OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Malaysia) has launched #OCBCCares Oceans Alive, a flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme dedicated to protecting and restoring Malaysia's marine ecosystems.

In its first year, the programme will support marine conservation efforts across Johor, Sabah and Terengganu, focusing on coral reef restoration and seagrass conservation through employee volunteerism and community partnerships. 

These efforts will create long-term environmental and social value by strengthening climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, supporting coastal livelihoods and food security, and equipping local and indigenous communities with ocean conservation knowledge. 

Speaking at the launch held at Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu, Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad said, “The health of our oceans is closely linked to the wellbeing and resilience of our communities. As marine ecosystems face growing pressures, protecting and restoring them requires collective action from businesses, communities and conservation partners alike. Through our #OCBCCares Oceans Alive programme, we are working alongside our employees, conservation partners and local communities to help restore Malaysia’s marine habitats and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come."

#OCBCCares Oceans Alive in Action Across Malaysia

Restoring Coral Reefs in Terengganu and Sabah
Healthy coral reefs are among the world’s most valuable ecosystems. They provide habitats and breeding grounds for marine life, support fisheries and marine tourism, and help protect coastlines from wave action and erosion. Yet many reefs are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution and unsustainable human activities.

To support the restoration of these vital ecosystems, OCBC Malaysia undertook coral conservation initiatives in Terengganu and Sabah. 

At Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu, eight OCBC Malaysia employees who are certified scuba divers and volunteers from the Bank’s Kota Bharu Branch collaborated with Planet Blue Carbon to support the recovery of coral ecosystems. The volunteers first underwent training on coral identification and rehabilitation techniques before participating in hands-on coral propagation activities. These included rescuing about 100 coral fragments, attaching them to restoration substrates, and planting them in an underwater nursery for rehabilitation.

Once mature, the coral colonies will be transplanted to nearby Tanjung Genting to help restore reef ecosystems damaged by a boat incident in 2006. 

Meanwhile, at Usukan Island, Sabah, OCBC Malaysia continued its coral restoration efforts for the second consecutive year in partnership with One Ocean Empire PLT and Youth Coral Rangers. Twenty volunteers from the OCBC Kota Kinabalu Branch, alongside colleagues from OCBC Group subsidiaries, Pac Lease Berhad and Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad, successfully propagated 158 coral fragments, adopted a second coral nursery, and revisited the coral nursery first adopted in 2025 to monitor the growth of previously planted corals. 

These restoration efforts are expected to create positive ripple effects for coastal communities, with the Sabah project alone indirectly benefiting around 50 local families through livelihood opportunities, enhanced food security and ocean conservation education.

Strengthening Coastal Ecosystems in Johor
Seagrass meadows serve as important nursery habitats for fish, prawns and crabs, helping to replenish marine populations while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. They also play a critical role in stabilising sediment, reducing coastal erosion and improving water quality. 

In Johor, colleagues from OCBC Malaysia's Southern Region branches, led by the Kulai Branch, participated in a seagrass restoration initiative at the MyKP Pendekar Laut jetty in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

The initiative brought together 50 participants, comprising 30 OCBC Malaysia employees and their family members, as well as 20 students from SMK Tanjung Adang. The initiative provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of environmental conservation while fostering a sense of stewardship for marine ecosystems.

By restoring these habitats, the initiative is expected to support local fisheries and benefit around 230 fishermen who depend on healthy marine ecosystems for their livelihoods. 

Building a More Sustainable Future Together
#OCBCCares Oceans Alive forms part of the Bank's broader #OCBCCares platform, which drives meaningful social and environmental impact across education, environmental sustainability, support for vulnerable communities, community building and humanitarian efforts.

As the programme grows, OCBC Malaysia remains committed to fostering long-term environmental stewardship and delivering meaningful impact through collaborative conservation efforts that benefit both nature and communities.