KUALA LUMPUR: AmBank Group has concluded its AmBank BizRACE Season 4, selecting three winners from a pool of 1,000 companies.
Focusing on the themes of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, Sydney Cake House Sdn Bhd claimed the championship title.
The company impressed judges with its adoption of digital inventory management, smart factory systems and a waste heat recovery system, achieving a waste reduction of over 70 per cent.
Diverse Integrated Sdn Bhd secured the first runner-up position for its innovative development of sustainable wood solutions for the construction sector.
Meanwhile, BloomThis Flora Sdn Bhd took second runner-up, recognised for leveraging AI data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and visualisation tools to optimise their on-demand e-commerce operations.
The season's total prize pool, worth RM2 million, includes a range of development initiatives focused on IR4.0 and ESG.
These comprise workshops, personalised consultations and coaching, green and carbon management and ESG solutions.
There were also on-site factory evaluations conducted by industry experts from Bosch Rexroth Malaysia, the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, and Pantas Software.
Additionally, the top three winners will be awarded a fully sponsored innovation trip next year.
AmBank Group managing director of business banking Christopher Yap said the top three winners represent the pinnacle of innovation and progress.
"Throughout this season, we witnessed incredible passion, growth potential and scalability from many of our participants, demonstrating their readiness to adopt IR4.0 and ESG principles
On the bank's plans to broaden its outreach to more SMEs, Christopher said it is adopting a dual approach.
"First, in the digital space, we have welcomed a new chief digital officer who will lead efforts to connect with our audience digitally.
"Second, through our sales team — next year, we plan to expand by adding 70 more sales staff across key locations in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak," he added.