Rise of eco-conscious entrepreneurs


Zalina (third right), Chan (fourth right) and Star Media Group chief business officer Lydia Wang (third left) and guests posing for a photo during the power breakfast event at Menara Star. Photos by AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

AS organisations increasingly prioritise sustainability, knowledge-sharing fosters essential discussions that inspire actionable strategies for driving meaningful change in businesses.

Recognising this, Star Media Group (SMG), in partnership with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, hosted the ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA) 2024 Power Breakfast to bring together a network of businesses committed to advancing as agents of green change.

The event, which is a lead up to the ESG PIA 2024, featured talks and sharing sessions, including ESG Bytetalks on Responsible Consumption and Production; Good Health and Wellbeing; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

Emphasising the importance of inspiring positive transformation across the business community, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt expressed his anticipation for the promising ESG journey ahead in Malaysia.

Chan also said businesses that strive for ESG excellence would be able to elevate their operations, contribute to industry progress and build stronger communities.

Chan (left) and Teoh sealing another year of partnership for the third instalment of the ESG Positive Impact Awards at Menara Star.Chan (left) and Teoh sealing another year of partnership for the third instalment of the ESG Positive Impact Awards at Menara Star.

“In line with this vision, we are excited to announce the introduction of a new award category this year (ESG PIA 2024): Sustainable Products and Services.“This addition reflects the growing importance of innovation in developing solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.

“The awards ceremony goes beyond recognition as it is also a call to action for Malaysian businesses to contribute to a harmonious coexistence between people, planet and profit.”

He added that OCBC’s support as a main sponsor for the third consecutive year is a testament to its belief in promoting ESG principles.

“OCBC’s support reflects the bank’s strong values and belief in promoting ESG principles and inspiring positive changes across the business community,” he said.OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd’s head of wholesale banking Jeffrey Teoh Nee Teik said sustainability is a shared commitment across all shareholders.

“ESG principles are becoming increasingly vital in shaping the world. In OCBC, we hold on to the power of collective action.

“Responsible business practices are no longer optional, they are essential. Each of us has pivotal roles to play in driving positive change and together we can make a profound difference,” he said in his speech.

Teoh added that participation of businesses in the ESG PIA 2024 demonstrates the bank’s commitment in achieving greater change to the environment.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) deputy chief executive officer Zalina Zainol highlighted that the ESG PIA serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging businesses to prioritise sustainability.

She expressed hope that the awards would inspire companies to adopt sustainable practices and position Malaysia as a regional sustainability leader.

Zalina expressed hope that the ESG PIA would inspire more companies to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.Zalina expressed hope that the ESG PIA would inspire more companies to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

As a working partner of the ESG PIA, Zalina emphasised MIDA’s active role in supporting businesses, particularly SMEs, through initiatives like the Domestic Investment Accelerator Fund (DIAF), which provides grants and technical expertise to integrate ESG principles.

She also noted MIDA’s alignment with key policies such as the National Climate Change Policy 2.0, the i-ESG Framework 2023, and the Green Investment Strategy, which strengthen ESG integration through mechanisms like carbon pricing and mandatory reporting.

“MIDA envisions sustainability becoming as integral to businesses as financial reporting,” she told StarESG.

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd executive director Chan Mei Ling shared with the guests about the bank’s SME Energy Efficiency Assessment (SMEEA) tool to calculate energy usage in companies.Meanwhile, RentalWorks Sdn Bhd marketing group head Mathilda Lai shared the company’s strategies for becoming an agent of change in driving the green agenda within the business sector.

Lai explained that the company drives sustainability through its circular economy model, focusing on the 3R framework – rent, refurbish, and repurpose.

“By offering cost-effective leasing programmes with 0% interest and promoting device lifecycle management, RentalWorks helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint and e-waste while optimising device usage,” she said.

Over the past 18 years, RentalWorks has deployed 60,000 devices, reduced carbon emissions by 1.3 million tonnes, and saved 15,000 kg of e-waste. The company also provides AI-powered solutions, endpoint protection, and secure data erasure, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and offering device circularity reports to support ESG goals.

Additionally, RentalWorks fosters global and social impact through initiatives like the Climate Impact Act, device donations, and gender diversity, while striving for long-term goals such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

It won Gold for Responsible Production and Consumption in the ESG PIA 2023.

E-Health Sdn Bhd managing director Ker Chin Keong emphasised on the company’s strong focus on sustainability and community impact that aim to improve health outcomes, reduce medical costs, and inspire innovation in the healthcare industry.

He said: “Excelife actively supports community health through free health screenings, educational programmes, and resources for pharmacists to enhance customer care and service. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we provided essential support by donating supplements, PPEs, and organising food banks.”

Ker also shared about the company’s innovative and high-quality offerings such as organic turmeric and European Black Elderberry C-Plus, and more – all of which are developed using advanced technologies and stringent quality controls, ensuring purity, potency, and therapeutic value.

Excelife is a research-based health supplement company committed to ESG principles and delivering high-quality, safe, and effective products. It won Gold for Good Health and Wellbeing in the ESG PIA 2023.

Meanwhile, UEM Edgenta Bhd ESG head Sharifah Bakar Ali shared about the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and DEI.

She pointed out that UEM Agenda integrates human rights and labour standards into its operations, having learned from challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sharifah adds that UEM Edgenda is developing a human rights policy and continues to further drive positive change in the ESG space through awareness, education, and strategic initiatives.

“We have achieved gender equality at senior levels, with equal participation of women in senior membership, women CEOs in subsidiaries, and 30% female representation on the board.“Through our sustainability roadmap, with 11 material matters, including human rights, we have focused on creating awareness, enhancing policies, and engaging both employees and supply chains on sustainability as well as human rights and labour matters.”

UEM Edgenta’s efforts, including gender-inclusive practices and sustainability initiatives, earned them a Gold in championing DEI efforts at the ESG PIA 2023.

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