GEORGE TOWN, October 18 – Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad is set to inaugurate the Alliance Bank Heritage Run 2023, scheduled for the 29th of October, within the enchanting precincts of George Town, Penang. This run, meticulously crafted by the community-focused financial institution, aims to be a catalyst for positive change in society, the environment, and the economy. The event epitomizes Alliance Bank’s unwavering commitment to advance initiatives in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) while fervently supporting the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
Its mission revolves around raising awareness regarding sustainability issues and, in tandem, kindling a spirit of action within the community through a bouquet of ESG-themed events and initiatives. Mr. Kellee Kam, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank, has voiced the bank’s unflagging resolve to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable world. This vision is rooted in nurturing environmentally responsible behavior, inculcating positive social ethics, and propounding principles of good governance within the broad spheres of influence, encompassing communities and businesses.
Mr. Kam has underscored the monumental importance of the inaugural Heritage Run, viewing it as a conduit for supporting SDG 11.4, which is unswervingly dedicated to the safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage that is facing the peril of extinction. Hence, the choice of George Town, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, as the epicenter for this flagship run, is a nod to the region’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance.
Revealing the grand design behind this venture, Mr. Kam has disclosed that the event aspires to attract a diverse throng of 3,000 to 4,000 participants, extending an inclusive hand to all Malaysians. In a bid to further embellish the affair with the tapestry of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, local businesses operating under the #SupportLokal banner will grace the venue with an array of booths and engaging activities. The run, charting a course along the scenic and storied byways of George Town, offers participants a choice of two courses: the 3-kilometer Family Walk and the more challenging 7-kilometer Run.
The latter offers participants a riveting journey through some of George Town’s most iconic landmarks, including Padang Kota Lama, Fort Cornwallis, Jubilee Clock Tower, Penang Little India, Ghost Museum, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuan Yin Temple, St George Church, Hussain Pasembur Rojak, The Blue Mansion, and Nasi Kandar Line Clear. Since its soft launch on the 9th of June 2023, the response to the event has been nothing short of overwhelming, with an impressive turnout of over 3,000 participants registering. In harmony with the overarching theme of sustainability, registered participants can anticipate receiving race packs thoughtfully curated to be eco-friendly.
These packs will contain reusable canvas bags, medals meticulously crafted from sustainable wood, along with T-shirts and lanyards ingeniously fashioned from upcycled materials. The Alliance Bank Heritage Run dovetails seamlessly into Alliance Bank’s broader ESG agenda, championing a cause that has garnered significant attention. This year, the bank unveiled a survey report, titled “ESG Insights from Malaysian SMEs.” The report represents a significant milestone in the journey to raise awareness among business owners about the intrinsic importance and multifarious benefits of ESG practices.
