Regional media giants to drive sustainability efforts

KUALA LUMPUR: Three regional media powerhouses with a reach of more than 123 million people have formed the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC).

The first of its kind in Asia, A-EPIC comprises Star Media Group (SMG), Indonesia’s Media Group of Kompas Gramedia (KG Media) and the Inquirer Group of Companies.

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This is part of efforts to promote progressive environmental, socio-economic and governance commitments for prosperity across the region.

In his speech on behalf of the media partners, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said they would stand together in the collective pursuit of sustainability and positive impact.

Acknowledging the urgency in addressing globally intensified environmental and social challenges in recent years, he said Asian countries are increasingly recognising that sustainable practices are no longer optional but essential for the collective future.

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“As key media organisations, we have embraced this reality, understanding that media plays a crucial role in driving awareness and action.

“Taking heed of this call, we began re-evaluating our operations to align with our countries’ goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said in his speech at the A-EPIC launch yesterday.

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Chan said news coverage had expanded to include critical topics such as climate change, United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles.

“By doing so, we aim to educate the public, inspire action and contribute to the global discourse on sustainability. Our commitment to this cause has never wavered,” he said.

Chan highlighted a recent study which found that only 25% of Malaysian small and medium enterprises currently implemented ESG practices.

“This highlights the need for greater awareness and support as many of them are still struggling with the complexities of ESG and broader sustainability goals,” he said.

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Recognising these challenges, Chan said SMG had invested in the StarESG initiative in 2022.

This features a monthly StarESG pullout and the StarESG Academy to facilitate learning and knowledge sharing.

To date, more than 400 articles have been published, covering thought leadership, industry best practices and community stories, he added.“We have also organised numerous ESG clinics, webinars and thought leadership workshops, reaching over 11,000 members of the business community,” he said.In Indonesia, Chan said KG Media had spearheaded various projects to drive sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Highlighting KG Media’s #SayaPilihBumi campaign, Chan said this saw communities across the country being mobilised to participate in tree planting, waste reduction and recycling programmes.

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“They have also launched the Lestari campaign, a collaborative movement designed to elevate local sustainability initiatives for greater impact,” he said.

Chan highlighted efforts by the Philippine Daily Inquirer to promote ESG principles through initiatives, including the Inquirer ESG Edge.

“In their effort to further their mission, a network of thought leaders and experts across various sectors in the Philippines who share the same sustainability advocacies was formed.

“The network provides ESG-related reports and commentary and hosts forums, campaigns and community projects to encourage meaningful discussions and actions,” he said.

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Chan also announced that Sime Darby Property Bhd will join the three media partners as their Urban Biodiversity Partner for consortium initiatives.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the guest of honour at the launch.

Also present were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, KG Media chief executive officer Andy Budiman, Philippine Daily Inquirer president and chief executive officer Rudyard Arbolado and Sime Darby Property Bhd group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican.

Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry and UN Resident Coordinator in Malaysia Karima El Korri also attended, together with SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, chief business officer Lydia Wang and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.