ESG

In conjunction with United Nations (UN) Environment Day, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia), and Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, proudly presented Sustainability Day 2025—a community-powered initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices and building more sustainable food systems. Held at GCC Farm in Bentong on 14 June 2025, the event highlighted two practical and impactful approaches to sustainability: aquaponics farming and organic composting. These methods provide scalable solutions that empower communities to actively contribute to food security, environmental preservation, and climate resilience. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, educational demonstrations, and community dialogues, making it a meaningful day of learning, collaboration, and action. This effort reflects the spirit of the 2025 UN Environment Day theme: “Our Land. Our Future. We Are #GenerationRestoration.” “Sustainability Day is about more than awareness—it’s about action,” said Rebecca Lai, President of SIROM. “Aquaponics and composting provide scalable, low-carbon impact solutions to food waste, water conservation, and urban farming challenges. These practices demonstrate how communities can take charge of their own sustainability.” Aquaponics, a method that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics, uses up to 90% less water than conventional farming and supports chemical-free, year-round food production. Meanwhile, organic composting transforms kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill use while enhancing soil health and biodiversity. These practices directly support Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13). “At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we believe true progress begins at the grassroots. Our partnership with Soroptimist International began in 2017 and has been a testament to the power of community-driven change, where food security, sustainability, and women’s empowerment come together to build resilient futures. Together, we’re not just growing crops, we’re cultivating opportunity and long-term impact,” said Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia. The event embodies a shared dedication to inclusive, community-led climate action. As part of its Brew a Better World sustainability strategy, HEINEKEN Malaysia continues to invest in environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Puteri Afiqah Mazelan, Community & Marketing Manager of Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, added: “At Sokong, we’re proud to connect changemakers and grassroots organisations who are doing the real work on the ground. Sustainability Day is a great example of how collective action—supported by strong partnerships—can spark long-term change.” As a digital fundraising and impact platform, Sokong is committed to amplifying causes that matter—whether through community engagement, public awareness, or funding for environmental and social initiatives. SIROM, a national body under Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific, continues to lead efforts in empowering women and uplifting communities through sustainable development and environmental education. Sustainability Day 2025 is more than just a celebration of green practices—it is a reminder of what’s possible when communities, corporations, and civil society come together. Hand in hand, HEINEKEN Malaysia, Sokong, and SIROM are planting the seeds of lasting change—one household, one garden, one community at a time.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has announced a RM200 million commitment over five years (2026–2030) under its “Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti” (KBJK) platform, reinforcing its ambition to empower communities and drive inclusive growth across Malaysia. The initiative underscores the bank’s long-term strategy to promote economic empowerment, strengthen community wellbeing, and enhance financial inclusion through skills development, particularly in digital and financial literacy. The pledge was unveiled by CIMB Group Chief Executive Officer Novan Amirudin in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasised the socio-economic urgency of closing income inequality gaps, stating that nations with greater disparity often experience less sustainable development. “In contrast, a thriving, inclusive society that leaves no one behind benefits all its members. At CIMB, our purpose to advance customers and society is simple but powerful,” he said. As part of the KBJK platform, CIMB introduced several targeted programmes aimed at key segments of society. Among them is the Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, designed to provide customised financing and networking support for women-led enterprises. The initiative aims to assist 300 women entrepreneurs over a three-year period. In collaboration with the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), CIMB is also delivering ‘Jaga Duit’ workshops – a financial literacy programme tailored for low-income employees within its corporate and SME client base. Nearly 1,500 individuals have already participated in these sessions. Additionally, through the ‘Let’s Duit’ initiative led by TNG Digital, around 1,000 senior citizens nationwide have received practical, hands-on training in digital payment tools, helping them navigate the digital economy with greater confidence and safety. CIMB continues to build on a strong foundation of social investment. Between 2021 and 2024, the group has disbursed over RM125 million in community-focused initiatives, keeping it firmly on track to meet its RM150 million target by end-2025. During the same period, the bank has channelled more than RM50 billion in financing to support low-income customers and SMEs, reaffirming its role as a responsible financial intermediary driving inclusive economic impact. Through TNG Digital, CIMB has also facilitated nearly RM1 billion in salary disbursements to over 40,000 migrant workers while expanding financial access for refugees and gig economy participants. -Bernama

The ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide (ASEDG) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ahead of a planned revision scheduled for release in November 2025. The consultation, which follows the initial publication of ASEDG Version 1 in April 2025, will remain open until 12 September 2025. Stakeholders including financial institutions, corporate reporters, investors and other interested parties are invited to contribute their views. In a statement issued today, the ACMF confirmed that the input received during the consultation period will be reviewed and evaluated to inform the development of ASEDG Version 2. The updated version is expected to be officially unveiled at the ACMF International Conference in November 2025. Developed to support SMEs operating in both global and domestic supply chains, the ASEDG offers a streamlined approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure. The guide consolidates key elements from international ESG frameworks and local guidelines issued by the ten ASEAN member states, resulting in a set of 38 priority disclosures. These disclosures are designed to enhance transparency and support SMEs in meeting the increasing ESG expectations of customers, financiers and investors. The guide is structured to reflect varying levels of sustainability maturity, categorised into Basic, Intermediate and Advanced tiers. This enables SMEs across all industries to identify disclosures most relevant to their operations, based on the materiality and significance of each requirement. The ASEDG represents a key initiative under the ACMF’s broader efforts to promote sustainable finance, regulatory harmonisation and market integration across the ASEAN region. The Forum, comprised of capital market regulators from all ten ASEAN countries, is chaired on a rotational basis. Malaysia, through the Securities Commission Malaysia, currently holds the ACMF chairmanship for 2025. Submissions may be made via the ASEDG Public Consultation Form available at https://forms.gle/ssMvBf5u4d7LFF7VA. Enquiries may be directed to [email protected]. -Bernama