Latest news with #Sustainability
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PNB named top Malaysian sovereign investor, 17th globally in global SWF rankings
KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) has been recognised as the top Malaysian sovereign investor and ranked 17th globally in the 2025 GSR (Governance, Sustainability, and Resilience) Scoreboard published by United States-based research firm Global SWF. The GSR Scoreboard has become the measuring stick of best practices among state-owned investors around the world. It evaluates more than 200 sovereign wealth funds (SWF) and public pension funds worldwide on governance practices, sustainability commitments and institutional resilience. In a statement today, PNB said it received an overall score of 84 per cent, including a perfect 10 out of 10 for sustainability, in recognition of its climate targets, environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, and transparency in reporting. "The ranking reflects the significant progress PNB has made in strengthening governance, embedding sustainability across its investment processes, and enhancing its long-term institutional resilience," it said. PNB deputy president and group chief executive Datuk Rick Ramli said the ranking reflects the fund's ongoing efforts to incorporate responsible and sustainable practices in its operations and investment activities. "It is also a strong encouragement for us to continue pushing for long-term value creation for our unit holders and the wider Malaysian economy, in line with PNB's purpose of uplifting the financial lives of Malaysians across generations," he said. PNB said that notable progress includes a 98 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2022 baseline, in line with its target to achieve net zero operations by 2025. On portfolio-level targets, PNB has pledged to achieve a net-zero investment portfolio by 2050 and has so far channelled RM5.5 billion into green and transition assets, representing 55 per cent of its RM10 billion target by 2030. PNB has also implemented a living wage policy for its employees since 2023 and is now encouraging its investee companies to adopt similar practices under the government's GEAR-uP initiative. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
PNB Named Top Malaysian Sovereign Investor, 17th Globally In Global SWF Rankings
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) has been recognised as the top Malaysian sovereign investor and ranked 17th globally in the 2025 GSR (Governance, Sustainability, and Resilience) Scoreboard published by United States-based research firm Global SWF. The GSR Scoreboard has become the measuring stick of best practices among state-owned investors around the world. It evaluates more than 200 sovereign wealth funds (SWF) and public pension funds worldwide on governance practices, sustainability commitments and institutional resilience. In a statement today, PNB said it received an overall score of 84 per cent, including a perfect 10 out of 10 for sustainability, in recognition of its climate targets, environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, and transparency in reporting. 'The ranking reflects the significant progress PNB has made in strengthening governance, embedding sustainability across its investment processes, and enhancing its long-term institutional resilience,' it said. PNB deputy president and group chief executive Datuk Rick Ramli said the ranking reflects the fund's ongoing efforts to incorporate responsible and sustainable practices in its operations and investment activities. 'It is also a strong encouragement for us to continue pushing for long-term value creation for our unit holders and the wider Malaysian economy, in line with PNB's purpose of uplifting the financial lives of Malaysians across generations,' he said. PNB said that notable progress includes a 98 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2022 baseline, in line with its target to achieve net zero operations by 2025. On portfolio-level targets, PNB has pledged to achieve a net-zero investment portfolio by 2050 and has so far channelled RM5.5 billion into green and transition assets, representing 55 per cent of its RM10 billion target by 2030. PNB has also implemented a living wage policy for its employees since 2023 and is now encouraging its investee companies to adopt similar practices under the government's GEAR-uP initiative.
