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ESG

ESG

Sunway Sanctuary and JSC Foster Intergenerational Bonds Through Community Walk and Human Library Session

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In a heartfelt display of intergenerational collaboration, Sunway Sanctuary and the Jeffrey Sachs Center (JSC) came together for “Steps We Share: Exploring Neighbourhood with Our Elders,” a community initiative designed to bridge generations through shared experiences and dialogue. Held on Saturday, the event brought together 40 participants, including residents of Sunway Sanctuary, Sunway University students and alumni, and staff members from both institutions. The event forms part of a broader CSR initiative that focuses on emotional and mental wellness for the elderly through social interaction and companionship. “Steps We Share is more than just a walk—it’s a meaningful exchange between generations, where new friendships are formed, and connections are strengthened,” said Leonard Theng, General Manager of Sunway Sanctuary. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to enriching senior well-being through engagement and companionship.” Experiencing the Outdoors, Sharing Life Stories The day began with an outing to Sunway Lagoon, where participants explored the park’s accessibility features and enjoyed light physical activity in a relaxed outdoor setting. The trip offered a refreshing change of pace for residents while highlighting the importance of inclusive public spaces. Following the excursion, the group gathered back at Sunway Sanctuary for a Human Library session, where residents and students shared personal stories and insights. This component encouraged knowledge exchange and provided practical learning opportunities, particularly for Master in Sustainable Development Management (MSDM) students exploring issues like caregiving, accessibility, and sustainable urban living. Building a Culture of Care and Inclusion The initiative underscores the shared goal of holistic, people-centred sustainability, merging academic insights with community engagement. By fostering empathy and cross-generational learning, it paves the way for more inclusive and connected communities. The event marks a meaningful step forward in Sunway’s ongoing efforts to create age-friendly ecosystems while equipping young leaders with real-world perspectives that shape socially conscious practices.

