62 celebrated for ESG excellence
The third edition of the annual awards programme, held at a hotel here last night, spotlighted companies whose ESG initiatives are shaping a better, more inclusive and sustainable future for the country.
Themed 'Celebrating ESG Excellence', the gala night paid tribute to companies that are integrating ESG values into their operations beyond profit margins.
The 62 awards were presented to 36 winning companies, covering a range of sectors and business scales.
In the spotlight: Chan delivering his remarks at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 Gala Night. — NG KOK LEONG/The Star
Two companies stood out with exceptional projects, each receiving the Most Outstanding ESG Initiative 2024 Award.
Under the SME and Mid-Tier, Above Creative Events (M) Sdn Bhd was recognised for its impactful work in Human Rights & Labour Standards.
For Large Companies Tier, Heineken Malaysia Bhd earned accolades for its commitment to Water Management and Efficiency.
Gold Award winners in specific categories included MISC Bhd for Biodiversity Conservation, Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd for Energy Efficiency, Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd for Relations with Local Communities and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) for Transformation among others.
Into its third year, the ESG PIA has established itself as a benchmark for corporate sustainability efforts in Malaysia.
One for the album: The ESG Positive Impact Awards 2024 winners posing for a photo with (front row, from left) Wang, Chan, Ching, Micky, Sim, Heineken Malaysia Bhd corporate affairs and legal director Renuka Indrarajah, Wong, Tan, Nor Hasnah and Esther at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
Organised by Star Media Group (SMG) Bhd and advised by Ernst & Young, the initiative is supported by a wide network of partners and endorsed by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES).
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who was the special guest at the event, said Malaysia must re-evaluate its economic model to withstand rising geopolitical and economic pressures.
He called for long-term investments in local talent and innovation to ensure national resilience, and highlighted the urgent need for Malaysia to chart its own path amid a polarised global environment.
'We must rethink our economic model if we are to survive the binary geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges – on one hand, direct global competition and on the other, growing superpower protectionism,' he said.
Sim said Malaysia should invest heavily in home-grown capabilities including talent, technologies, products and services, as well as trademarks, including Malaysian brands and patents.
'Fundamentally, we need to invest in long-term strategies that enhance the economic value chain in ways that benefit both people and the environment,' he said.
SMG group CEO Chan Seng Fatt, in his welcoming address, said of the winners: 'These are the leaders proving that the future of business lies not just in profit, but in purpose – not just in growth, but in impact.
'We celebrate ESG changemakers – those with the conviction that business must be a force for good, and the courage to act on it.'
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, the event's main sponsor since 2022, reiterated its commitment to supporting ESG advancement across Malaysia.
'As a bank, we remain committed to enabling the transition by empowering our clients, communities and stakeholders to pursue long-term, positive impact.
'Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Your vision, leadership and innovation are what will shape a more sustainable tomorrow,' said CEO Tan Chor Sen in a statement.
Above Creative Events founder Micky Ng said the award held deep meaning for the company as ESG principles were embedded in its core operations.
'It means a lot to us because ESG is not just a policy – it's a standard, and it is part of our core business strategy.
'I feel that this recognition is proof of that commitment. It is a significant result and a meaningful reward for us as well,' she said.
Heineken Malaysia managing director Martijn van Keulen said the award was a meaningful recognition of the company's approach to ESG and the efforts of its teams.
'I think it's a recognition for all of us – for our company and the way we approach our ESG initiatives.
'It is also a huge booster for our teams to keep going and continue leading the way for Malaysia. So go Malaysia, go Heineken Malaysia!' he added.
Representing NRES at the event was secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo, and Miti by its senior director (Industry, Environmental, Social and Governance) Nor Hasnah Badroddin.
SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, chief operating officer Lydia Wang and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng were also present.
This year's programme saw participation from large companies including PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd, Sime Darby Property Bhd, Sunway Bhd, Johor Port Bhd and IOI Properties Group, besides SMEs and mid-tier firms.
Awards were presented across 16 categories under four main pillars – Environment, Social, Governance and Others – ranging from Renewable Energy and Waste Management to Talent Management and Innovative Partnership.
As part of its continued push for ESG leadership, SMG announced the upcoming Asia ESG Summit to be held from Nov 5 to 7.
The event will bring together regional leaders, investors and changemakers to explore innovative and transformative ESG strategies.
In conjunction with the summit, the inaugural Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025 will take place on Nov 6.
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