26 COVER STORY @ green | July-August. 2025
26 COVER STORY @ green | July-August. 2025
MALAYSIA is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainability, with both Environmental, Social, Governance( ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals( SDG) principles taking centrestage in its economic and policy frameworks.
Building on the foundation laid by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong at a recent ESG event, the country is leveraging its resources, partnerships, and governance to address global challenges and drive sustainable development.
2030 AGENDA
Champions of change
� Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainability by aligning its policies with ESG principles and the UN’ s 2030 SDGs.
� Collaboration between government agencies and corporations such as Petronas, CIMB, and Schneider Electric is accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysia, alongside 192 countries, adopted the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda emphasises 17 SDGs, focusing on eradicating poverty, promoting education, ensuring environmental sustainability, and fostering economic prosperity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, chairing the National SDGs Council, has emphasised the importance of a“ multi-stakeholder, participatory governance structure” in aligning national policies with global sustainability objectives.
“ We must work together- government, private sector, and civil society- to ensure no one is left behind,” Anwar said during a recent council meeting.
LOCALISING INITIATIVES
Maimunah
In 2025, Malaysian cities are intensifying their efforts to adopt sustainable practices. Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, mayor of Kuala Lumpur and former Executive Director of UN-Habitat, has declared 2025 as the
� Sim’ s“ 4T” framework highlights the country’ s strategy to build a skilled, tech-driven, and innovationoriented workforce to meet ESG and SDG goals.
“ year of implementation and action”.
Speaking at a community forum, she said:“ We want to focus on getting people to act on climate resilience, affordable housing, and inclusive urban development. The time for planning is over; we must deliver results.”
Major urban centres, such as Kuala Lumpur, are leading the way in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable mobility. Initiatives include increasing public transportation efficiency, electrifying vehicle fleets, and investing in renewable energy projects.
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP
Malaysia’ s corporate sector is playing a crucial role in embedding ESG principles into business operations. Companies like CIMB and Petronas have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, setting ambitious sustainability targets.
Petronas CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik recently stated:“ Our journey toward sustainability is not just about reducing
Tengku Taufik carbon footprints but also about creating lasting socio-economic value for the communities we serve.”
Additionally, the surge in green financing and sustainable bonds is helping fund Malaysia’ s transition to a low-carbon economy. The annual issuance of green, social, sustainability, and other labelled( GSS +) bonds has increased significantly, with Malaysia emerging as a key player in the region.
FOCUS ON TALENT
Sim’ s call for a“ 4T” approach, emphasising Talent, Technology, Things( Products), and Trademarks( Brands), is echoed across Malaysia’ s economic sectors. The FinTech industry, for example, is integrating ESG principles into innovation.
Noor Hisham Abdullah
A recent study highlighted that Fin- Tech entrepreneurs in Malaysia are utilising technology to address social and environmental challenges, including financial inclusion and green financing.
Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Ab-