(From left) Sirim QAS board member Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, Sirim board member Datuk Lim Yew Soon, Ahmad Sabirin, board members Rema Devi VK Padmanabhan and Norlin Abdul Samad, Bahria, Khairol Anuar, Omar Sharif and Sirim board member Mohammad Asri Hassan Sabri during the launch of the Sirim ESG Holistic Ecosystem. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Sirim introduces holistic system to help Malaysian companies reduce carbon footprint and stay competitive
TO improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices among Malaysian industries, Sirim Bhd has officially launched the Sirim ESG Holistic Ecosystem.
This initiative aims to help businesses meet sustainability goals and contribute to both local and global environmental objectives.
It provides Malaysian companies with ESG support services through Sirim’s subsidiaries and business units, namely Sirim QAS International, Sirim Academy and Sirim IR.
The ecosystem was launched in conjunction with Majlis Sirim Industri 2024 at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The event was graced by Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) deputy secretary-general (investment and management) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil.
Among the guests of honour were Sirim chairman Datuk Dr Khairol Anuar Tawi and president and group chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, as well as Sirim QAS chairman Datuk Omar Sharif Mydeen and chief executive officer Nur Fadhilah Muhammad.
Bahria said as global expectations for sustainable practices grew, the initiative would help Malaysian industries integrate ESG principles into their operations.
“I would like to commend Sirim for developing our industry, notably in the areas of research, technology and quality.
Ahmad Sabirin says new policies worldwide form part of the need for ESG compliance.
“It has proven to be an invaluable partner in enhancing industry players’ capabilities.
“Thus, I urge industries to leverage Sirim’s expertise to realise their ESG goals,” she said.
Khairol Anuar said the ecosystem would position Malaysia as a leader in ESG practices.
“As we approach 50 years of being part of Malaysia’s growth, I am humbled that we have been able to be of service to so many industry and government agencies.
“This ecosystem isn’t just about compliance.
“It’s about enabling our industries to thrive globally by embracing sustainable growth and innovation.
“Through rigorous certification, training and advanced testing capabilities, Sirim’s role extends far beyond certifications.
“We empower companies and industries to thrive in the global market, and to proudly uphold Malaysia’s place on the World Competitive Index,” Khairul Anuar said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Sabirin said Sirim was working closely with Miti and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) to assist companies in adopting the various certifications on the ecosystem.
“There are global and national pressures, not only from stakeholders but also from the implementation of new national policies worldwide.
“To remain relevant and competitive, companies must adopt and comply with ESG standards,” he said.
'We empower companies and industries to thrive in the global market and to proudly uphold Malaysia’s place on the World Competitive Index.' - Datuk Dr Khairol Anuar Mohamad Tawi
The Sirim ESG Holistic Ecosystem tackles environmental concerns such as carbon emissions and resource efficiency.
It also addresses social responsibility, ethical governance and transparency, aligning closely with national goals.
Sirim QAS plays a vital role in this system, offering 46 support schemes, with key certifications including ISO 50001 for Energy Management System, ISO 37001 for Anti-Bribery Management System and ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management System.
Sirim QAS also provides specialised certifications such as Social Responsibility Certification (IQNet SR10), Social Accountability (Sirim 50), ISO 14067 for Product Carbon Footprint, ISO 37301 for Compliance Management System, RSPO Supply Chain Certification for sustainable palm oil practices and Eco-Labelling Scheme for environmentally friendly products.
Central to these offerings is the new Sirim 55:2023 ESG Management System, designed to empower businesses to implement, measure and enhance ESG practices.
Meanwhile, Sirim Academy provides ESG training and consultancy, with key offerings such as consultancy services in Gap Analysis, ESG Framework Development and ESG Management System Documentation.
It also provides certification programmes for Certified Sustainability Professional, Certified ESG Management System Professional and Certified ESG Practitioner titles.
An Asia and the Pacific training provider registered by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sirim offers courses in sustainable reporting alongside public and in-house ESG training.
GRI is an independent global organisation that is widely seen as the benchmark for sustainability reporting.
Sirim IR also supports businesses with technical expertise in carbon accounting, energy audits, life cycle assessment, waste characterisation, environmental assessment and monitoring.
Currently, almost 40 companies have been accredited with Sirim’s ESG certification services.
Sirim will also assist Miti in carrying out the Smart Tech Up programme which aims to establish 3,000 smart factories by 2030.
In line with the organisation’s ESG focus, this year’s Majlis Sirim Industri was themed “ESG: Driving 50 Years of Change”.
The annual event was aimed at strengthening partnerships between Sirim, the industry and government agencies.
The event also recognised organisations and companies, especially ESG clients, that received certifications from Sirim QAS in 2023.
During this period, a total of 1,000 organisations were certified by Sirim QAS, while more than 1,500 products were certified under various product certification and management system certification schemes.
