Against this backdrop, the MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026 is both timely and necessary. More than a conventional conference, the Summit is positioned as a national convergence platform where policy intent meets operational reality, and where academic insight is translated into actionable industry practice.

What sets MAPAN apart is its deliberate role as a bridge. It connects regulators with practitioners, academia with industry, and strategy with execution. Most importantly, it addresses the critical gap between understanding ESG and implementing it effectively within organisations of all sizes.

Over two intensive days, the Summit will bring together policymakers, financial institutions, public-listed companies, government-linked entities, SMEs, academics, researchers and ESG solution providers. This diversity is essential. ESG transformation cannot happen in isolation; it requires coordinated action across the entire ecosystem and value chain.

A central focus of the Summit is helping organisations navigate the practical realities of ESG adoption under the NSRF. While larger corporations have made significant progress, many SMEs, particularly those within supply chains, continue to face

challenges in implementation. The Summit responds by offering practical tools, frameworks and real-world case studies that can accelerate adoption across sectors.

The programme is anchored around five key themes: Green Financing, Climate Disclosures, ESG Innovation, Supply Chain Integration and Circular Economy. Together, these pillars provide a comprehensive perspective of Malaysia’ s ESG landscape, covering capital access, regulatory expectations, operational transformation and emerging business opportunities.

Importantly, the Summit goes beyond dialogue. It integrates technical sessions, peer-reviewed paper presentations, an Impact Innovation Challenge and curated industry exposure visits. These components are designed to ensure participants leave not only informed, but equipped with actionable insights, practical frameworks and meaningful partnerships.

Another defining feature of MAPAN is its strong integration of academia and industry. Too often, research remains disconnected from real-world application, while industry challenges are not sufficiently reflected in academic discourse. By bringing both together, the Summit seeks to co-create solutions that are both intellectually rigorous and commercially viable.

From a national perspective, ESG is increasingly tied to competitiveness. Global investors, multinational supply chains and financial institutions are placing greater emphasis on transparency, climate risk management and sustainability performance. For Malaysia, the readiness of our businesses to adapt will determine our ability to remain relevant and competitive in the global economy.

“ ESG is no longer a peripheral concern. It is fast becoming central to how businesses operate, compete and create longterm value."

By Dato ' Sri Colonel( Hon.) Dr( RPLE) CHANG Yin Siang Vice Chair, MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026

In this context, the MAPAN Summit serves not only as a knowledge platform but also as a catalyst for transformation. It encourages organisations to move beyond compliance and towards value creation, leveraging ESG to unlock new markets, enhance efficiency, attract capital and build long-term resilience.

Leadership also plays a critical role. The participation and support of national policymakers and industry leaders are essential in setting direction, building confidence and driving adoption across sectors. ESG transformation is not merely technical; it requires alignment, commitment and collaboration at every level.

As Vice Chair of the MAPAN ESG Industry & Academic Summit 2026, I believe this platform comes at a defining moment. ESG is no longer a future consideration; it is a present imperative. The real question is how quickly and effectively we can translate intent into impact.

The MAPAN Summit is our collective opportunity to align, act, and lead.

It is an open invitation for government, industry, and academia to come together and shape Malaysia’ s ESG future with clarity, conviction, and purpose.

Because sustainability today is not just about responsibility. It is about relevance, resilience and long-term national competitiveness. – @ green

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Agamuthu Pariatamby

Prof. Dr. Yap Bee Wah

Prof. Dr. Irwin Ui Joo Ooi

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dzuljastri Abd Razaki

Dr. Roshni Ann George

Prof. Dr. Kashif Hussain

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Albattat