Reference 149, a framework by Enterprise Singapore. It enables large companies to onboard their suppliers, who can then complete an ESG assessment. The results, classified into four levels from Starter to Advanced, are instantly available to SMEs, whilst large companies receive a dashboard view of their suppliers’ ESG maturity.
OCBC plans to organise workshops for large companies and SME suppliers to address improvement areas and share best practices. This initiative supports OCBC’s goal to provide sustainable financing to 12,000 SMEs by 2028. Elaine Heng, Head of Global Commercial Banking at OCBC, stated, “OCBC PULSE helps SMEs seize sustainable growth opportunities and stay competitive by meeting evolving requirements.”
