I truly believe that the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2023 is a step in the right direction in accelerating ESG practices among Corporate Malaysia and SMEs.It casts a positive light on the meaningful changes that have occurred in the lives of people and the environment by Corporate Malaysia. More importantly, it has created a platform for organisations to share knowledge and best practices, gain insightful solutions and even inspire others to follow suit.

Initiatives such as the ESG Positive Impact Awards by Star Media Group play an important role in encouraging corporate Malaysia to adopt sustainable practices which will ultimately contribute to the wider sustainable development of the nation.

As we move into the second year of the ESG Positive Impact Awards in 2023, I would like to encourage more businesses, especially the small and medium business enterprises, to make the commitment towards integrating ESG practices into their strategy as the benefits far outweigh the risks.

The time for meaningful action is now. I commend Star Media Group (SMG) for organising the ESG Positive Impact Awards for the second consecutive year. I trust that this initiative will serve as a platform to cultivate stronger ESG practices among Malaysian businesses and enhance public awareness or our shared responsibility in achieving our sustainability goals.

We believe the format of the Awards, split into corporate and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) tiers, provides ample opportunity to showcase unique capabilities by business players within their respective segments.

Let the ESG Positive Impact Awards not just be an annual event but a perennial reminder of what we can achieve when we rally behind a cause that transcends beyond business — to the very heart of our shared future.

BCSD is pleased to witness the progression of local businesses in ESG practices throughout the years via the ESG Positive Impact Awards’ recognition. We believe the Awards is here to stay as the unbiased platform to encourage more transformative business models and ESG culture integration in corporate decision-making among Malaysian businesses.

The collaborative and collective impact of the ESG Positive Impact Awards and its dedicated working partners on advancing sustainability in Malaysia has been truly transformative. I encourage others to join us in the noble cause of advancing the Malaysian ESG agenda.

It is obvious that banks have a crucial role in supporting the green transition. Banks are playing an important role in enabling clients and businesses to adapt to and accelerate the transition through their lending, underwriting and investment decisions.

Star Media Group’s ESG Positive Impact Awards categories echo Bursa Malaysia’s SRF and provide an avenue for public listed companies to showcase their leadership in managing these critical sustainability matters.

The sustainability reporting requirements for listed companies on Bursa Malaysia are intended to address local needs while staying aligned with global reporting expectations and developments. The canvas on which we are working to shape the implementation of the ISSB standards in Malaysia is big, requiring the interplay of many factors, including market readiness, regulatory oversight considerations, as well as cost implications.