PETALING JAYA: Integrating sustainable practices remains a top priority among Malaysian businesses, serving as a catalyst for long-term success.
Recognising these efforts, Star Media Group Bhd
(SMG) celebrated 64 award winners at its ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA) 2023 for their unwavering commitment towards a sustainable Malaysia.
SMG chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said the ESG PIA recognises the efforts of local businesses toward an inclusive future and calls on all businesses to incorporate sustainability into their core operations.
“By recognising outstanding Malaysian companies, not only do we acknowledge and celebrate their local efforts and achievements to a sustainable and inclusive future, it also serves as a call to action for all businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations,” he said during his welcome remarks at the awards gala on Aug 21, 2024.
He pointed out that ESG PIA helped increase awareness surrounding sustainability issues, with businesses becoming more aware that sustainable practices align with social responsibility while staying profitable.
This is evident given ESG PIA’s surge in submissions by 38% to 287 submissions.
“The strong participation in this year’s awards programme is a testament to the growing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in Malaysia,” said Chan.
Themed “Embrace a Sustainable Future”, ESG PIA recognises both outstanding ESG practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mid-tier companies as well as large companies.
The award, now in its second year, has 15 categories divided into four award groups, namely environment, social, governance, among others.
Two companies stood out with their exceptional ESG initiatives, winning the Most Outstanding ESG Initiative of the Year award.
The winners were Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd (Masteel) under the large companies category as well as Iskandar Malaysia Studios Sdn Bhd (IMS) under the SME to mid-tier companies.
Masteel deputy chairman cum managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tai Hean Leng shared his joy with StarBiz by stating how blessed he is on behalf of the company having been awarded two awards at the ESG PIA.
The steel manufacturer had also won a gold award under the Supply Chain Management category.
Sharing the groups’ tips and tricks, Tai stated that Masteel has internalised ESG practices for all Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions within their day-to-day operations.
“And particularly for the this awards, we focus on Scope 3 – where we bring our supply chain, help our suppliers and get them to be on the sustainability bandwagon as well. We also help them complete their sustainability reports,” he said.
Generally speaking, Tai said Malaysia is now at a very exciting phase.
“This (sustainable) journey started in Malaysia maybe about seven to eight years ago, but it’s speeding up. In fact, financial institutions have recognised that if a company has sustainable practices, they are eager to provide funding and support.
“On the consumer side, the awareness has obviously heightened, especially events such as this (ESG PIA). I believe it is good for everyone and we are glad to be a part of it,” he said.
IMS chief executive officer Rashid Karim also shared his excitement following the group’s achievement in clinching both the Most Outstanding ESG Initiative of the Year award as well as the gold award for the Energy Efficiency category.
Rashid shared that IMS, a film and television production facility provider, has clear policies on energy efficiency as well as social and governance, which are all pillars of ESG.
“I think what is unique about us is that ESG is just one of the many things we do. It is really part of our DNA,” he said.
He then shared how IMS engages in sustainable measures such as installation of solar systems, water recycling for sets and permanent infrastructure for client usage.
Rashid then expressed his gratitude to the IMS team, stating that the team had inspired IMS to pursue ESG practices and has always been a strong support towards this goal.
Honouring the event, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said ESG PIA is more than a celebration of excellence but a testament to the collective efforts of industry leaders who champion Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.
He praised the award winners, stating that they serve as testament of what businesses can accomplish once ESG principles are adopted.
“Their continued dedication not only contributes to a healthier planet and stronger communities, but also positions them as leaders in this evolving landscape,” he said.
Endorsed by the NRES ministry, ESG PIA 2023 was organised by SMG, with OCBC Bank (M) Bhd as the main sponsor, Ernst & Young as the adviser and auditor, as well as 988 and Suria FM as official media partners.
The awards are supported by working partners including the ABAC Centre of Excellence, Business Council for Sustainable Development Malaysia, Green Growth Asia Foundation and the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, among others.
Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob, SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, SMG non-independent non-executive director Datuk Kelvin Lim, SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng, SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang and OCBC Bank (M) Bhd chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen.
To find out more, visit staresgawards.com.my
