SHAH ALAM: Telecommunications infrastructure company Edotco Malaysia today unveiled its industry-first capacity development programme.
The programme, called the Edotco Vendor Development Programme (VDP), is not just a strategic initiative but a unique opportunity for its suppliers and business partners, primarily Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
First introduced in 2018, the programme aimed to elevate the vendors' capabilities and competitiveness in the digital infrastructure sector and play a crucial role in the industry's growth.
It is also to better align with Edotco's operational standards and strategic goals.
Edotco Group chief executive officer Adlan Tajuddin said the programme was a testament to its long-term commitment to building a robust, efficient, and sustainable supply chain.
"It is not just about enhancing the skills and capabilities of our vendors, but also about fostering their long-term growth and success.
"We take pride in supporting the development of Malaysian SMEs with whom we have long-standing relationships."
He added by investing in vendors through the programme and providing certifications, Edotco not only boosted the vendors' performance but also increased its credibility to bid for projects across Malaysia.
"This, in turn, fosters greater value creation for the country and a brighter future for our vendors," he said.
The newly improved VDP covers five critical dimensions in the tower industry namely the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Integrity, Business Continuity Management and Rollout Operations.
The programme's modules were developed to ensure globally accepted key concepts and practices from industry guidelines, standards and regulations.
This includes the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, ISO 45001 by the International Organisation for Standardisation and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn Bhd (CEDAR) chief executive officer Amirul Imran Ahmat said the programme was a commendable initiative that aligns with the pursuit of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 mission for a transition to a greener manufacturing industry.
"As this critical date is fast approaching, this valuable partnership allows greater access for companies to proactively take action to reduce the risks of ESG non-compliance and improve operational inefficiencies."
Meanwhile, the launch today saw its first cohort of over 150 vendors.
The programme started with the ESG dimension, giving participants access to the government's Skim Insentif Kelestarian, a program designed by Cedar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SME Bank, and co-developed with UNGC Malaysia and Brunei.
As ESG compliance gains attention from Bank Negara and the Securities Commission, the programme helps Edotco's SME vendors and business partners to adopt sustainable practices and potentially qualify for the ESG Adoption Fund grant, worth RM40,000, allocated by the government.
Additionally, Edotco is also preparing its supply chain to align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI) for Scope 3 global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supporting the government's long-term target of achieving net zero by 2050.
The alignment ensures its vendors remain competitive and contribute to Malaysia's sustainability goals.