EDOTCO Malaysia has launched an innovative capacity development program aimed at enhancing the capabilities and competitiveness of Malaysian SMEs in the digital infrastructure sector. This program, known as the EDOTCO Vendor Development Program (VDP), provides suppliers and business partners with a unique opportunity to elevate their operational standards and contribute significantly to the industry’s growth.
First introduced in 2018, the EDOTCO VDP is designed to align vendor capabilities with EDOTCO’s operational standards and strategic objectives. The enhanced VDP focuses on five critical dimensions in the tower industry: Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Integrity, Business Continuity Management, and Rollout Operations. The program’s modules are crafted to incorporate globally accepted key concepts and practices from industry guidelines, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ISO 45001, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, ensuring they are understandable and adaptable for SMEs.
“This program demonstrates our long-term commitment to building a robust, efficient, and sustainable supply chain,” said Adlan Tajuddin, CEO of EDOTCO Group. “It’s not just about enhancing vendor skills and capabilities, but also fostering their long-term growth and success. As the largest TowerCo in the country, we support the development of Malaysian SMEs with whom we have established long-standing relationships. By investing in these vendors through our program and providing certifications, we boost their performance and increase their credibility to bid for projects across Malaysia, fostering greater value creation for the country.”
The VDP was launched today at Laman EDOTCO in Saujana Subang, starting with an initial cohort of over 150 vendors. The program begins with the ESG dimension, providing participants access to the Government’s Skim Insentif Kelestarian. This initiative, designed by the Centre for Entrepreneur Development & Research (CEDAR) and co-developed with UNGC Malaysia & Brunei, helps SME vendors adopt sustainable practices and potentially qualify for the ESG Adoption Fund grant worth RM40,000.
Additionally, EDOTCO is preparing its supply chain to align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for Scope 3 GHG emissions, supporting Malaysia’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. This alignment ensures that vendors remain competitive and contribute to the nation’s sustainability objectives.
Amirul Imran Ahmat, CEO of CEDAR, commented, “CEDAR is delighted to partner with EDOTCO in enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs through sustainable practices via their Vendor Development Program. This initiative aligns with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s mission for a transition to a greener manufacturing industry. As this critical date approaches, this valuable partnership allows companies to proactively reduce ESG non-compliance risks and improve operational efficiencies.”
Key Highlights:
- Program Focus: Enhancing capabilities in ESG, OHS, Integrity, Business Continuity, and Rollout Operations.
- Certification: Modules incorporate global standards like UN SDGs, ISO 45001, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
- Initial Cohort: Over 150 vendors participating, beginning with the ESG dimension.
- Support: Access to the ESG Adoption Fund grant and alignment with SBTi for GHG emissions.
- Goals: Foster long-term growth, improve competitiveness, and support Malaysia’s sustainability targets.
EDOTCO’s VDP underscores the company’s commitment to nation-building by investing in local SMEs, ensuring they thrive in a competitive digital infrastructure landscape while contributing to sustainable development goals.