Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (front row, centre) at the ESG PIA 2023 awards held at Sheraton Petaling Jaya, August 21, 2024. Joining him are (front row, from left) Star Media Group (SMG) chief business officer Lydia Wang, SMG chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Most Outstanding ESG Initiative (Small and Medium Enterprises And Mid-Tier) winner Iskandar Malaysia Studios Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rashid Karim, Most Outstanding ESG Initiative (Large Companies) winner Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd executive vice chairman Datuk Sri Tai Hean Leng, SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen and SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng posing for photos with other award winners. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
MALAYSIA: The second edition of the ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA) ended on a high note on Wednesday night (Aug 21) with 64 awards presented to Malaysian companies for their exemplary efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
The vibrant gala night, which was held in Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel, Selangor, saw 650 attendees celebrating companies for their forward-thinking, as well as unwavering commitment to 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. They were Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd under the large companies category and Iskandar Malaysia Studios Sdn Bhd under the small and medium enterprises (SME) to mid-tier category.
First launched in 2022, ESG PIA is positioned as a benchmark for Malaysian companies, with the theme “Embrace A Sustainable Future”. It was organised by Star Media Group (SMG), with OCBC Bank (M) Bhd as the main sponsor, and Ernst & Young as the adviser and auditor.
With 15 categories under four award groups – environment, social, governance and others – the award inspires industry players and investors to strive towards a better future for the country.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was the guest of honour, said the awards 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 gala night.
Nik Nazmi further commended SMG’s efforts in its proactive approach to contributing to Malaysia’s sustainability plan, saying that the award serves as an inspiration to more businesses to adopt sustainable practices. He said businesses play a pivotal role in the midst of 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,” he said.
SMG chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said the awards celebrate 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 in his opening address.
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 to last year, there was a significant increase of 38%, translating to 287 awards submissions.
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 is supported by a range of working partners including the ABAC Centre of Excellence, Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) Malaysia, Green Growth Asia Foundation, and the Malaysian Green Tech and Climate Change Centre, among others.
In commemoration of Malaysia’s independence in August, gala attendees were dressed in a vibrant cultural tapestry of traditional attire. Furthermore, in doing its part for the environment, SMG created a carbon offset zone for the venue.
The ESG PIA 2023 is endorsed by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.
To find out more, visit staresgawards.com.my
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