@ ESG

January-February . 2025 | @ green 31

Highlighting real-world applications and strategic insights , the workshop emphasised that embracing ESG is key

Ben Ong

Owen Chan Ling Foon

Group picture of the participants at the ESG MAPAN Workshop .

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

This was the compelling message at the recent ESG Champion Workshop hosted at UiTM Technoventure . The two-day event brought together academics and sustainability advocates , all united by a shared vision : to embed ESG into the very fabric of modern business practices .

Leading the charge was Dr Owen Chan Ling Foon , the course lead for the Malaysian Association of Public Advocacy for Nature ( MAPAN ).

With deep expertise in sustainability , Owen guided participants through a comprehensive overview of ESG frameworks , emphasising how these principles can drive responsible growth and innovation .

MAPAN , which stands for the Malaysian Association of Public Advocacy for Nature , is not only an acronym but also a concept that means “ sustainability ” in Malay .

As a non-governmental organisation , MAPAN is dedicated to promoting public awareness of ESG - a way of life aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions to combat global warming and climate change .

UiTM Technoventure Chief Executive Officer Associate Prof Ir Dr Rozita Jailani kicked off the proceedings by introducing the active hashtag # esglearning - a call for collective dialogue and knowledge sharing .

Her remarks underscored the importance of fostering an ecosystem where sustainable practices are integrated into everyday operations , particularly for MSMEs and SMEs that are the backbone of the economy .

BUILDING ON ESG PILLARS

A highlight of the workshop was the in-depth exploration of the three pillars of ESG .

In the Environmental session , participants examined strategies for reducing carbon footprints , enhancing energy efficiency , and managing waste effectively . Real-world examples - from Tesla ’ s initiatives to Google and Microsoft ’ s renewable energy investments - illustrated how embracing green technologies can drive substantial change .

The discussions made it clear that robust environmental practices are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving natural resources .

The Social pillar was equally prominent . Sessions on employee well-being , diversity , and community engagement provided practical insights into building inclusive and resilient workplaces .

Owen highlighted that a company ’ s success is deeply intertwined with the welfare of its people and the communities it serves . The conversation also evolved beyond traditional Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ), advocating for an integrated approach that measures social impact as an essential part of corporate strategy .

Governance - the third pillar - took centrestage in discussions about ethical leadership , transparency , and risk management . Participants delved into best practices for establishing robust governance frameworks , including ethical decision-making , board diversity , and accountability .

It was later emphasised that effective governance not only ensures regulatory compliance but also builds long-term trust with stakeholders , which is essential for sustained success .

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Throughout the workshop , the emphasis was on action and collaboration . Interactive sessions encouraged participants to share success stories and practical strategies for embedding ESG into business operations . The collective energy was palpable , as attendees recognised that the journey toward sustainability is a shared endeavour .

Another key figure at the event was MAPAN Founder and Chairman Ben Ong . His speech in advocating for public awareness and active engagement in sustainability issues added depth to the discussions .

Ong explained : “ Embracing ESG isn ’ t just about meeting regulations ; it ’ s a transformative opportunity - one that empowers organisations to innovate , manage risks more effectively , and play a vital role in the global fight against climate change .”

He emphasised that sustainability must be more than a corporate buzzword - it should be a guiding principle that shapes business decisions .

“ After two full days of attentive learning , we will award you with a title that stands as a testament to your effort and your commitment to applying these principles for the benefit of your company and society at large .

“ And it is important to remember that we do this not simply because everyone else is talking about it , but because we want to make sensible , impactful choices ,” added Ong .

As the event drew to a close , the workshop left its participants with a clear and inspiring mandate : to become true ESG champions within their organisations and communities .

The shared commitment to sustainability was evident , and the active exchange of ideas set the stage for ongoing collaboration and positive change . – @ ESG