ESG

Hitachi Vantara Unveils FY2024 ESG Milestones

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KUALA LUMPUR:  Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), today released its FY2024 Sustainability Report, marking the second edition of its annual ESG progress and transparency reporting. Building on last year’s inaugural report, this year’s edition outlines Hitachi Vantara’s progress in sustainability, highlighting advancements in energy-efficient infrastructure, reductions in carbon emissions and responsible business practices. It showcases Hitachi Vantara’s key achievements in FY2024, including ENERGY STAR® certification for multiple storage solutions, the expansion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) management and new sustainability tools that help customers track energy and carbon usage. As businesses increasingly rely on AI and data-intensive workloads, the demand for power continues to grow, leading to higher energy costs and greater environmental impact. According to a 2024 Department of Energy report, data centers consumed 4% of U.S electricity last year and could reach up to 12% by 2028. Navigating this challenge requires solutions that balance performance with efficiency – helping organizations manage growing data needs while keeping costs and carbon footprints in check. The new report highlights how Hitachi Vantara is addressing these pressures by delivering energy-efficient infrastructure that not only reduces environmental impact but also drives measurable cost savings for customers. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made since our inaugural Sustainability Report, but we know the journey doesn’t end there,” said Sheila Rohra, CEO of Hitachi Vantara. “Our focus remains on highlighting how sustainability, particularly in the data center, can be both a key driver of innovation and a business differentiator – from reducing carbon emissions to helping businesses achieve energy savings, enhance operational efficiency and meet their broader sustainability goals.” Key highlights from the report include: Top ENERGY STAR Rankings: Several Hitachi Vantara storage solutions earned ENERGY STAR certification for their industry-leading performance and energy efficiency. Hitachi Vantara holds the top two rankings for the most energy-efficient storage systems in the ENERGY STAR NVSS Disk Online 4 category, with the Virtual Storage Platform One Block (VSP One Block) securing the highest spot. Solar-Powered Distribution Center: Hitachi Vantara’s state-of-the-art solar-powered distribution center in the Netherlands generates approximately 30% of the electricity consumption from on-site solar production. The remaining electricity is sourced through verified Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), ensuring the center operates entirely on renewable energy. Recycled Materials: Currently, 40% by weight of the materials used in the bezels of Hitachi Vantara’s VSP One Block and File storage models come from post-consumer recycled plastics. These flame-resistant bezels meet safety standards and help limit impacts of fire. Hitachi Vantara plans to increase recycled content to 50% by FY2030 through the expanded use of recycled materials in drive canisters, biomass-based parts and continued IT resource recycling. Energy Consumption and Management: In FY2024, Hitachi Vantara consumed 78,211 MWh of energy, with 90% of that from grid electricity and 35% from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. Notably, following a 2024 data center refresh at its Denver facility, which optimized the physical layout, consolidated infrastructure, and enhanced airflow, energy consumption was reduced by 50%, and power usage effectiveness (PUE) improved from 1.6 to 1.3, demonstrating the impact of energy-saving initiatives in Hitachi Vantara’s operations. Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability Goals: Hitachi Vantara is committed to achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by FY2030. The company has also set a target to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by FY2050. Hitachi Vantara’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its own operations. Through its engineered products and solutions, the company helps enterprise customers and data center operators reduce their carbon footprints while lowering operational costs and complexities. A few recent examples include: La Molisana (Italy): As one of Italy’s leading pasta manufacturers, La Molisana implemented VSP One Block, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy consumption and a 2.5x improvement in response times, supporting its global expansion and sustainability goals. Malayala Manorama (India): This major media company benefited from a new low-latency infrastructure, powered by Hitachi Vantara, leading to a 66% reduction in rack space and a 70% reduction in power and cooling costs. Elisa Eesti (Estonia): One of Estonia’s largest telecom providers, Elisa Eesti modernized its data infrastructure with Hitachi Vantara’s Virtual Storage Platform (VSP), tripling energy efficiency and significantly reducing its carbon footprint. “Sustainability was an important factor in our selection of VSP One Block,” said Maurizio Maio, CIO of La Molisana. “Although the energy consumption of our data center is relatively low compared to our manufacturing operations, we are keen to implement eco-friendly IT solutions. The energy-efficient VSP One Block aligns perfectly with our vision.” While the FY2024 Sustainability Report reflects on the achievements of the past year, Hitachi Vantara recently introduced its first key sustainability commitment of FY2025: a new Sustainability Guarantee that will be offered as part of its storage platform going forward. Available with VSP One, the guarantee empowers businesses to track and optimize energy consumption. It also guarantees a maximum power consumption target, making it easier for organizations to achieve their sustainability goals. For more information on Hitachi Vantara’s sustainability efforts and to view the full FY2024 Sustainability Report, go to: https://www.hitachivantara.com/sustainability.

ESG

BlueOnion, Sustainalytics Expand ESG Due Diligence

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HONG KONG SAR:  BlueOnion, an award-winning sustainability analytics platform has collaborated with Morningstar Sustainalytics, one of the world’s leading independent sustainability and corporate governance research, ratings and analytics firm to empower banks and asset managers to analyse and visualize sustainability data. This collaboration addresses the growing challenges of greenwashing in sustainable investment products. With the surge in ESG assets and heightened regulatory scrutiny—such as the recent circular issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on the Sale and Distribution of Sustainable Investment Products, the synergistic interplay between BlueOnion’s analytics and Morningstar Sustainalytics’ data will enhance the financial sector’s efforts in meeting compliance requirements in a transparent and fuss free manner. Together, the BlueOnion SFDR product and Morningstar Sustainalytics’ data expand coverage to 300,000 mutual funds, ETFs, and 93,000 bond funds, offering broader insights for sustainable investing. The platform standardizes sustainability product measurement, aligns with the EU SFDR, and empowers organizations to analyze ESG performance, assess carbon emissions, avoid controversies, and address climate change—all while meeting regulatory and investor expectations with transparency and confidence. “Proper due diligence is essential for banks to meet regulatory compliance and for asset managers to build portfolios aligned with global sustainability standards. This process depends on robust data, analytics, and clear visualization. BlueOnion’s advanced analytics and visualization capabilities, together with our robust data, bridges a gap in the fixed income asset class and the small to mid-cap coverage. As a turnkey solution, it helps our banking and fund clients save time and costs,” said Nick Cheung, Managing Director of Enterprise Products, Greater China, Morningstar.This collaboration allows clients to seamlessly integrate Morningstar Sustainalytics’ data with BlueOnion’s existing data and analytics solution on sustainability, offering clients an intuitive solution to tackle challenges in regulatory compliance and sustainability-focused investment strategies. “We are excited to collaborate with Morningstar to deliver a transformative, turnkey solution that empowers banks and asset managers on their sustainability journey. By combining Morningstar’s unparalleled global fund data and analytics expertise with BlueOnion’s innovative platform, we provide deeper insights into funds pursuing sustainability integration, transition, and impact through EU taxonomy-related activities. Together, we are elevating industry standards in ESG research, data quality, and transparency, driving meaningful impact and innovation,” said Elsa Pau, Group CEO of BlueOnion. This collaboration exemplifies BlueOnion and Morningstar Sustainalytics’s commitment to supporting financial institutions in combating greenwashing, achieving compliance, and advancing the global ESG agenda. Together, they enable clients to uncover actionable insights and drive meaningful progress in sustainable investing. ent processes while ensuring compliance with evolving sustainability regulations. Learn more at www.sustainalytics.com.

