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THE 2025 SIDC–CASI SRI Conference commenced today in Kuala Lumpur with a strong focus on fostering regional collaboration and building specialist capacity in sustainable finance across ASEAN and other emerging markets.
Jointly convened by the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC) and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), the three-day forum is being held at the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) from 29 to 31 July under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of ASEAN Business in Sustainability’. More than 300 delegates, both local and international, are in attendance.
A key milestone of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SIDC and CASI, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on sustainable finance education and professional development throughout ASEAN and beyond.
“Our continuous collaboration reflects a shared ambition to raise sustainable finance competencies, not just within Malaysia, but across emerging markets in Asia and beyond,” said Tengku Zarina Tengku Chik, Chief Executive Officer of SIDC.
Dr Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, commented, “Our partnership with SIDC marks an important step forward in advancing sustainable finance education and talent development across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.”
In conjunction with the conference, SIDC introduced the Certified Capital Market Professional in Sustainable and Responsible Investment 2 (CCMP–SRI 2), a 12-week advanced certification aimed at mid- to senior-level professionals. The new programme builds on the success of its predecessor, CCMP–SRI 1, which has seen 71 participants and 70 graduates since its 2024 launch.
Focusing on areas such as ESG integration, Islamic SRI, carbon markets, and sustainable portfolio structuring, the certification is aligned with the Capital Market Masterplan 3 (CMP3) and Malaysia’s SRI Roadmap. The curriculum features expert-led workshops, case studies, and assessments to meet growing demand for specialist talent in sustainable finance.
“The future of sustainable finance lies in shared knowledge, regional collaboration, and a deep talent pool,” said Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia. “Through this strategic partnership between SIDC and CASI, and the expansion of initiatives like CCMP–SRI, we are strengthening the foundations needed to drive impactful, long-term change—not only in Malaysia but across ASEAN and other emerging markets.”
Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable finance continues to solidify, with the number of qualified SRI funds increasing from seven in 2020 to 68 by end-2023, managing RM7.7 billion in net assets, according to the SC Annual Report 2023. SRI sukuk issuances also rose from RM16.1 billion in 2021 to RM25.87 billion by the end of 2023.
In parallel, CASI Academy unveiled enhancements to its online learning platform, featuring a 40-hour, 40-module curriculum, now including Level 2 content. Eighteen modules have been upgraded into video-based lessons featuring animated avatars, rendering the platform fully video-driven. A new Competency Framework and localised tracks, beginning with a China-focused curriculum, have also been introduced. The upgraded platform is available free of charge for a limited two-week period.
Throughout the conference, delegates are engaging in dialogue on critical themes such as ESG disclosure, Islamic SRI, sustainability taxonomies, carbon markets, green skills, and just transition financing—affirming Malaysia’s commitment to leading the regional sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) agenda.
The first intake of CCMP–SRI 2 is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with registration details to be announced via SIDC’s official platforms. - July 29, 2025
