UNCDF in Malaysia

Advancing nature-positive finance to protect and restore tiger landscape

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is a key partner in advancing nature-positive finance through the Tiger Landscapes Investment Facility (TLIF) — an innovative blended finance mechanism designed to mobilize private and public capital for the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of tiger landscapes. TLIF was launched in 2025 in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tiger Conservation Coalition, and critical donors, with the aim of catalysing up to US$200 million to address the financing gap for biodiversity in tiger-range countries.
UNCDF administers the de-risking and credit guarantee component of the Facility, enabling local financial institutions to extend sustainable finance to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) whose operations support conservation outcomes and livelihood resilience for biodiversity conservation in and around tiger landscapes. Initially planned to be operationalized in Thailand and Malaysia, TLIF combines technical assistance and risk mitigation to unlock domestic capital, strengthen nature-based enterprises, and deliver benefits for people and ecosystems alike.

Scaling up smart digital initiatives in cities

In Ipoh City, UNCDF developed a blended financing mechanism with a $208,800 seed grant to scale up the Smart Traffic Analytics and Recognition System (STARS) initiative through the launch of a digital platform , the Unified Enforcement System (UES), which optimizes revenue generation. The initiative is projected to generate an additional $950,000 in annual revenue for the city through the UES. The city will reinvest 50% of this increased annual revenue to finance the expansion of its smart traffic system from 4 to 16 junctions. The STARS will benefit 401,079 men and 405,921 womens. The pilot will be implemented through a collaboration between the city and TM One=), a state-owned telecom company.

In Kuantan and Seremban, UNCDF is providing each city with a $30,000 grant to conduct preliminary feasibility studies for their proposed initiatives: the EV charging station in Kuantanand the IOCC in Seremban. The feasibility studies will evaluate the bankability of the proposed initiatives and identify sustainable financing options for implementation. The initiatives are expected to benefit 298,877 males and 271,276 females in Kuantan, and 359,500 males and 339,500 females in Seremban.