ESG, News

AFFIN HWANG Launches Sensory Therapy Room at SMK Selayang Bharu

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KUALA LUMPUR: AFFIN Hwang Investment Bank Berhad (“AFFIN HWANG” or “the Bank”) has reinforced its commitment to inclusive and values-driven education with the official launch of a dedicated Sensory Therapy Room at SMK Selayang Bharu, Selangor. This milestone marks the first phase of the Bank’s strategic “Adopt A School” initiative. Purposefully designed to support students under the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI), the Sensory Therapy Room integrates specialised lighting, interactive tools, and a calming environment to improve focus, emotional regulation, and learning outcomes. Approximately 146 students are expected to benefit directly from the facility, a significant advancement in the school’s special needs support framework. “This initiative exemplifies our belief that every student, irrespective of their background or abilities, deserves access to a safe, supportive, and empowering learning environment,” said Encik Nurjesmi bin Mohd Nashir, Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Hwang Investment Bank Berhad. “The Sensory Therapy Room is a tangible expression of our broader AXELERATE 2028 (AX28) strategic plan, which emphasises Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership, and Responsible Banking with Impact.” Encik Nurjesmi affirmed that this collaboration with SMK Selayang Bharu marks the beginning of a long-term partnership. “We are fully committed to building inclusive educational platforms that foster self-confidence and empowerment among students with special needs.” The Bank also unveiled the upcoming phases of its “Adopt A School” programme, which will include financial literacy campaigns, environmental sustainability education, and the establishment of a vocational entrepreneurial café to enhance vocational skills and economic independence for students. Speaking at the launch, Encik Budiman bin Menteri, Headmaster of SMK Selayang Bharu, welcomed the initiative. “We are honoured to be selected for this transformative partnership. The investment by AFFIN HWANG signals a bright future for our special needs students, enabling them to unlock their full potential in a more inclusive, skill-focused learning environment.” The launch ceremony, held at the school in Batu Caves, brought together AFFIN HWANG representatives, educators, and students in a shared commitment to reshaping education for underserved communities through sustainable, impact-driven collaboration.

ESG, News

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Becomes First Malaysian Hotel to Attain ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Certification

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KOTA KINABALU: Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu has made a significant leap in Malaysia’s hospitality industry by becoming the first hotel in the country to achieve ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. This prestigious recognition also marks a first within the Shangri-La Group globally. Speaking on the milestone, General Manager Fiona Hagan highlighted the resort’s unwavering commitment to delivering event experiences that are not only world-class but also environmentally and socially responsible. “Operating within a 460-acre site that includes 64 acres of protected forest reserve and an 18-hole golf course, our commitment goes far beyond surface-level adjustments. We are reimagining how we operate in every aspect,” she stated. ISO 20121 certification, a globally recognised standard for sustainable event management, addresses critical elements of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. It extends beyond waste and carbon footprint reduction to embed sustainability across operational and community engagement strategies. Key initiatives underpinning this achievement include a longstanding collaboration with PACOS Trust, a local community-based organisation supporting indigenous communities across Sabah. The resort has also actively integrated local suppliers and artisans into its supply chain, strengthening regional economic ecosystems. Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s journey towards sustainability is not a recent undertaking. Since 2012, the resort has implemented comprehensive environmental measures, such as reducing glass bottle usage and eliminating single-use plastics. These efforts have previously earned it ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management and ISO 22000:2018 for food safety. In addition to ISO certifications, the resort has garnered industry accolades including the Green Hotel Certificate by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (2023), the Gold Award for Best Sustainability Initiative (International Category) at the M&C Asia Stella Awards (2020), and the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard for the 2024–2026 cycle. The ISO 20121 certification process involved rigorous self-assessment, setting of measurable performance indicators, ongoing compliance with legal obligations, and transparent reporting procedures. As Malaysia prepares to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Shangri-La Rasa Ria continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable hospitality, setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious event management in the region. -Awani

