Treating Waste at The Source: How We Can Keep The World Clean, Together.
By Pang Swee Lei, Co-Founder of The Asher by Pamarai
ESG
ESGAM and RHB Equip SMEs for the ESG Revolution
KUALA LUMPUR: The ESG Association of Malaysia (ESGAM), in collaboration with RHB Bank, hosted the SustainAbility Connect: Financing the Future of SMEs event at the Tropicana Golf & Country Club. The event highlighted the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices for Malaysian SMEs and how they can leverage sustainable financing to drive growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. Prof Cheah Kok Hoong, in his opening remarks, stressed the urgency of ESG adoption, urging businesses to move from discussions to concrete actions. “While many are talking about ESG, the real challenge is in taking steps to integrate it into business models,” he said. “The opportunity is here, but businesses must make the commitment now to incorporate sustainability into their operations.” The event also featured Damian Santosh Samson, Deputy Director at MATRADE, who discussed how Malaysia’s export landscape is evolving, particularly in sectors like electronics, where sustainability is becoming a key market driver. “Sustainability is now a driving force in international markets, especially in the electrical and electronics sectors. Almost 40% of Malaysia’s exports in this space are linked to sustainable electronics,” he explained. He also spoke about MATRADE’s role in facilitating market access for SMEs, particularly in Europe, where demand for sustainable products is on the rise. Kelvin Chen, Head of SME Business Development at RHB Bank, highlighted the pivotal role of RHB Bank in supporting SMEs through their ESG transformation. “Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a strategic imperative for businesses. As a bank, we see our role not only in financing but in enabling our clients to transition towards a sustainable future,” said Mr Chen. “The businesses that will thrive in the coming years are those that embrace ESG principles and take proactive steps to integrate them into their business models.” The event also featured a panel discussion titled “ESG in Action: Navigating Policy Shifts, Risks and Opportunities for SMEs”, moderated by Dr Wong Lai Yong, Founder, Principal Trainer & Consultant of First Penguin Sdn Bhd. Panellists included Damian Santosh Samson (MATRADE); Dr Shana Yong, CEO, Founder and Director of Regenapitol Net Positive Bank and ESGSolv Sdn Bhd; Sim Ee Chiew, Head of SME Engagement at RHB Bank; and Alex Pang, Senior Manager of ESG at AEON CO. (M) BHD. The panel shared practical insights on the evolving ESG policy landscape, financing options, and strategies for SMEs to future-proof their operations while managing risks and capitalising on emerging opportunities. RHB Bank’s efforts align with Malaysia’s national agenda to achieve net zero by 2050. The bank offers tailored solutions for SMEs, from renewable energy financing to green property loans, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while ensuring long-term growth and profitability. As part of the ongoing efforts to support SMEs, ESGAM and RHB Bank announced the upcoming launch of a new ESG platform for SMEs, designed to provide the tools, resources, and connections needed to integrate sustainability practices more effectively. The platform will be launched on 30th June 2025. RHB Bank’s Commitment to Sustainable SME Transformation RHB Bank has been a key player in helping SMEs transition toward a more sustainable future. The bank’s commitment to ESG practices is reflected in its comprehensive support for SMEs, from financing renewable energy projects to helping businesses secure green certifications. Mr Chen emphasised that sustainability is no longer optional, but essential for businesses looking to stay competitive. “As the regulatory landscape tightens and market expectations evolve, businesses that fail to adapt may face risks, including financial penalties and lost opportunities. However, those who embrace ESG practices will not only mitigate these risks but also unlock new growth prospects and improve long-term profitability.” The event showcased ESGAM’s ongoing role in empowering SMEs to adopt sustainable strategies, with both ESGAM and RHB working together to create an environment where sustainability leads to profitability and positive societal impact. For more information about the upcoming ESG platform or RHB’s SME financing solutions, please visit www.esgmalaysia.org.
