10 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
EPF unveils sustainability commitment to drive inclusive, climate-resilient future
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) unveiled its EPF Sustainability Commitment during the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025, outlining a transformative roadmap toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.
The announcement was made by EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, who stressed the urgency of confronting global challenges while safeguarding long-term societal resilience.
In his speech, he reflected on the conference's key themes, underscoring the need to prepare for longer lives by fundamentally rethinking societal resilience.
"Preparing for longer lives requires more than policies and programmes. It demands fundamental rethinking of how we build resilience across all aspects of society," he said, calling for urgent and focused action.
At the heart of the EPF Sustainability Commitment is a comprehensive strategy to embed sustainability across the organisation's operations, policies, and investments.
The chairman explained that the initiative seeks to tackle climate resilience and promote low-carbon growth, enhance inclusion and equity within communities, and uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability.
EPF envisions this initiative as a shift from safeguarding savings to stewarding futures, with the ultimate goal of creating long-term value for members and society.
Mohd Zuki also shared the need to address the impacts of climate change, rising inequality, and economic uncertainty, noting that these challenges are already affecting lives and livelihoods, particularly among older populations.
He highlighted that the effects of biodiversity loss and global warming make sustainability not just an ethical responsibility but also a strategic necessity.
"Capital, when purposefully directed, can catalyse meaningful change," he stated, emphasising the role of institutional investments in fostering economic and environmental resilience.
EPF's strategy underscores the importance of aligning financial stewardship with broader societal objectives.
By investing in businesses and industries committed to sustainability, the EPF aims to secure the stability of its portfolio while contributing to a healthier economy, environment, and society.
He also reiterated that sustainability is no longer a choice but an essential measure to safeguard the future.
The speech concluded with a call to action, urging policymakers, academics, investors, employers, and citizens to collaborate in creating a secure, inclusive, and sustainable future.
"Achieving a secure, inclusive, and sustainable future requires the collective effort of every sector," he said.