Energy & Technology, ESG

ChangAn Automobile Launches Smart, Low-Carbon Rayong Factory with 90% Automation

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ChangAn Automobile (“ChangAn” ), an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, officially opened its first international new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing base in Rayong, Thailand, integrating sustainable, low-carbon, flexible manufacturing, and intelligent digital systems that focus on efficiency, cost, and quality. The launch marks a key milestone for ChangAn in its international manufacturing structure and injects advanced intelligent manufacturing power into Thailand’s automotive industry. The opening of ChangAn’s Rayong Factory marks a new phase of its Vast Ocean Plan, shifting from product exports to industrial globalisation. It showcases the Company’s potential in global expansion across products, smart manufacturing, branding, and green, digital innovation. As a key production hub, the plant features five intelligent workshops — including welding, painting, general and engine assembly, and battery — with 90% automation at key quality control stations, among the highest in Thailand’s auto industry. The factory incorporates energy-saving and eco-friendly features aligned with green development goals. A 14MW photovoltaic system will provide 45% of the plant’s electricity. Recirculating air towers, louvers, natural lighting, and rainwater recycling will cut energy use for lighting and ventilation, improve water efficiency, and lower energy costs by an estimated 5%. ChangAn has implemented an innovative and flexible production system to lower manufacturing costs and efficiently build high-value vehicles. The welding workshop features 39 robots and advanced material-joining methods, including FDS, EPS, and SPR, delivering strength beyond traditional connection techniques. The painting workshop uses 29 robots and advanced spraying to extend paint life to 15 years and reduce emissions by 40%, while the assembly line features 140 stations, including 18 fully and 125 semi-automated units. Technologies such as automated seal adjustment and AGV vehicles allow for multi-model and multi-power production. The power workshop supports engine and battery production, including ultra-precise engine tile-matching and visual guidance across 22 battery processes. Forty-five AGVs create a flexible, responsive manufacturing and transport system. As a digital-first factory, ChangAn employs a full-stack digital ecosystem with a microservice architecture for 100% online operations. The entire manufacturing process is scheduled in real time, improving supply chain coordination and reducing the order delivery cycle from 21 days to 15 days. The ChangAn Quality Operating System (CAQOS) ensures comprehensive quality management across supplier parts, vehicle production, and market services. During production, 77 surveillance cameras and 62 foolproof checkpoints are used, creating 71 quality containment processes to ensure end-to-end quality across parts, production, and market services. Looking forward, ChangAn aims to localise 80% of production at its Rayong Factory, create 30,000 jobs, and support low-carbon growth and talent development for Thailand’s green transition. Positioned as a hub for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, ChangAn plans to exceed 5 million global and 3 million new energy vehicle sales by 2030. Over the next three years, it will launch 12 new energy models and expand AI features. A new Rayong parts centre will support right-hand drive markets with 24-hour delivery. “After 556 days of dedication from over 2,000 employees and partners around the world, we have built a factory that is efficient, modern, and smart,” said Shen Xinghua, Managing Director of ChangAn Automobile Southeast Asia Business Unit. “We are here for the long run. Together, we will help shape a cleaner, smarter, and stronger automotive future — In Thailand, For Thailand, and For the world.” -GD Today

