PETALING JAYA: From trade compliance to board governance, organisations have significant opportunities to build and develop their competitive advantage in the low-carbon economy.
Cities, meanwhile, can drive this transition by leading and innovating in the development of circular urban systems.
These are among the topics to be explored at the upcoming Asia ESG Summit organised by Star Media Group, which will bring together an international lineup of experts for high-impact discussions on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
Environmental policy tool
The programme will be structured around three concurrent forums focusing on ESG Governance and Data Assurance, Circular Economy, and Green Climate and Energy.
Richard Baker, who is PwC Malaysia’s director of sustainability and climate change, will deliver a plenary session on “CBAM Readiness: How Asia’s Exporters Must Adapt to Global Carbon Taxes” in the Green Climate and Energy forum.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), is the European Union’s (EU) environmental policy tool for fair carbon emissions pricing.
By placing a price on carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods that are entering the bloc, it encourages cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.
CBAM applies to carbon-intensive imports, unless the exporter can prove that an equivalent carbon price has already been paid in the country of origin.
Embodied carbon and green tax
Baker, who has extensive experience in greenhouse gas emissions, embodied carbon and green tax incentives, is well positioned to share practical insights on managing carbon tax and CBAM exposure.
With climate regulations, carbon pricing and ESG risks increasingly affecting company value, board of directors must incorporate these factors into their decision making.
ESG considerations have therefore, become an integral part of fiduciary duty, given their direct impact on corporate risk, compliance and investor confidence.
RHB Group’s head of group sustainability strategic management and governance, Joel Khaw Chuan Penn, will share his thoughts during his plenary session on “Fiduciary Duty Redefined: How Boards Must Integrate ESG into Financial Decision-Making”, which will be part of the ESG Governance and Data Assurance forum.
At the city level, sustainability is a transformation strategy.
During the Circular Economy forum, Urbanice Malaysia board member Norliza Hashim will present “Circular City and Sustainable Urban Development: A Regenerative Approach”, exploring how cities can move away from the traditional “build, use and dispose” model towards a circular city approach.
A thought leader in sustainability who has spearheaded national and regional efforts in sustainable urban development, climate resilience and inclusive city governance, Norliza will explain why a circular city is a practical way forward for creating more resilient, efficient and people-centred urban development.
Themed “Driving Action to Measurable Impact”, the Asia ESG Summit will be held on July 21 and 22 at Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya.
There will also be a workshop on Financial Accountability in ESG Reporting.
For details on the summit, visit https://bit.ly/aes2026_1. Register now to enjoy the early bird promotion.
