Zurich Malaysia in collaboration with EPIC Homes, embarked on their first house-building project of the year at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Manchung, Bukit Beruntung.
IS sustainability just a buzzword? It used to be. With brands and organisations embracing renewable energy sources, governments and regulators implementing policies to protect ecosystems, and everyday individuals making conscious choices, they are transforming the term into a powerful force for positive change.
As a best practice and force for good, socially responsible companies now embrace sustainability in improving their brand, attracting and retaining top talent, and improving customer and community relationships – which are essential for creating long-term sustainable impacts as it empowers individuals and groups to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of challenges such as economic downturns, natural disasters, or social upheaval.
For instance, Zurich Malaysia actively engages in community investment initiatives that heavily emphasises environmental sustainability, and community development. By investing in programmes that empower individuals with essential skills and resources, the insurance and takaful giant supports community resilience while reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating meaningful change and foster sustainable growth.
Just last month, Zurich Malaysia concluded its fourth annual Climate Month – reaffirming the brand’s sustainability commitments to care for the planet. Held every September since 2021, Zurich’s group-wide Climate Month reflects the brand’s ongoing mission to create awareness on the importance of climate change impacts, as well as actionable steps taken to create a brighter and greener future for everyone.Climate Month is part of Zurich’s broader efforts to promote sustainability and drive meaningful action against climate change, in line with its Climate Transition Plan. One of the many engagements under this initiative includes the construction of homes to build resilient communities for underserved communities with EPIC Homes.
As of October 2024, Zurich Malaysia has completed a total of seven houses, demonstrating dedication not only to its products and services, but also to community well-being, and emphasising on the importance of coming together to care for what truly matters.
Besides that, Climate Month involved protecting and securing the nation’s coastlines through a beach cleanup at Pantai Cunang, which focused on environmental conservation and the importance of community involvement in sustainable practices.Sustainability is a key focus for Zurich Malaysia, as demonstrated by its partnership with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Center (TRCRC). Through the Zurich Cares project, Zurich Malaysia is committed to long-term reforestation and community empowerment in Merisuli, Sabah.
Additionally, Zurich Malaysia launched the Urban Climate Resilience Program (UCRP) in collaboration with the Z Zurich Foundation. This programme aims to build sustainable and resilient communities that can withstand, recover from, and thrive in the face of climate-related disasters. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) and the Global Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) will support local councils in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca respectively.
Zurich Malaysia aims to be at the forefront of bringing impactful changes in the adaptation of systems in selected cities in Malaysia, ensuring enhanced support for those who are vulnerable.
Those interested in learning more about the implementation of community investment events from Zurich Malaysia and how it can gain favour for your respective organisations can stay tuned for an upcoming panel discussion on how the company executes its Climate Transition Plan, featuring Zurich Malaysia chief operations officer of operations and technology Ally Robertson, chief risk officer of property and casualty and sustainability risk head Teresa Wong as well as chief human resource officer Teo Mye Lene.The trio will be making their appearance at the Star ESG Summit 2024 that will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from Nov 6 to 7. Zurich Malaysia is a silver sponsor of the summit. Grab this opportunity to gain knowledge and interact with professionals who share their passion for “business for good”, as well as accelerate your business’ transition into becoming a sustainable, data-driven organisation.
The ESG Summit is organised by Star Media Group. For more information, visit https://conference.thestar.com.my/esgsummit/.