ESG, The Executives

Deden: World’s First Geothermal Coffee Pioneer from Kamojang, Indonesia

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JAKARTA: Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia holds immense geothermal potential, accounting for around 40% of the world’s total geothermal reserves. Kamojang stands as a key milestone in the country’s geothermal history. Since its initial exploration in 1926, Kamojang has not only consistently supplied clean energy but also made history as the birthplace of the world’s first coffee innovation processed using geothermal steam. is the pioneer behind this innovation. Since 2023, Deden, together with local entrepreneurs, has been harnessing the natural wealth of his hometown with support from PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO), which has operated in Kamojang since 1983. The Beginning of His Coffee Business Before inventing the geothermal coffee innovation, Deden had been running a coffee business since 2015, including managing his own coffee shop. He is also active as the Head of Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) in Ibun District, Bandung, making his café a popular gathering place for locals and PGE employees to relax and share stories. Since then, Deden began to establish a good relationship with the employees of PGE Kamojang Area. This closeness developed through casual conversations often filled with discussions about coffee, from the production process to the potential for developing local coffee. After building a good relationship with employees of PGE Kamojang Area, Deden often engaged in casual conversations about coffee. These discussions eventually evolved into a concrete idea when PGE expressed interest in starting a coffee development program, which Deden enthusiastically welcomed. “At that time, I considered the idea to be a challenge. I saw geothermal potential as an opportunity to provide solutions to various problems faced by conventional coffee producers,” he explained. From Concept to Cup: Geothermal Coffee is Born Together with PGE, Deden conducted intensive research to identify the fermentation techniques best suited to the geothermal characteristics used in coffee processing. “I conducted fermentation research for almost a year. From more than 20 processes we tried, we finally found three that best fit the characteristics of the drying process,” he said. Following the research, Deden began producing coffee using Arabica beans grown in the highlands of Kamojang, at an altitude of around 1,500 meters above sea level. He then empowered local coffee entrepreneurs to build a more efficient business ecosystem through the use of ‘Geothermal Dry House’ technology, which utilizes geothermal steam trap from PGE as a substitute for sunlight, enabling a more stable, hygienic, and high-quality drying process. From a business perspective, this technology excels by accelerating the drying time up to threefold, resulting in up to 300% efficiency. This means lower operational costs and increased production capacity without additional time or expenses. “This technology also minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination from outside sources. That way, the bacteria that affect the process only come from the fermentation before drying. In terms of taste, the end result is more fruity, with a stronger aroma, and a smoother texture compared to coffee processed conventionally,” he explained. Now, Deden manages Geothermal Coffee Process (GCP) as Managing Director, where he collaborates with PGE to empower coffee farmers in Kamojang. GCP processes post-harvest coffee beans into green beans, partnering with over 80 farmers and absorbing 20 tons of coffee last season. Moving forward, Deden aims to develop GCP into an integrated business that delivers a broader social and economic impact for the community. Taking Indonesian Innovation Global In the first year of its launch, Deden mentioned that there were parties from abroad interested in replicating this system. “We felt it was important to patent it immediately. Rather than having this concept adopted by external parties first, it’s better for us to develop it domestically. We want the Indonesian people, especially in coffee-producing areas close to geothermal sources, to be the first to implement a similar concept,” Deden hoped. This is what fueled Deden’s spirit to introduce geothermal coffee as an original Indonesian innovation to the global stage. His efforts paid off, as GCP succeeded in penetrating international markets by starting to export its products to Japan. This year, they even aim to expand exports to Europe. “From the beginning, my friends at PGE Kamojang have always believed in me and encouraged me to keep trying new things. This collaboration is not just about inventing the world’s first geothermal coffee, but also about opening doors for us, local entrepreneurs, to grow, learn, and dream bigger. We are increasingly experiencing the benefits of geothermal energy, not just as a source of electricity in our homes, but also as a door that opens up opportunities for a better life,” he concluded. With a background as a vocational high school graduate in pharmacy, Deden is now exploring the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree through a scholarship program from PGE. He has chosen to major in business management, aiming to realize his dream of building a sustainable enterprise, which he sees as his true challenge.

