Towards the future: SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt (front row, centre), flanked by SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang on his left and TM brand governance and research assistant general manager Logeswary Arunaghiri on his right, IJM Rimbayu assistant manager Tracy Teh (fourth from right) and past winners of the ESG PIA posing for a group photo with the audience. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), the main sponsor of the ESG Positive Impact Awards (PIA), hopes to see future winners demonstrating initiatives that are action-oriented, scalable, replicable and enabled by digital innovation.
“We look forward to seeing organisations integrate digital tools such as cloud, AI and data platforms to refine how ESG outcomes are measured, managed and continuously improved,” TM chief corporate officer Nor Fadhilah Mohd Ali said.
Launched in 2022, the ESG PIA is organised by Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) to shine a spotlight on companies that are not only making commitments, but also delivering results that reshape industries and communities.
Nor Fadhilah cited TM’s innovations as examples of technology and collaboration amplifying impact.
TM’s eHealth solution offers accessible and preventive healthcare scanning, while its Smart Urban Forestry allows for real-time analysis and health monitoring of trees, she said.
The Jangkau Digital programme, meanwhile, empowers remote communities through connectivity, digital skills, economic opportunities and environmental conservation.
The ESG PIA 2025 Winners Showcase was held at Menara Star here on Jan 27, bringing together past winners of ESG PIA and the inaugural Asia ESG PIA 2025, a regional award celebrating ESG (environmental, social and governance) excellence in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The Asia ESG PIA 2025 was organised by the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), which consists of SMG from Malaysia, KG Media from Indonesia and the Inquirer Group of Companies from the Philippines.
At the winners showcase, six past winners from corporate tier (large companies) shared their ESG journey through presentations themed “Beyond Compliance: Why Strategic ESG is a Business Imperative, Not a Moral Obligation”.
Five other past winners from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or mid-tier companies spoke on “The Pivotal Strategic Move That Drove Business Growth and Unlocked Our ESG Journey”.
Nor Fadhilah said TM encourages more SMEs to step forward with ESG initiatives, as they form the backbone of the Malaysian economy.
“When they embrace sustainability and digitalisation, the cumulative impact can be transformative for the nation,” she said.
She added that the ESG PIA plays an important role in advancing ESG adoption in Malaysia by shifting the conversation from aspiration to execution, reinforcing the need for ESG to be embedded into business strategies and everyday operations.
This aligns with TM’s belief that digitalisation is a critical enabler of effective ESG outcomes, she noted.
“The awards provide a credible platform for organisations to demonstrate how technology, data and innovation can translate sustainability commitments into real-world impact, whether in strengthening environmental stewardship, improving socio-economic outcomes or enhancing governance and transparency.
“These principles underpin TM’s aspiration to become a digital powerhouse by 2030, enabling a truly Digital Malaysia that is inclusive, sustainable and future-ready,” she said.
IJM Rimbayu is ESG PIA 2025’s co-sponsor.
IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Chai Kian Soon said every IJM Land development reflects its long-term vision for sustainable urban growth, where environmental responsibility and innovation go hand in hand.
“Our commercial projects, including ROAM and District 28 at IJM Rimbayu, are integrated ecosystems that nurture entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, offering nature-integrated commercial spaces where businesses can grow responsibly.
“Features such as energy-efficient design, biophilic elements and green infrastructure reduce operating costs while creating healthier, productive environments.
“Walkable layouts, green spaces and adaptable designs support SMEs and larger enterprises, fostering low-carbon, vibrant communities,” he said.
Chai added that IJM Rimbayu’s support for the ESG PIA 2025 reflects this commitment, inspiring collective action and wider adoption of responsible business practices.
Submissions for the ESG PIA 2025 are now open for the 16 award categories, ranging from biodiversity conservation and water management to governance and innovation.
The gala dinner and winner announcement will be held on July 21, with submissions closing on April 16.
For details, visit https:// staresgawards.com.my/
