Inquirer, Malaysia’s Star Media Group, Indonesia’s KG Media launch A-EPIC

WATERSHED MOMENT Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim leads the launch of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium in Kuala Lumpur on June 21. Joining him are (from left) Malaysia’s Star Media Group (SMG) CEO Chan Seng Fatt, Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Rudyard Arbolado, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, Malaysian Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister YB Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, SMG chair Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Indera Hermono, Indonesia’s KG Media CEO Andy Budiman, and Sime Darby Property group managing director Azmir Merican. —Glenn Guan/The Star (Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In a historic moment, Star Media Group (SMG), Media Group of Kompas Gramedia (KG Media) and the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC), three influential media powerhouses in Asia, have joined forces on June 21 to launch Asia’s first ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-Epic or Consortium) at Sime Darby Convention Center here.

The A-Epic launch marks a watershed moment for the three media partners which are taking on a shared mission to drive influence of ESG principles in facilitating the region’s green economic growth.

The unprecedented cross-border alliance aims to collectively impact 123 million people across the region. SMG, KG Media and IGC share a solidified partnership with a common goal to expedite the adoption of ESG—environmental, social and governance—in the mainstream media, to ensure public accountability and transparency.

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As key influencers of the media landscape, the Consortium recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond news gathering and distribution on nation-building. It aims to achieve this through the delivery of content that informs, inspires and empowers audiences across the region.

The launch ceremony was graced by the prime minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, symbolizing a powerful message and acknowledgment of the regional collaboration for a thriving green economy. His presence, alongside YB Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, signifies the Malaysian government’s unwavering support for the Consortium’s mission.

Adding to the event’s prestige were representatives from the Consortium’s regional media partners. These included Andy Budiman, CEO of KG Media; and lawyer Rudyard Arbolado, president and CEO of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), who were present to commemorate the historic occasion alongside Indonesian Ambassador Indera Hermono, Philippine Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, as well as other diplomatic representatives from across Asia.

3-pronged strategy

“We must recognize that achieving net zero requires a collaborative effort involving all—the government, the private sector and the people. This is where I believe the formation of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium is timely where it can leverage the prowess of three media groups to facilitate collaborative action between stakeholders, businesses and the public,” says Anwar.

Global warming, social inequalities and governance issues are becoming global pressing issues. These challenges have further pinned down the importance of ESG principles in shaping a sustainable and secure future. The media industry plays a pivotal role in raising awareness, fostering collaboration and influencing positive change for a sustainable future.

The Consortium strives to build a future where sustainability is at the core of its communities. This will be achieved through a three-pronged strategy focusing on education, engagement and community which will be led by each of the Group’s brands—StarESG, KG Media Lestari and the Inquirer ESG Edge.

The Consortium offers a multifaceted approach:

Education: Integrating sustainability into the social consciousness through a comprehensive media strategy that will bridge the communication gap between policymakers, businesses, investors and the general public.

Engagement: Creating opportunities for aspiring businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to connect with experienced sustainability practitioners, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth.

Community: Establishing a collaborative network by spotlighting the best-in-class in ESG as voices of authority and establishing them as a benchmark for others in the region to aspire toward.

Nat’l, regional awards

Each country will be launching its own local initiative, starting with the local ESG Positive Impact Awards for Malaysia, the Annual Impact Awards for the Philippines, and the Lestari Awards for Indonesia.

Local winners from these events will compete at the regional level, building momentum toward the prestigious inaugural Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards and culminating in a regional summit in 2025.

The Consortium will also capitalize on its platforms to launch workshops, local summits and editorial content to raise awareness, educate on ESG principles, knowledge-sharing and highlight success stories.

With the global economy transitioning toward sustainability practices, ESG practices are becoming essential for businesses to thrive in the green economy.

“Through the collective power of our reach to over 123 million people, we envision a sustainable Asia where media collaborations promote progressive environmental, socioeconomic and governance commitments for future prosperity across the region. We are dedicated to promoting and supporting each member’s ESG initiatives to educate, engage and foster a fraternity of like-minded ESG practitioners to hasten ESG adoption across the region. Together, we will tackle challenges and seize opportunities as we move towards a prosperous, resource-efficient and inclusive Asia,” says SMG group CEO Chan Seng Fatt.

For positive change

“KG Media proudly announces our partnership with the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium, a strategic collaboration that reinforces our belief that a sustainable future is our shared responsibility.

“This conviction drives our Lestari campaign, aimed at amplifying local sustainability initiatives for greater impact. By joining A-Epic, we seek to further elevate these efforts and open more collaboration opportunities for greater impact. This alliance with top media powerhouses across Asia, positions us as catalysts for positive socioeconomic development, propelling the region towards a sustainable future. Our commitment is resolute: to showcase and amplify impactful local efforts, champion sustainability as the new standard, and empower businesses and communities through bold media strategies,” says KG Media CEO Budiman.

He believes that “With A-Epic, KG Media stands steadfast in shaping a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow across Asia and beyond.”

“Today marks a significant milestone for the Inquirer Group of Companies as we proudly announce our partnership with Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium. This strategic alliance underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and social responsibility, reflecting our core values and commitment to positive change,” says PDI president and CEO Arbolado.

Joining A-Epic, Arbolado said, is not just an acknowledgment of their past advocacies, but a pledge to amplify collective impact through collaborative and innovative approaches. As a distinguished media entity, the Inquirer Group has stood witness to the tangible impact of ESG challenges to society, economy and the global landscape.

The Consortium is looking to collaborate with businesses to amplify sustainable change across the region. It also pleased to announce Sime Darby Property Berhad as the Urban Biodiversity Partner for its initiatives.

(To learn more about the Consortium and its mission, visit esgpositiveimpactconsortium.asia. The Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium is also open to other media houses across Asia who would like to join the alliance’s mission in igniting change and making an impact for a sustainable future.)