HLB collaborates with startups to build future together

• To create solutions that impact community, environment and financial services
• Identified 15 problem statements extending over five sustainability themes

Hong Leong Bank’s (HLB) fintech and tech startups mentorship platform, HLB Launchpad, is back with its fourth edition.

In a statement, the bank said it is calling for fintech and tech startups to take on the challenge of co-creating and developing ‘out-of-the box’ solutions to reimagine a more sustainable banking and financial services industry. 

Themed ‘Let’s build a sustainable future together’, the bank said the theme aligns with the bank’s priorities in stepping up its sustainability best practices and integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) elements into every facet of its business. 

“As we continue to build a highly digital and innovative Asean financial services company, we are always on the lookout for innovative ideas that will help us bring this vision to life,” said Domenic Fuda, group managing director and chief executive officer of HLB. 

“Aligned with our core value of being here for the long term, we are placing more emphasis on our sustainability efforts to ensure we are doing our part to empower the community with financial knowledge and resources to improve lives and livelihoods as well protect the environment,” he added.

Fuda said HLB Launchpad is a collaborative platform to ensure its strategy and product development are refreshed and evolved to capture the ever-changing needs and contribute to a sustainable future for our customers, communities and the environment.

HLB said this year’s HLB Launchpad is open to any startup that has a presence in Malaysia, has a minimum viable product, has generated sales, has been in operation for over a year.

It is also opened to those interested in creating solutions that contribute to a long-term positive impact on our society and environment, it said.

It added that it has identified over 15 problem statements this year extending over five sustainability themes. They are: digital at the core, workforce readiness, socially responsible business, environmental management and community investment. 

The problem statements range from finding solutions to boost financial inclusivity for low-income earners, to tracking greenhouse gas emissions to create a long term positive environmental impact, HLB said.

It said that startups are welcome to address one or more of the problem statements.

HLB Launchpad 2021 will be selecting three winners; the top winner will be awarded with a cash prize of RM50,000 and the two runners-up will receive RM25,000 each.

The winners will also be entitled to mentorship sessions with HLB’s c-suite, business heads and partners, as well as a six months pilot project with the bank.

“Embracing our digital-at-the-core strategy has resulted in a significant pay off as it enabled us to quickly adapt to the new realities that came with the pandemic.

“This strategy enabled us to continuously listen to our customers and reimagine the way we design newer experiences to serve and interact with them,” said Shailesh Grover, chief digital and innovation officer. 

HLB Launchpad 2021 is a collaborative setup that brings together partners such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Cradle Fund, Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Malaysian Business Angel Network and pitchIN.

Startups that participate in the HLB Launchpad 2021 will benefit from:

• Hong Leong Group’s regional businesses across financial services, manufacturing, property development, hospitality and leisure and healthcare in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Cambodia.
• Jumpstart@65, a community hub with facilities such as event space, co-working space and usability labs amongst others.
• A suite of banking facilities such as a business current account and micro-financing as well as digital business solutions offerings including an all-in-one POS terminal, cloud-based HR, payroll, accounting and digital advertising services.

Click here to register or find out more on HLB Launchpad 2021. Applications are open until October 1.