IHH Healthcare, an integrated healthcare group headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, has secured its first sustainability-linked loan ( SLL ) from United Overseas Bank.

The facility, amounting to S$300 million ( US$229.19 million ), marks the bank’s first SLL for the healthcare sector.

The loan is structured under UOB’s sustainability-linked financing framework, which provides clients with pre-approved and externally validated key performance indicators and sustainability performance targets.

With a network of more than 140 healthcare facilities, including over 80 hospitals in 10 countries, IHH is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible and socially impactful manner. It has set clear goals to cap carbon growth by 2025 and improve waste management, ultimately achieving net zero by 2050.

According to IHH, the loan strengthens its commitment to integrating and upholding sustainable practices across its operations. It says its recent inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index reflects its efforts in embedding environmental, social and governance ( ESG ) principles across the organization, guiding its delivery of world-class patient care and clinical outcomes.

“We see sustainability as an opportunity to create lasting impact,” says IHH group chief financial officer Dilip Kadambi. “As a multinational healthcare player touching millions of lives each year, we are proud to advance sustainable financing through this loan. We thank UOB for partnering us as we further integrate ESG considerations across our business, enhancing patient care and outcomes while driving greater value for all.”

Ang Moh Chuan, managing director, group corporate banking, UOB, adds: “This partnership with IHH Healthcare exemplifies how sustainable finance can drive meaningful change. UOB is committed to working with businesses across the region to accelerate their transition towards a low-carbon economy.

“As a leading regional bank with deep ASEAN connectivity, we go beyond providing innovative financing solutions and act as a strategic partner to our clients, helping them achieve their sustainability ambitions and long-term business growth.”

As of December 31 2024, UOB has provided S$16.6 billion in SLLs for clients in the real estate, construction and infrastructure, industrial, and other sectors.