Business leaders, sustainability experts share insights at ESG PIA Power Breakfast
PETALING JAYA: Environmental, social and governance (ESG) must evolve from a non-core agenda to becoming part of businesses’ DNA, said Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt.
The real question is how to integrate ESG into decision, process and action, and that takes courage, innovation and leadership, he said in his welcome remarks at SMG’s ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA) 2025 Power Breakfast held at Menara Star here yesterday.
“The ESG PIA was created to highlight and honour these qualities – those who lead by example, turning bold ideas into measurable impact.
“From decarbonisation to diversity, from transparency to technology, we celebrate organisations that prove sustainability and success go hand in hand,” he said.
Themed “Celebrating ESG in Action: From Vision to Value”, the ESG PIA 2025 aims to shine a spotlight on companies that are not only making commitments but also delivering results that reshape industries and communities.
Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and IJM Rimbayu have come on board as ESG PIA 2025’s main sponsor and co-sponsor, respectively.
All smiles: Chan with (from left) Tan, Nor Fadhilah and SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang in a photo at SMG’s ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025 Power Breakfast at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
The invitation-only Power Breakfast, which marked the official launch of the ESG PIA 2025, brought together business leaders, regulators and sustainability experts for a dialogue.
In her opening address, TM chief corporate officer Nor Fadhilah Mohd Ali said that sustainability is shaping how businesses future-proof industries, attract global investment and create jobs that endure.
“At TM, this belief defines our journey towards becoming a ‘Digital Powerhouse’ by 2030.
“Technology, to us, must serve a greater purpose – to connect people, bridge divides and unlock opportunities so that every Malaysian can thrive in the digital economy,” she said.
Noting that the ESG journey of Malaysia is a shared opportunity of all, Nor Fadhilah said TM was proud to partner with SMG in the Power Breakfast initiative to spark dialogue, inspire action and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for sustainable, inclusive growth.
For IJM Rimbayu, sponsoring the ESG PIA allows it to champion industry-wide progress in sustainability while reinforcing its leadership role in ESG-driven development.
IJM Rimbayu assistant general manager Tan Pei Wen said the partnership allows IJM Rimbayu to, among others, showcase real-world examples from its developments that feature renewable energy, resource-efficient infrastructure and community-focused design.
“Ultimately, the partnership serves as a platform for advocacy, collaboration and leadership, amplifying IJM Rimbayu’s vision of a greener, more inclusive property sector,” she said.
At the Power Breakfast, TM Nxera chief executive officer Mahathir Said presented an ESG Byte Talk on “Powering Responsible Innovation: Leveraging Malaysia’s AI-Ready Infrastructure for A Green Digital Economy.”
He walked the audience through the low-carbon approaches of TM Nxera’s data centres, from the action pillars to tackle Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity to sustainable design and construction.
There was also another ESG Byte Talk on “The ‘Humanipreneurship’ Blueprint: Transforming Wellness with Tech, Empathy and ESG” by Westwood Clinic founder and managing director Dr Wong Jest Phia.
Moderated by GreenRE senior manager Nur Fateha Jamaluddin, a panel comprising Tan, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd chief sustainability officer Ku Kok Peng and Heliosel Sdn Bhd head of project delivery Akmal Rahimi Abu Samah shared insights on “Powering Malaysia’s Future: How Renewable Energy Drives Sustainable Business Practices”.
Submissions for ESG PIA 2025 are now open for the 16 award categories, ranging from biodiversity conservation and water management to governance and innovation.
Winners will be honoured at an awards night next year.
As part of ESG PIA 2025, a curated series of programmes will drive conversation on ESG among sustainability champions and thought leaders, including a Power Breakfast in Penang, past winners showcase and virtual clinics.
For details, visit https://staresgawards.com.my/.
