CONSERVATION in Malaysia has received a boost from a brewery through a RM600,000 sponsorship.
The partnership with the Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF), a financial entity that develops and implements solutions for forest conservation, was announced by Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd.
It was made in conjunction with the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 celebration at the residence of the Ambassador of Denmark to Malaysia.
Present to witness this partnership were Danish ambassador Kirstine Vangkilde Berner, European Union Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr, Carlsberg Malaysia managing director Stefano Clini, its corporate affairs and sustainability director Pearl Lai and a representative from MFF.
Clini said the initiative reflected the brewery’s focus on safeguarding ecosystems that were fundamental to both environmental resilience and its operations.
“Water is the main ingredient in every beer we brew and its quality and availability depend directly on healthy forest ecosystems.
“That is why protecting forests and biodiversity is critical – not only for environmental resilience, but for communities and businesses alike.
“This partnership with MFF marks the beginning of long-term collaboration and accountability, in line with our purpose of balancing business growth with strict environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices,” he added.
As a founding member of the Green Transition Alliance (GTA), a flagship initiative led by the Embassy of Denmark in Malaysia, Carlsberg Malaysia supports collective action to advance biodiversity and environmental stewardship through public-private partnerships.
The GTA aims to bring together governments, businesses and partners to accelerate Malaysia’s green transition, translating shared ambitions into meaningful on-the-ground impact.
Through this collaboration, the RM600,000 fund will be managed by MFF.
Environmental non-governmental organisations are invited to apply for grants through MFF’s Forest Conservation Certificate mechanism to implement forest biodiversity conservation projects across Malaysia.
Speaking at the event, Daerr stressed in his speech that forest ecosystems were crucial in supporting climate resilience and sustainable development.
“Forests serve as vital carbon sinks while underpinning biodiversity and climate resilience.
“Strengthening ecosystem protection is increasingly relevant as sustainability considerations become more integrated into economic and trade frameworks,” he said.
Speaking on the brewery’s ESG programmes, Lai said the company aimed to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“What we have already done very well is circularity, which is to eliminate waste and regenerate natural systems.
“Our bottles, for example, are returnable and refillable.
“Our returnable and refillable rate is about 90%.
“In terms of cutting carbon emissions, we have been able to reduce them by 10% from 2024 to 2025 thanks to our brewery transformation project in which we have invested over RM300mil over the last four years,” Lai elaborated.
Also present at the event were Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang, Sin Chew Media Corporation executive director Eugene Wong and Mah Sing head of strategic communications, sustainability and corporate responsibility Lyanna Tew.
