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Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Phoong on Madani Workers' Card
Published on: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025 Text Size: Phoong's speech was delivered by his political secretary Desmond Chan Loong Wei during the State-level briefing held at the National Department for Culture and Arts Auditorium. Kota Kinabalu: The launch of the Madani Workers' Card (Kad Pekerja Madani) is a progressive move that reflects the Government's recognition of trade unions in shaping the national labour landscape, said State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. He said the card provides formal recognition and access to a range of digital benefits aimed at improving union members' welfare under the Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS). 'This strategic initiative enables membership verification, better data collection, social protection networks and access to rewards via strategic partners,' he said. His speech was delivered by his political secretary Desmond Chan Loong Wei during the State-level briefing held at the National Department for Culture and Arts Auditorium. Phoong said the initiative aligns with International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines and mirrors best practices in developed countries where unions serve as key platforms to voice workers' issues constructively. He emphasised that the card marks a key step towards ensuring workers' voices are acknowledged in an organised manner, essential for industrial harmony. 'With Sabah's diverse industries forming the backbone of its economy, workers are the driving force. 'Union membership not only empowers workers with legitimate bargaining power, but also supports a more organised, competitive and inclusive employment ecosystem,' he said. Phoong also highlighted the card's role in supporting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said employers also play a key role in supporting the card's rollout by offering discounts and incentives to cardholders and recognising unions as part of good corporate governance and harmonious industrial relations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Omani climate-tech pioneer ranked among MENA's top 40 sustainable companies
MUSCAT: When Omani engineers and scientists at 44.01 first set out to turn carbon dioxide into stone, few imagined their innovation would earn global recognition and help put Oman on the sustainability map. Today, their journey has reached a new milestone: 44.01 has been named one of the Top 40 Most Sustainable Companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The ranking, curated by the CSO Network and Sustain Labs Paris, celebrates organisations that are not only reducing their environmental footprint, but also reshaping the future of business in the region. Companies were evaluated across six pillars — ranging from clean revenue to employee well-being — through 17 key performance indicators that address MENA-specific challenges like water scarcity, climate resilience and social inclusion. For Oman, 44.01 represents more than just a company; it is a symbol of how local innovation can tackle global challenges. The firm developed a unique carbon mineralisation technology that captures CO₂ and permanently stores it in peridotite rock deep underground, achieving up to 91% carbon removal efficiency. This groundbreaking approach has won international acclaim. In 2022, 44.01 received the Earthshot Prize, and earlier this year, it clinched the XPRIZE Carbon Removal Award for its 'Air' category — a recognition that places it alongside some of the world's most promising climate innovators. What makes 44.01 stand out is its holistic approach to sustainability. The company runs its operations entirely on renewables — using solar panels by day and biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil by night. It also avoids using precious drinking water, relying instead on seawater and treated wastewater. Beyond the technical success, 44.01 is creating jobs for Omani engineers and geologists, particularly those transitioning from the fossil fuel industry. This achievement comes at a time when Oman is stepping up its sustainability game. The Muscat Stock Exchange introduced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting guidelines in 2023, with mandatory disclosures set to start in 2025. The government also unveiled a Sustainable Finance Framework last year, designed to channel investments into clean energy, climate adaptation and economic diversification. The Top 40 list also includes regional giants like Emirates Group, Masdar, TAQA Group and Red Sea Global. But 44.01's inclusion is especially meaningful, as it shows that homegrown Omani companies can compete — and lead — on the international stage.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Tackling key themes in modern dispute resolution
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: This year's conference tackled key themes in modern dispute resolution, including an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Roundtable, the launch of the Expert Determination Rules and a session exploring the role of Generative AI in arbitration. Another highlight is a discussion on Court-Annexed Mediation and its practical applications for enforcing settlement agreements, an issue gaining traction under the Singapore Convention on Mediation. Wong also praised Harbans Singh, a well-respected mediator and Bicam Council member, for leading recent training sessions for the judiciary, Housing Ministry and Justice of the Peace Associations in Penang and Selangor. 'Harbans does this for free and even donates his own well-regarded book on mediation to participants. His dedication is a reflection of the spirit we aim to cultivate at Bicam,' he said. As Bicam positions itself at the forefront of institutional arbitration and mediation in the region, Wong emphasised that continued growth will come through education, engagement and public trust. 'Every effort has reaffirmed one principle: ADR, when accessible and well-administered, is a powerful tool to resolve conflict and promote progress,' he said. 'This conference is yet another step in our journey, to build a lasting, inclusive and innovative dispute resolution ecosystem for Sabah and beyond.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
