Constructive effects: (Front row, from left) SMG chief content officer Esther Ng, Teoh, Masni, Yeow and SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang and the working partners of the awards at the official launch of the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2023 at Menara Star yesterday. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Efforts by Malaysian companies to push forth the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda will be celebrated.
All businesses, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations, that demonstrate exemplary ESG practices can now proudly showcase their endeavours through Star Media Group Bhd’s (SMG) ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA).
Entering its second edition this year, the ESG PIA – with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd as the main sponsor – seeks to recognise and showcase Malaysian companies’ journeys and achievements in the ESG space.
The awards also aim to accelerate ESG momentum across 15 categories and inspire greater adoption by businesses to drive lasting change and positive impact for a sustainable tomorrow.
Representing Malaysian Industry Development Authority (Mida) chief executive officer Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Mida Investment Policy Advocacy (Manufacturing) executive director Masni Muhammad launched the awards for their second year at Menara Star here yesterday.
Commending SMG, sponsor OCBC Bank, and the programme partners, Masni said the dedication towards heightening awareness of corporate Malaysia’s sustainable practices and long-term impacts is definitely a step towards realising Malaysia’s net zero aspirations.
“This launch recognises individuals and corporations in Malaysia that demonstrate their leadership and advocacy in creating a positive impact on our environment and society.
“More and more small and medium-sized businesses in Malaysia are realising the importance of ESG practices, which go beyond profits to ensure the longevity and sustainability of their businesses and the wellbeing of our planet and people.”
In addition to this, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Industry Environment, Social and Governance Framework (i-ESG) were launched under the government’s national strategic policy framework, which focuses on good governance, sustainable development, and racial harmony.
Masni emphasised that the government is proactive in ensuring a just transition towards a low-carbon economy with the introduction of various frameworks and policies.
“Miti launched the i-ESG Framework on Oct 2 to prepare the nation’s manufacturing sector to embrace ESG principles and to tap into a US$12 trillion (RM57 trillion) global market for ESG-focused opportunities,” she said.
Representing OCBC Bank’s chief executive officer, Tan Chor Sen, OCBC Bank’s Wholesale Banking managing director, Jeffrey Teoh, said, “OCBC Bank has been around for more than 90 years, and the hallmark of our existence has been engagement with and service to the communities around us.
“High on the agenda today is our focus on ESG and how we create value for our customers and communities at large.
“This posture builds into the nation’s focus on achieving net zero (emissions) by 2050. This is an ideal that can only be attained when everyone comes together. In many ways, our role in SMG’s ESG Positive Impact Awards is to help this along.
“The broader picture of what OCBC Bank is doing for ESG lies in how we ensure our own practices, premises and posture are sustainable, alongside supporting corporates as well as SMEs and individuals in their ESG efforts,” he added.
Miti’s i-ESG deputy director, Dr Meenachi Muniandy, was also present at the launch.
SMG group chief executive officer Alex Yeow said the inaugural ESG PIA was introduced in 2022 to create a credible platform for companies to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.
He said the media group is stepping up its game by becoming an enabler in the ESG landscape to help aspiring businesses go beyond just making profits.
“The ESG Positive Impact Awards 2022 allowed businesses to position themselves at the vanguard of their respective industries. It proved to be an excellent platform for companies to transform their achievements into inspiration for peers, investors, and stakeholders.”
Yeow emphasised that the media group has made it its responsibility to strengthen and foster a deeper relationship with the business community by focusing on three key areas.
“Last but not least, to strengthen our position as one of the enablers in pushing the nation’s sustainability agenda,” said Yeow after praising the government and private sector for their efforts in integrating and embracing ESG pillars in their organisational framework.
In conjunction with the launch, an ESG marketplace was held, featuring participation from the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia, Cultiveat, Masala Wheels, Gerai OA, Zero Waste Earth Store, Graze Market, and the Green Factory.
The ESG Positive Impact Awards 2023 are organised by Star Media Group Bhd with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd as the main sponsor. To register your interest in the awards programme, visit staresgawards.com.my.
