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within organisations.
" Academic research should translate into practical frameworks that organisations can use," she said.
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CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOCUS |
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is essential for developing practical solutions.
Rather than positioning ESG as purely an academic concept or regulatory requirement, the summit aims to explore how sustainability considerations can be integrated into everyday business decisions. By bringing practitioners, researchers, and policymakers together, the event encourages discussions that bridge theory with operational realities.
Programme Chair Susela Devi Suppiah emphasised the importance of these exchanges.
" Such interactions can help organisations understand emerging sustainability frameworks while allowing researchers to gain insight into real-world implementation challenges," she said.
The summit also seeks to encourage partnerships that extend beyond the event. One initiative involves developing micro-credential programmes that enable professionals to gain targeted ESG knowledge through modular learning.
Award Committee member Sharifah Halimah explained that these programmes are designed to support industry practitioners seeking practical knowledge in sustainability.
" These programmes allow industry practitioners to learn fundamental frameworks and then apply them in practice," she said.
Developed in collaboration with universities, the programmes aim to strengthen ESG competencies without requiring participants to pursue full academic degrees.
By linking education with industry needs,
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the summit hopes to support broader workforce development as organisations adapt to evolving sustainability expectations.
THEORY TO TANGIBLE
Beyond industry discussions, the summit also highlights the importance of academic research and professional education role in supporting ESG adoption.
According to Susela, six academic journals have partnered with the summit. These include journals indexed in global databases such as Scopus, which are widely regarded as reputable platforms for scholarly research.
The scientific committee may recommend papers presented at the summit for submission to these journals, although they will still undergo independent peer review.
" The acceptance rate for top academic journals is usually about five to six per cent," Susela noted.
" Many papers are rejected at the initial stage. What the conference does is help authors refine their work, so it has a better chance of entering the review process."
The journals involved cover a range of themes aligned with the summit ' s focus areas.
By connecting researchers with journal editors and review committees, the summit helps open publication pathways that might otherwise be difficult to access.
Susela added that the goal is not merely academic recognition, but the creation of knowledge that can support decision-making
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“ The goal is not merely academic recognition, but the creation of knowledge that can support decisionmaking within organisations. " |
Throughout the summit, the direction will also focus on the transition towards circular economic models, particularly in areas such as waste management and resource efficiency.
One concept highlighted is the " wasteto-wealth " approach, which emphasises transforming waste streams into valuable resources. Instead of viewing waste solely as a disposal challenge, organisations can develop systems that recover materials, reduce consumption, and create new revenue streams.
In addition, initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility( EPR) programmes form part of this broader strategy.
EPR frameworks would require producers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, including waste management and recycling. Therefore, by adopting such approaches, organisations can move beyond basic regulatory compliance towards more resilient business models.
Integrating circular practices may also unlock new economic opportunities while strengthening resource efficiency and longterm sustainability.
As organisations face growing expectations to manage environmental impact more effectively, circular economy strategies are increasingly viewed not only as environmental solutions but also as drivers of operational sustainability and long-term competitiveness.
CARBON AS CURRENCY
Ultimately, the summit priority is to change how businesses perceive ESG.
Aside from cost and clarity, Joint Supply Chain Chairs( Industry) Nermin Hodzic observed that many companies still view sustainability primarily as a reporting obligation or regulatory requirement.
However, from an operational perspective, ESG can function as a performance framework rather than simply a compliance exercise.
" The biggest difficulties industries face are cost and clarity," Hodzic said. " ESG is often seen as something that is forced upon companies."
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