ESG, News

UOB Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Collaborate to Support SMEs on Decarbonisation Journey

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KUALA LUMPUR: UOB Malaysia today announced a collaboration with Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia or the Exchange) to facilitate Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainability practices and advancing their decarbonisation journey. This collaboration is central to the Bank’s newly expanded Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2.0 (SAP 2.0). First launched in October 2023, SAP 1.0 was designed to equip SMEs with foundational knowledge to kick-start their ESG journey, enabled through UOB’s Sustainability Compass tool (co-developed with PWC) and customised financing solutions such as the U-Series (comprising U-Energy, U-Solar and U-Drive). Building on the success of the initial phase, SAP 2.0 takes the Bank’s commitment further by providing its SME clients with access to Bursa Malaysia’s Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) Solution, reducing complexities of emissions calculation and facilitating uptake of relevant decarbonisation solutions. Speaking at the launch held at UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur attended by senior representatives of both organisations, industry stakeholders and the bank’s SME clients, Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer of UOB Malaysia, said, “We are honoured to be the first bank to partner with Bursa Malaysia. Under UOB’s SAP 2.0 Programme, in addition to our enhanced suites of SME-centric solutions, the Bank will also fund Bursa’s CSI Solution’s subscription fees for our SME clients. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting can be a daunting aspect of the decarbonisation journey, and by lowering this barrier and helping them calculate and report their GHG emissions more effectively, we hope to empower more SMEs to transition. I truly believe that strong public-private collaboration is essential to help businesses to decarbonise”. Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia, said “This collaboration with UOB Malaysia marks a significant step forward in expanding our CSI ecosystem to benefit a wider group of companies. Just as our CSI Solution has empowered public listed companies (PLCs) to meet disclosure obligations and guide their decarbonisation, we are now extending the same capabilities to SMEs, enabling them to progress confidently on their sustainability journey. We applaud UOB Malaysia for taking proactive steps in encouraging sustainable business practices among SMEs, particularly through the use of the CSI Solution. We look forward to seeing other financial institutions follow suit. These collective efforts will accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy”. The CSI Platform serves as the Exchange’s designated sustainability reporting channel for all PLCs. As part of this designation, the platform supports the ISSB IFRS S1 and S2 disclosure requirements adopted under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF). With the Scope 3 emissions disclosure requirement commencing in phases, starting 2027, SMEs within the PLCs’ supply chains will need to be prepared to meet these reporting obligations. The UOB-Bursa Malaysia collaboration aims to better equip participating SMEs to meet growing sustainability demands from stakeholders, including large customers like multinational corporations (MNCs) and public-listed companies (PLCs), for GHG emissions data for their Scope 3 supply chain emissions reporting. Besides Bursa Malaysia, UOB Malaysia has also joined forces with Control Union and DHL Express Malaysia to offer a suite of solutions in the areas of emissions data assurance, green certifications, green logistics, energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. UOB Malaysia’s pioneering initiative under the SAP 2.0 programme reflects the Bank’s steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable practices among SMEs, contributing to the broader goal of an inclusive and sustainable future.

ESG, Property

PropertyGuru Report Highlights Growing Demand for Sustainable Homes

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PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, has released its Sustainability Report 2024, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable urban living. As the region’s urban population is projected to reach 63% by 2050, PropertyGuru’s initiatives aim to address growing urban challenges by leveraging data, digital tools, and strategic collaborations. The report highlights key insights from PropertyGuru’s 2024 survey, revealing that 83% of Malaysians are willing to pay a premium for homes with sustainable features. These features are valued for their ability to reduce utility costs, enhance climate resilience, and retain long-term value. PropertyGuru, which attracts 32 million monthly visits from property seekers and works with 50,000 active real estate agents across the region, continues to introduce platform innovations to address the property market’s evolving needs. Cécile Corda, Head of Sustainability at PropertyGuru Group, emphasised the growing demand for sustainable and inclusive housing. “At PropertyGuru, we’re responding to this demand with actionable solutions. By equipping property seekers and stakeholders with the tools to make informed, sustainable choices, we’re helping to build cities that are resilient and inclusive,” she said. Data-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Housing The report also indicates that 77% of Malaysians now factor climate risks into their home-buying decisions. PropertyGuru Malaysia has responded by providing data-driven insights, including historical disaster data on flood-prone and landslide-risk areas, allowing developers to assess risks at a neighbourhood level. The company has also launched educational content on climate-proofing properties, reinforcing its role in promoting public awareness. Promoting inclusivity is another central theme of the report. Following the successful introduction of the ‘Everyone Welcome’ tag in Singapore last year, PropertyGuru has now launched the feature in Malaysia. This tool highlights rental listings where landlords are open to tenants of all races, genders, and religions, fostering diversity and fair housing practices. PropertyGuru’s community initiatives also saw volunteers partnering with The Lost Food Project to recover 2,600kg of surplus food, providing over 7,600 meals and preventing more than 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. Additionally, the company plans to launch a ‘Women Leaders Programme’ in Malaysia to enhance inclusivity within its workforce. Commitment to Climate Action The report underscores PropertyGuru’s strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact. After establishing a baseline for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the company achieved net-zero status for direct operations by transitioning to 100% renewable energy. Moreover, to reduce the energy usage of its data infrastructure, PropertyGuru has adopted more energy-efficient cloud solutions, further advancing its decarbonisation efforts. Kenneth Soh, Country Manager of PropertyGuru Malaysia, pointed out a notable shift in home searches. Areas such as Kota Emerald, Kuah, and Ulu Kelang have seen over 100% year-on-year search growth, driven by affordability. “Meeting this demand requires integrating sustainable features into mid-market and rental segments. The future of housing in Malaysia depends on making sustainable living accessible to all,” Soh noted. By aligning its efforts with emerging consumer expectations, PropertyGuru remains committed to supporting sustainable living choices and fostering inclusive communities, making sustainability a realistic option for a broader demographic. For more information, download the full PropertyGuru Sustainability Report 2024 here.

