Why the Global South needs GSE
02 CONTENTS
@ green | July-August. 2025
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@ green says...
Why the Global South needs GSE
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P04-05 | LOCAL NEWS
� Tackling energy theft
� Green incentives gain momentum
P06-07 | FOREIGN NEWS
� Britain faces major shortfall
� Singapore’ s green shift
In his latest @ Green column, Thot Spot, Dr Kenneth Pereira challenges the conventional wisdom of ESG by proposing a bold reordering for emerging economies: GSE- Governance first, Social next, Environment third.
His argument is rooted in pragmatism. While ESG was shaped into capital-rich, institutionally mature economies, many nations in the Global South face a different reality- where weak governance and acute social deficits can derail even the most ambitious environmental projects.
Dr Pereira emphasises that governance is not just another pillar; it is the foundation. Transparent institutions, enforceable contracts, clear property rights, and predictable regulation lower capital costs, attract investment, and ensure projects endure.
Social protections come next, ensuring dignity, fairness, and legitimacy- critical in regions where labour exploitation and inequitable development can trigger backlash.
Only then, he argues, can environmental initiatives scale effectively. This is not about downgrading climate ambition but sequencing it for success.
By putting“ G” and“ S” before“ E”, the Global South can move faster, avoid stranded projects, and secure lasting impact.
As Dr Pereira writes: ESG has“ a northern accent”; GSE speaks with“ a southern cadence.” It’ s a framing that could redefine sustainable development where it’ s needed most- and where the stakes are highest.
P08 | GREEN FINANCE
� Green boost for chips First sustainability-linked loan( SLL) by a Malaysian bank to a multinational in the semiconductor sector.
P09 | ENERGY
� Green investment boost by 2050 Malaysia aims to secure RM637 billion in RE and green tech investments by 2050, creating 310,000 jobs.
P10 | IEW SUMMIT 2025
� Powering global energy shift Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, hydrogen, and sustainable innovation.
P11 | FOCUS
� Backing ASEAN Power Grid Malaysia supports Vietnam’ s renewable energy and seabed cable initiatives for two-way power networks.
P12-13 | COVER STORY
� Greening Malaysia’ s future The government’ s unwavering commitment to integrating the UN SDGs into national policy is a reassuring sign, ensuring that economic development goes together with environmental stewardship.
P14 | WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
� Pulse of energy change The Energy Transition Meeting positions Malaysia as a
regional hub for clean energy collaboration and innovation
P16 | SABAH
� Save the rare Borneon banteng Only about 325 Bornean banteng remain in the wild, threatened by illegal hunting and snares.
P17 | SARAWAK
� Sarawak’ s RM700b green leap Sarawak plans to form an energy council to align public and private efforts in the State’ s lowcarbon transition.
P18 | COP30
� A call for‘ Global Mutirão’ The urgency of the climate crisis demands a collective effort that prioritises realworld implementation over negotiations. This approach, emphasising unity and grassroots participation, is crucial for addressing the pressing issues we face.
P19 | COP30 �Amazon at the crossroads With 17 per cent of the Brazilian Amazon already deforested and 31 per cent degraded, the loss of just five per cent more could trigger irreversible collapse, underscoring the urgent need for action.