News18
24-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Should You Invest In ESG Funds? Here's What You Need To Know
Last Updated: ESG funds let you invest in companies that care for the environment, treat people fairly and follow ethical business practices. ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and it is at the heart of what is known as sustainable investing. In simple terms, ESG investing means putting your money into companies that care about the planet, treat people fairly and follow strong ethical rules in how they run their business. The 'E" in ESG looks at how a company affects the environment—like whether it is reducing pollution, saving energy, or managing waste responsibly. The 'S" focuses on how companies treat their employees and contribute to society. The 'G" covers how the company is managed, whether it follows rules properly and whether it acts with honesty and fairness. In ESG investing, it is not just about profits—it is about how those profits are earned. What Are ESG Funds? ESG funds are mutual funds or ETFs that invest in companies with strong ESG practices. These funds encourage businesses to be more responsible towards the environment and society. They generally include companies that are doing good things in areas like clean energy, worker rights, or fair governance. Thematic Funds – Focus on specific themes like renewable energy or gender diversity. Impact Funds – Invest in companies actively working to create a positive impact, like healthcare or education. How Do ESG Funds Work? – Screening Process: First, ESG funds filter out companies that are involved in harmful or unethical businesses—like tobacco, weapons, or gambling. – Investment Allocation: Next, they invest in companies across different industries that follow good ESG practices—such as using clean energy or ensuring fair treatment of workers. – Performance Monitoring: Fund managers regularly check how these companies are performing—both financially and in terms of ESG—to ensure the investments stay aligned with the fund's goals. Benefits of ESG Funds Ethical Investing – Your money supports companies doing the right thing. Long-Term Growth – Companies with strong ESG values often perform better over time. Lower Risk – Avoids firms involved in scandals or risky behaviour. Diversification – ESG funds invest in different sectors, offering balance to your portfolio. Should You Invest? In recent years, especially after COVID-19, interest in ESG investing has grown—especially among people who care about how businesses affect the world. While ESG is still a developing idea in India, it is catching on fast. With increasing regulations, foreign investor interest and public awareness, ESG investing is no longer optional—it is becoming the norm. For long-term investors, ESG funds offer a smart way to grow money while supporting companies that care about people and the planet. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 24, 2025, 13:33 IST News business Should You Invest In ESG Funds? Here's What You Need To Know Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Borneo Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
3R waste technology to rehabilitate Sandakan landfill
Davina SANDAKAN (July 22): Sandakan is set to make a leap forward in sustainable waste management with the launch of Sabah's first landfill rehabilitation project using globally patented 3R technology. IGNIS SG (Sabah) Sdn Bhd has officially signed a 12-year concession agreement, with an option to extend for another eight years, with the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS). The agreement allows the company to rehabilitate the long-overdue Sungai Sibuga solid waste landfill, often referred to as a dead landfill. IGNIS SG Executive Director Dr Davina Marcus said the initiative addresses the mounting waste management challenges faced by Sandakan. 'This is something I've planned for a long time. I've seen with my own eyes how landfill sites are growing into mountains of unmanaged waste. The space keeps expanding, and I believe it's time for a new solution, one that tackles the problem and contributes to environmental sustainability without adding to the waste pile,' she said. Speaking during the launch of the Sungai Sibuga Landfill Rehabilitation Project on Tuesday, Davina said IGNIS SG has been given exclusive rights to develop and implement the rehabilitation works using IGNIS 3R technology, patented globally by its parent company, Ignis Environment Initiatives Sdn Bhd. 'This project will not only resolve long-standing waste disposal issues but also drive Sandakan towards green transformation,' she said. According to Davina, the IGNIS 3R system offers a comprehensive, non-incineration and non-toxic treatment process, supporting Malaysia's Net-Zero Emission 2050 target and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. 'The technology enables processing of buried waste without prior segregation, using a closed-loop zero waste-to-landfill approach. It also allows for land recovery for future use, and the extraction of reusable materials from old waste.' She further explained that the project is fully funded under a Private Financing Initiative (PFI) by IGNIS SG (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, with support from EXIM Bank Malaysia, without financial backing from the state government or local authorities. 'This shows the financial sector's confidence in the project's viability and the effectiveness of IGNIS 3R technology on a commercial scale,' she added. Currently, the project is in its initial implementation phase, with site works and mobilisation of IGNIS 3R machinery underway. The Sandakan 3R Waste Rehabilitation Project is expected to be physically completed by July 2026. 'My hopes for this landfill project are very high. I want this to inspire others to commit to protecting the environment and freeing up landfill capacity that's becoming increasingly saturated with waste. 'I also hope this project will help reduce public health risks linked to environmental pollution, add value through land reuse, and contribute towards improving Sandakan's image as a city,' Davina said.