Energy & Technology, ESG

Malaysia, Japan Seal RM1.34 Billion in Green Bioeconomy Deals at EXPO 2025 Osaka

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Osaka: Malaysia and Japan marked a new milestone in green bioeconomy cooperation with the signing of three strategic agreements worth RM1.34 billion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The occasion, held at the Malaysia Pavilion on 12 May in conjunction with the launch of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Week, marked a significant step forward in advancing joint efforts by both nations to drive the low-carbon and bio-based economy agenda, in line with global sustainability commitments. Malaysia was represented by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), which has been instrumental in driving this collaborative initiative forward. According to Chief Executive Officer of Bioeconomy Corporation, En. Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, Japan’s selection as Malaysia’s strategic partner in innovation and technology reflects the strength of global cooperation to advance green economic growth and address global climate challenges. “Malaysia is proud to showcase the nation’s bioeconomy potential to the global market through strategic collaborations such as this. While leveraging Japan’s expertise in green innovation, BioNexus Status companies and those under the Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme are well positioned to drive transformation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and bio-based products. This joint effort not only generates economic value but also contributes meaningfully towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future at both regional and global levels,” he said. The collaborations involve the development of renewable energy and the commercialisation of sustainable biotechnology products, aligning with the aspirations of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 and global sustainability goals. The first agreement involved reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd and Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation to explore a joint venture in developing renewable fuels such as biomethane and low-carbon derivatives including liquefied biomethane (LBM) and biomethanol by converting palm oil production residues. In the second agreement, MTC Orec Sdn Bhd, a bioenergy company under the Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme, and Japan’s IHI Plant Services Corporation entered into a collaboration for the development of biogas technology in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, BioNexus Status company Glyken Bio Products Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Agreement and supply contract with Japan’s Respect Co., Ltd. for the distribution of its bird’s nest glycopeptide-based products in the Japanese market. Mohd Khairul Fidzal added that the collaborations also reflect the alignment between Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” “It’s not just about accelerating market access and technology transfer,” said Mohd Khairul Fidzal, “but also about creating opportunities for the joint development of solutions to address climate change, energy security, and economic resilience. “Bioeconomy Corporation remains committed to strengthening international collaborations, expanding the innovation ecosystem, and exploring global opportunities to help local companies break into international markets in support of a more inclusive and competitive bioeconomy agenda.” Meanwhile, Malaysia Pavilion Director, Ellyza Mastura Ahmad Hanipiah, commented, “On behalf of Malaysia Pavilion, we are honoured to support MOSTI’s ongoing efforts in deepening global partnerships and driving quality investments into the country. “With a continued focus on fostering strategic collaboration, Malaysia Pavilion will remain a key platform for initiatives that unlock economic opportunities and strengthen international ties. In line with our target of securing at least RM13 billion in potential trade and investment and attracting 1.5 million visitors, we are fully committed to positioning Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai as a premier stage for innovation, sustainable growth, and global engagement.”

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