Upskilling: An Important Currency That Buys SMEs a Future in the Digital Age
Upskilling is the key investment that empowers SMEs to fully leverage technology, stay competitive, and thrive in ASEAN’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Nearly a year has passed since UOB FinLab concluded its GreenTech Accelerator 2024 (GTA), and we’ve followed up with one of the participating GreenTech companies to see how things have progressed.
To revisit the programme’s highlights: over six months, selected GreenTech firms addressed more than 50 sustainability challenges submitted by 27 partners, including UOB and other corporate collaborators. These challenges aimed to inspire innovative solutions and foster partnerships for pilot initiatives.
Out of the 33 participating companies, 16 pilot projects were chosen to receive funding from UOB FinLab to help bring their ideas to life.
One particularly promising collaboration is the pilot project between Co.Efficient Alpha and Great Cosmo.
As part of Great Cosmo’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, a targeted energy optimisation initiative was launched in collaboration with UOB FinLab and Co.Efficient Alpha. This pilot project aimed to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions through advanced voltage optimisation technology, aligning with broader goals of environmental stewardship and cost efficiency.
The initiative was conducted at Great Cosmo’s manufacturing facility in Kuang, Selangor, which operates 24/7 at full capacity. Co.Efficient Alpha’s system was installed on April 13, 2025, with data collection spanning both pre and post-installation periods. Using third-party IIOT devices, granular consumption data was captured hourly, enabling precise analysis of energy usage patterns.
Initial targets set by Great Cosmo included an 8% reduction in electricity consumption. However, post-installation analysis revealed a 17% reduction—more than double the original goal. This was accompanied by a 5% voltage optimisation, confirming the system’s effectiveness in stabilising electrical input and reducing unnecessary energy draw.
The verified results translated into substantial environmental and financial benefits. Based on Great Cosmo’s estimated maximum monthly demand of 168,071 kWh, the optimisation system is projected to save RM 121,040 annually in electricity costs. Over a 10-year horizon, this equates to over RM 1.2 million in savings and a reduction of nearly 2,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, reinforcing the long-term value of the initiative.
The Great Cosmo Voltage Optimisation project showcased the transformative potential of data-driven energy solutions. Through collaboration with UOB Finlab and Co.Efficient Alpha, the initiative demonstrated how targeted interventions can yield measurable improvements in sustainability and profitability.
Energy Consumption Reduction
Voltage Stabilisation
Long-Term Impact
Operational Planning and Data Integration
Great Cosmo’s energy optimisation initiative provides a replicable model for industrial sustainability. By leveraging voltage optimisation technology and real-time data analytics, the company has significantly reduced its environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency.
The collaboration with UOB FinLab and Co.Efficient Alpha underscores the importance of cross-sector partnerships in driving innovation. With verified results and scalable outcomes, Great Cosmo is well-positioned to expand its sustainability efforts and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s green transition.
UOB FinLab is honoured to lead the GreenTech Accelerator 2024, a program that highlights the power of collaboration in tackling real-world sustainability issues—demonstrated through the partnership between Co.Efficient Alpha and Great Cosmo.
The programme demonstrates our ongoing commitment to build a sustainable future by providing access to masterclasses, mentorships and networking opportunities. Programme participants can deepen business connections through UOB FinLab’s vast network of over 33,000 industry leaders including government agencies, solutions providers, and private and public businesses.
UOB FinLab will continue to accelerate sustainability innovation in ASEAN and has plans to launch more programmes focusing on driving adoption and innovation in sustainability in 2025. Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter.
Upskilling is the key investment that empowers SMEs to fully leverage technology, stay competitive, and thrive in ASEAN’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Sustainability reporting isn’t just compliance, it’s a growth strategy. It builds trust, wins bigger customers, and drives efficiency. The UOB FinLab helps SMEs start small and scale through its community and programmes, including the SME Elevate Programme and the Sustainability Innovation Programme (SIP).
The GreenTech Accelerator Thailand drives sustainability through pilots in energy, waste, agriculture, and building maintenance—delivering cost savings, improved recycling, reduced resource use, and AI-driven efficiency for measurable environmental impact.
Designed for business owners to enhance their digital capabilities through practical learning, this programme takes businesses to the next level.
Designed for business owners to enhance their digital capabilities through practical learning, this programme takes businesses to the next level.
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