How decades of reporting helped drive action and accountability.
LONG before Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) became a familiar corporate term, there were already voices warning about the consequences of unchecked development.
Among Malaysia’s earliest ESG advocates was The Star, which played a pioneering role in highlighting environmental issues long before sustainability became a national priority.
For decades, the English-language national daily consistently reported on deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution and wildlife conservation, helping to elevate environmental issues from niche topics into matters of public concern.
Editors recognised that environmental protection was closely linked to public health, economic resilience and the wellbeing of future generations.
One of its earliest commitments was documenting Malaysia’s forests, reporting on biodiversity, indigenous communities and the pressures created by rapid development.
Stories from Sabah and Sarawak examined the impact of logging, while reports from Peninsular Malaysia explored the balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.
Environmental organisations such as EcoMY and WWF-Malaysia also became key partners in raising awareness.
As awareness grew, sustainability evolved beyond environmental protection into a broader economic and social issue.
The Star launched initiatives such as its Climate Pause campaign, which helped Malaysians to better understand climate change and explore practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Through interviews with scientists, policymakers, business leaders and affected communities, the campaign translated complex climate issues into meaningful public discussion.
The impact extended beyond raising awareness. Conservation groups reported stronger public participation and volunteer support, while more businesses began integrating sustainability into their operations.
The newspaper also recognises that credibility depends on practising what it advocates.
Over time, The Star incorporated ESG principles into its own operations by accelerating its digital transformation, reducing paper consumption, improving publishing efficiency and lowering its operational footprint.
It also strengthened workplace inclusivity, employee wellbeing and volunteerism, encouraging staff to join environmental conservation, education and community outreach programmes.
Today, ESG has become central to Malaysia’s development agenda. National commitments under the Paris Agreement, expanding renewable energy efforts, sustainable finance and stronger corporate disclosure requirements have encouraged organisations to add ESG into long-term strategies.
Investors increasingly assess businesses based on environmental impact, social responsibility and governance standards. Consumers are becoming more conscious of sustainable products and services, while younger employees increasingly seek employers whose values reflect responsible business practices.
Among the companies embracing ESG is Yuan Seng Building Trading Sdn Bhd.
Its chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Yeoh Teong Eng said ESG was not merely a corporate slogan, but a guiding philosophy embedded in the company’s long-term vision.
“The buildings we construct today will stand for generations. They will influence communities, impact the environment and shape the future.
“We have a responsibility to create lasting value while protecting society and the environment,” he said in an interview.
In the view of food court and restaurant operator Ho Swee Choon, sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant within the food and beverage industry.
“Many associate ESG with large corporations, but it is also relevant to businesses operating at the community level,” he said.
Beyond environmental concerns, Ho said food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance remained essential in maintaining public confidence.
He added that accessibility and inclusivity were receiving greater attention, with operators recognising the importance of providing comfortable environments for senior citizens, families and persons with disabilities.
Malaysia has come a long way from the days when environmental issues struggled to gain public attention.
Yet, significant challenges remain. Climate change is accelerating, biodiversity faces growing pressure and communities face more environmental risks.
From journalists who first brought environmental issues into the spotlight, to conservationists protecting endangered species, and businesses embedding ESG into their operations, each has a role in shaping a more sustainable future.