Bioeconomy and the Future of Sustainable Healthcare
By Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation
Proactive Actions and Ecolab’s commitment to Water Resilience
By Greg Lukasik, SVP & CEO, Ecolab Southeast Asia
POSCO Raises $700 Million in Oversubscribed Green Bond Offering
South Korean steel giant POSCO Holdings has successfully raised US$700 million through a two-tranche green bond issuance, the company announced on Tuesday. The offering comprised a US$400 million five-year bond and a US$300 million 10-year bond, both of which were significantly oversubscribed. The five-year notes were priced at 137.5 basis points over US Treasuries—42.5 bps tighter than initial guidance—while the 10-year notes were priced at Treasuries plus 157.5 basis points, also 42.5 bps tighter than originally indicated. According to documents reviewed by Reuters, investor demand was strong, with over US$3.8 billion in orders for the five-year tranche and US$2.8 billion for the 10-year. POSCO stated that proceeds from the green bond issuance will be allocated toward financing or refinancing eligible green projects, in line with its sustainability goals. The move underscores growing investor appetite for ESG-linked instruments and highlights POSCO’s ongoing efforts to support the transition to low-carbon steel production.–REUTERS
TotalEnergies ENEOS Powers Samsung Electronics’ Green Future with Major Solar Installation in Vietnam
SINGAPORE: TotalEnergies ENEOS has launched its largest rooftop solar power project in Vietnam, installing a nearly 28 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex in Ho Chi Minh City. This ambitious initiative marks a significant milestone in the company’s renewable energy portfolio. The project, which will see the installation of over 45,000 solar PV modules, is set to generate more than 40,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually. Once completed, it will supply 26% of Samsung Electronics’ onsite operations with green energy, while also reducing 26,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. In line with Samsung’s commitment to the RE100 initiative, which advocates for the use of 100% renewable electricity, this collaboration underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to sustainability. By sourcing green electricity for its operations, Samsung not only advances its environmental goals but also promotes sustainability within its workforce and broader community. Ingrid Jaumain, Zone Director for TotalEnergies Distributed Generation Asia Pacific, joined by Choonki Kwon, President of Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex, and Vo Van Hoan, Deputy Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee, attended a ceremony marking the awarding of the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) to TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Projects Vietnam Project Co. Ltd. This marks a pivotal step in the industrial decarbonisation effort, aligned with Vietnam’s national sustainable development goals. Choonki Kwon shared: “This project goes beyond energy generation. It is the start of a broader transformation, where technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters the sustainable development of people and society.” For Alexandru Buzatu, Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pacific, the project is a testament to the company’s expertise in accelerating the clean energy transition across Southeast Asia. “We are proud to support Samsung’s power needs in Vietnam, helping them achieve their clean energy targets while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability in the region.” With TotalEnergies ENEOS at the helm of this green energy initiative, the partnership is set to deliver not only a sustainable energy solution for Samsung but also a positive environmental impact for the local community and beyond.
Vale And Petrobras Announce A Partnership To Test Fuel With Renewable Content
KUALA LUMPUR: Vale and Petrobras, through Petrobras Singapore, have announced a commercial partnership to supply a ship chartered by the mining company with Very Low Sulfur (VLS) B24, a marine fuel with 24% second-generation biodiesel. In collaboration with the company Oldendorff Carriers, the bulk carrier Luise Oldendorff was fueled in Singapore, on 04/22/2025, for testing purposes. The product was formulated by Petrobras Singapore (PSPL) itself in its locally leased tanks, by blending 76% fossil fuel oil from the refineries of the Petrobras System and 24% UCOME, a biofuel originating from the processing of used cooking oil (UCO), purchased in the region. Petrobras Singapore has the ISCC EU certification, which guarantees that its product meets the strict sustainability criteria, a requirement that accompanies the entire biofuel logistics chain involved in this process. The biobunker test continues the strategic partnership between Petrobras and Vale, which provides for the supply of products focused on competitiveness and the advancement of the decarbonization agenda. “We are developing increasingly sustainable fuels and honoring our commitment to decarbonize our activities. The partnership with Vale is another achievement of Petrobras’ goal of improving the company’s production capacity and logistics structure, to deliver greener products to the market and reinforce our decarbonization strategy”, says Petrobras president Magda Chambriard. “Vale has a firm commitment to promote the decarbonization of its operations. In this context, our shipping area has evaluated several scenarios to reduce GHG emissions in maritime transport, which includes the development of multi-fuel solutions for new and existing ships that transport our products globally. Petrobras is a very important partner in this process,” says Vale’s CEO, Gustavo Pimenta. The tests with alternative fuels on ships chartered by Vale are part of a series of initiatives by the mining company to foster and support decarbonization in global maritime transport, in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission reduction targets. Vale has a goal of reducing its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33% by 2030. The company has also committed to a 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2035, related to the value chain, of which most emissions from shipping are part. For Petrobras, the commercialization of the bunker with renewable content is in line with the strategy of developing and offering new products, towards a low-carbon market, and innovating to generate value for the business, enabling solutions in new energies and decarbonization. The company’s 2025-2029 Business Plan foresees an investment of US$ 16.3 billion in energy transition initiatives, encompassing, in addition to Low Carbon Energy projects, projects for the decarbonization of operations and Research and Development (R&D) that permeates all segments. This volume represents 15% of the total CAPEX forecast for the five-year period (against 11% on the previous plan) and an increase of 42% compared to the previous plan.
