ADB Makes First Islamic Finance Foray in Malaysia Digital Push

The Asian Development Bank is committing up to MYR300 million toward Malaysia’s inaugural green sukuk for digital infrastructure. This capital, channeled through Sime Darby Property NEV Holdings, targets the construction of energy-efficient data centres at the Elmina Business Park, marking the bank's first-ever venture into Islamic financing instruments.

Editorial·July 28, 2026·reads: 559

ADB Makes First Islamic Finance Foray in Malaysia Digital Push

The transaction serves a dual purpose: expanding Malaysia's cloud and AI capabilities while establishing a benchmark for sustainable Islamic finance. By leveraging its GSS+ Initiative, the ADB assisted Sime Darby Property in crafting a green finance framework that aligns with international standards. These data centres are intended to anchor Malaysia’s MyDigital strategy, positioning the nation as a regional hub for technology investment.

Sime Darby Property Managing Director Dato' Seri Azmir Merican noted that the firm is the first Malaysian developer to integrate sukuk financing with an institutional real estate private equity structure under a gold-rated green framework. Maybank Islamic Berhad and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad are backing the issuance, with additional credit support provided by an ADB trust fund. This investment aligns with the bank's broader mandate to mobilize $20 billion by 2035 to bolster digital infrastructure and capital markets across the Asia-Pacific region.