One for the album: Nik Nazmi (front row, centre) at the ESG PIA 2023 awards in Petaling Jaya. With him are (front row, from left) Wang, Chan, Hairil, Iskandar Malaysia Studios Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rashid Karim, Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd executive vice-chairman Datuk Seri Tai Hean Leng, Wong, Tan and Ng as well as other award winners. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: A total of 64 companies received awards for their exemplary sustainable practices, honouring their monumental efforts in an evolving corporate landscape.
They were recognised for their unwavering commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles by embracing sustainability and societal welfare alongside financial performance.
Two companies have set themselves apart with their impressive ESG initiatives, clinching the Most Outstanding ESG Initiatives of the Year award.
The winners were Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd in the large companies category and Iskandar Malaysia Studios Sdn Bhd in the SME to mid-tier category.
The ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA), now in its second year, serve as a benchmark for Malaysian companies.
The theme for this year was “Embrace a Sustainable Future”.
With 15 categories divided into four award groups – environment, social, governance, and others – the award inspires industry players and investors to work towards a better future for the country.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the award is more than a celebration of excellence but a testament to the collective efforts of industry leaders who champion Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.
“They symbolise a commitment by local businesses to drive positive change across industries by embracing the future, namely ESG.
“Sustainability is no longer an option – it is our shared imperative,” he said in his keynote speech during the award gala night yesterday.
Commending Star Media Group’s (SMG) efforts in its proactive approach to contributing to Malaysia’s sustainability plan, Nik Nazmi said the award serves as an inspiration to more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
He said that businesses play a pivotal role amid unprecedented environmental challenges – climate change, biodiversity loss and other planetary crises.
“The private sector’s responsibility in the fight against climate change is a heavy one. But it is one that I believe Malaysia is embracing.
“Collective efforts between the government, private sector and communities are the key to sustainable development,” said Nik Nazmi.
He praised the award winners, stating that they serve as examples of what businesses can achieve when they adopt ESG principles.
“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.
Nik Nazmi also reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving Malaysia’s net zero goal by 2050 through initiatives such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology roadmap.
“May we never let sustainability become commonplace, or worse yet, a form of greenwashing,” he said.
“We must always take it seriously because the world we leave our children in is at stake.”
In his opening address, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said that the award celebrates the remarkable achievements of businesses that have embraced ESG principles.
“These companies are at the forefront, shaping a future that promises inclusivity and sustainability,” he said.
Launched in 2022, the awards were created with a mission to journey towards sustainability with collective action, he said.
These categories, he added, encompass a broad spectrum of company sizes and initiatives, recognising outstanding ESG practices in SMEs, mid-tier companies, and large companies.
“The strong participation in this year’s awards programme is a testament to the growing importance of ESG practices in Malaysia,” he said.
Compared with last year, there was a significant increase of 38% in award submissions to 287, he said.
The ESG Positive Impact Awards 2023 are organised by SMG, with OCBC Bank (M) Bhd as the main sponsor and Ernst & Young as the adviser and auditor.
The awards are supported by a range of working partners: the ABAC Centre of Excellence, Business Council for Sustainable Development Malaysia, Green Growth Asia Foundation, and the Malaysian Green Tech and Climate Change Centre, among others.
In honour of Malaysia’s independence in August, gala attendees wore a vibrant cultural tapestry of traditional attire.
The gala night at Sheraton PJ focused on sustainability by creating a carbon offset zone for the venue.
Attendees voluntarily reported carbon emissions incurred from their travels to the venue, which were compiled and offset through carbon credits.
A Renewable Energy Certificate also offsets the night’s electricity use.
Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) 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.
The ESG PIA 2023 is endorsed by the NRES ministry and Miti.
To find out more, visit staresgawards.com.my.
