30 LOCAL NEWS

@ green | April-May, 2025

Against this backdrop, a coalition of government agencies, industry leaders and technology providers seized the opportunity to announce a major sustainability push: the launch of the ESG Public-Private Partnership, hosted by Glocomp Systems, Microsoft Malaysia and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation( MDEC), with support from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers( FMM) and the Malaysia Investment Development Authority( MIDA).

At the gathering, Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo underscored how integrating Environmental, Social and Governance

( ESG) principles with digital innovation can future-proof Malaysia’ s manufacturing base.

“ ESG adoption is not just necessary but critical for Malaysian manufacturers, and there are good reasons for this. Embracing ESG practices helps future-proof businesses.

“ By adopting sustainable practices, companies can better manage risks, optimise resources and build resilience against environmental and social challenges,” he said.

A key feature of the partnership is the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability Pilot, which promises AI-driven analytics, real-time emissions tracking and automated ESG reporting.

Gobind explained:“ The integration of ESG principles encourages innovation and operational efficiency. By leveraging artificial intelligence( AI) and advanced digital tools, manufacturers can automate ESG reporting, track emissions in real-time, and optimise

� ESG REVOLUTION: Gobind Singh Deo( third from right) and industry partners at the launch of the ESG Public-Private Partnership in Subang Jaya.

It is revolutionising essential business functions, enhancing decision-making, and streamlining operations

energy usage.”

He also pointed out that meeting rigorous ESG standards is increasingly a prerequisite for accessing high-value export markets.

“ Manufacturers that embrace ESG principles will find it easier to access and expand into these markets, as compliance with international sustainability standards becomes a key competitive differentiator.

“ ESG-aligned operations open doors to global supply chains that prioritise responsible and transparent practices.”

Looking ahead, the initiative will be bolstered by the MIDA Domestic Investment Accelerator Fund, which reduces subscription costs for FMM members and ensures smaller firms can tap into these technologies.

Together, these efforts aim to lay the groundwork for a resilient, sustainable and prosperous“ Smart Manufacturing” ecosystem— powering Malaysia’ s competitiveness well into the future.

MALAYSIA is set to host the Future-Ready ESG 2025 Conference on June 21 2025, at MAB Academy, KLIA, under the banner‘ Local Implementation, Regional Integration, Global Transformation’. The gathering will bring together regional and international stakeholders to advance environmental, social and governance( ESG) practices.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will officially open the conference and deliver the keynote address titled‘ Malaysia and Asean: ESG Leadership in a Shared Regional Future’. His presence underscores the government’ s commitment to fostering sustainable investment, trade and industrial growth in line with global ESG standards.

Ireland’ s Ambassador to Malaysia, Orla Tunney, is also slated to speak, highlighting Ireland’ s inclusive approach to ESG and the deepening diplomatic ties between both nations.

The event is co-hosted by Asia e University’ s School of Professional and Executive Education Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’ s Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security, Intuition and MAB Academy. Delegates will include representatives from Malaysia Aviation Group, the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei, the Malaysian Carbon Market Association and the ESG Association of Malaysia.

A key objective of the conference is to bridge the gap between ESG vision and practice, equipping local and regional actors with practical, scalable strategies for sustainable development.