Bloomberg
14 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Sponsor Spotlight
Ryan Spies, Managing Director, Sustainability, Alaska Air Group speaks with Bloomberg Media's Lauren Kiel about fueling a more sustaibable future at Bloomberg Green Seattle. (Source: Bloomberg)
Otago Daily Times
15 hours ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Selwyn plans big increase in tree planting
Selwyn is considering a policy of 'replacing one tree with at least two' after Rolleston was shown to have one of the lowest numbers for a town in New Zealand. The policy was discussed at the Climate Change and Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting on July 9, a week after a study was released by the University of Canterbury's School of Forestry, led by Professor Justin Morgenroth and Dr Ning Ye. It showed Rolleston's tree canopy cover was 7.9%, ranking it 77 out of 78 cities and towns in the study. Other Canterbury towns didn't fare much better, with Christchurch – the Garden City - at 13.6% (57th), Kaiapoi at 11.8% (66th), Ashburton at 11.5% (69th), and Rangiora at 9.5% (74th). Picton was on top at 59% while Hāwera was below Rolleston at 7.5%. At the subcommittee meeting, Selwyn's people, culture, and capability executive director Steve Giblin,g said the council is 'looking for better direction around how we proactively manage trees, especially in a fast-paced growth district like ours'. The said trees play a key role 'in cooling through shade, providing habitat for biodiversity, and also managing storm water'. Rolleston and its other rapidly growing urban centres have seen trees and shelter belts removed to make way for subdivisions. Those developments have included new trees, but they take time to establish. The council want to improve how they plan and consider trees, both new and existing. It was noted that there are five trees being removed for the Lincoln town centre redevelopment, but 50 trees will be planted in their place, with special strata vaults to avoid root issues, which is something the policy will cover. Strategy team leader Ben Baird said the approach to developing a policy was to recognise the value of trees, 'especially in our infrastructure and our subdivision work'. 'Having a goal of replacing one [tree] with at least two, and kind of looking to improve our canopy cover.' The council consulted the community on trees last year and Baird summarised the feedback as people wanting to see more trees, the council needs to be doing more to maintain them, and removal should be a last resort. He said staff would present on the draft tree policy in August. Professor Morgenroth believes it's worth investing in trees. 'Research has shown that for every $1 invested in urban trees, trees will return $3.40 in benefits. 'The benefits include, but are not limited to, carbon sequestration/storage, air pollution removal, stormwater runoff mitigation, energy reduction (shade/shelter), and aesthetic value.' There are other unquantifiable benefits, such as human physical and mental health, as well as biodiversity, he said. 'Increasing canopy cover will require planting, but that will take time. 'Limiting the removal of existing healthy trees is also a means of increasing canopy cover through growth of existing trees, or at least not reducing cover. 'Tree protection regulation is limited in New Zealand to individual trees listed in district plans, so regulatory approaches - unless they are changed - for retaining existing trees aren't likely to make a large contribution to maintaining or increasing canopy cover.' By Jonathan Leask, Local Democracy Reporter
Al Jazeera
a day ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
Ooredoo Maldives earns Guinness Record for underwater panel discussion
In a bold and unprecedented celebration of its 20th anniversary, Ooredoo Maldives officially secured a Guinness World Record on May 3, 2025, for hosting the Largest Underwater Panel Discussion, an awe-inspiring feat held beneath the turquoise waters of Baa Fulhadhoo, Maldives. In a first-of-its-kind global attempt, a total of 20 participants took the plunge to host and attend a full-scale panel discussion completely underwater. The groundbreaking event brought together leaders from the government, Maldives National Defence Force, and Ooredoo Maldives, who engaged in a powerful conversation on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and national resilience - all while submerged beneath the sea. The panel featured five speakers, each of whom spoke for two minutes underwater using specially engineered full-face diving masks equipped with built-in microphones. These were paired with underwater speakers and external audio systems, allowing both the submerged audience and onshore viewers to clearly hear the discussion. The panel featured: Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Khalid Al-Hamadi, CEO, Ooredoo Maldives Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Maldives National Defence Force Shabeen Ali, Director of Operations, Ooredoo Maldives Afsheen Mohamed, Senior Manager of Transmission, Ooredoo Maldives In addition to the panelists, the underwater audience included MMPRC MD Shiuree Ibrahim, senior officials of Ooredoo Maldives and foreigners as well. In a powerful demonstration of Ooredoo's global network strength, live video calls were made during the session to Ooredoo Group CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo and Ooredoo Maldives Chairperson Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari, showcasing real-time connectivity - beyond borders and beneath the sea. 'This wasn't just a record-setting event,' said Khalid Al-Hamadi, CEO of Ooredoo Maldives. 'It was a living example of what we stand for - limitless innovation, powerful connectivity, and the courage to take bold ideas to new depths.' The dive site in Baa Fulhadhoo was carefully selected for its pristine underwater environment, boasting 95 percent unbleached coral coverage. The highlight of the reef is a majestic 800-year-old lettuce coral (Turbinaria mesenterina) - a globally recognised natural wonder and a symbol of environmental resilience. This historic achievement marks a milestone not only for Ooredoo Maldives but for the nation, bringing global attention to the Maldives' marine beauty and the role of technology in driving positive change. Achieving this Guinness World Record was the result of meticulous planning, months of coordination, and multiple rounds of rigorous testing. From perfecting underwater communication systems to ensuring diver safety and environmental protection, every detail was carefully engineered to support a flawless execution. Specialised equipment was tested in various underwater conditions to ensure seamless audio transmission, while dive rehearsals were conducted repeatedly to train the participants and synchronise every aspect of the experience. The success of the record on the very first official attempt is a testament to the dedication, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit of the entire Ooredoo Maldives team and its partners - proving that with the right vision and preparation, even the boldest ideas can come to life The record-breaking event is a tribute to the company's dedicated team, visionary leadership, and valued partners who continue to push boundaries and create real-world impact. As Ooredoo Maldives continues its 20th-year celebrations, the company promises more bold, future-focused initiatives to come.