Asia’s hospitality sector finds balance between opulence and sustainability says Hong Kong’s leading tourism expert
HONG KONG : Sustainable tourism has evolved from niche market to mainstream aspiration, with profound implications for how travellers, businesses, and destinations approach hospitality, according to Professor Lisa Wan, Associate Professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School. Speaking at the Economist Impact’s 4th annual Sustainability Week Asia held in Bangkok in March, Professor Wan highlighted how post-pandemic tourism patterns have accelerated sustainability concerns. “The sudden post-COVID tourist influx overwhelmed many destinations, revealing tourism’s hidden costs—overtourism, waste, and strain on local resources,” Professor Wan explained. “As we continue to travel, we must do so sustainably so that the environment and communities we experience today will welcome the next generation.” The Psychology of Tourist Behaviour One of Professor Wan’s key research findings centres on what she calls “psychological distance” in tourist settings. Her studies reveal that travellers often behave less environmentally responsibly when away from home. “Tourists tend to misbehave and act less environmentally friendly due to psychological detachment from the destination,” Professor Wan noted. “They perceive travel destinations as ‘not their home,’ reducing their sense of responsibility.” Her research suggests that closing this psychological gap through meaningful local interactions can significantly improve tourist behaviour. “Something as simple as residents warmly engaging with visitors through a smile can foster a sense of belonging and responsibility,” she said. “Cultural experiences that connect tourists with local heritage and traditions also lead to greater environmental empathy.” Professor Wan cited examples like Hong Kong’s promotion of in-depth cultural tourism and Japan’s Satoyama village experiences, where visitors participate in traditional rural lifestyles. Studies show participants in such immersive experiences are more likely to adopt sustainable behaviours like reducing waste and respecting natural environments. Redefining Luxury Contrary to perceptions that sustainability compromises luxury, Professor Wan’s research indicates that environmental responsibility can actually enhance premium hospitality experiences. “Luxury is shifting from excess to quality over quantity,” she explained. “While often associated with cost-cutting, ‘going green’ is actually about value-adding and investing in the future.” She pointed to Six Senses Resort as an example of ultra-luxury seamlessly integrating sustainability by using locally sourced materials while maintaining world-class aesthetics. Instead of extravagance, guests enjoy organic farm-to-table dining and nature excursions powered by renewable energy. Interestingly, Professor Wan’s research reveals that high-status consumers often prefer eco-friendly hotels to enhance their public image, creating a powerful market incentive for sustainable practices. Cultural Differences in Eco-Messaging Hotels seeking to attract eco-conscious guests should tailor their messaging appropriately, according to Professor Wan’s findings. “Different types of eco-conscious travellers respond to different sustainability information,” she noted. “Asian and younger travellers care more about actual practices adopted by hotels, while eco-certifications work better for Western and more mature travellers.” To benchmark progress, CUHK Business School has developed the Hotel Sustainability Index for the Greater Bay Area, creating industry-wide competition for greener operations. Professor Wan reports that sustainability scores have improved over time, reflecting growing commitment to environmental responsibility. The Future of Sustainable Tourism For Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations heavily dependent on tourism, Professor Wan emphasises that sustainable approaches need not sacrifice economic benefits. “Sustainable tourism is about achieving harmony between environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability,” she concluded. “The future of tourism depends on embracing responsible practices that benefit both travellers and local communities.”
GumGum’s Ads Are Up to 90% More Carbon Efficient
Singapore : GumGum, a contextual-first, global digital advertising platform, today announced its industry-leading carbon efficiency in digital advertising, achieving an overall impression intensity of just 0.48 grams of CO2e per impression—significantly outperforming the industry benchmark of 2.45 grams per impression, a score calculated as a 50/50 split between programmatic and direct buy types. Through its continued partnership with Cedara, the Carbon Intelligence Platform and a leader in media decarbonization, GumGum remains at the forefront of sustainability in adtech. Here’s how GumGum stacks up in different areas of digital advertising: In programmatic advertising (ads placed through automated digital auctions), GumGum generates 0.67 grams of CO2 per impression, compared to the industry benchmark of 4.24 grams—meaning GumGum’s carbon footprint is nearly 85% more efficient than typical programmatic ads. In direct advertising (ads placed directly with a publisher, rather than through an automated auction), GumGum is even more efficient, generating just 0.06 grams of CO2 per impression—90% more efficient than the industry benchmark of 0.66 grams. For video ads, GumGum’s intensity scores are also considerably more efficient than industry benchmarks. For programmatic video, GumGum scores at 1.74 grams per impression versus the industry benchmark of 4.83. For direct video, GumGum scores at 1.03 grams per impression versus the industry benchmark of 1.25. “Sustainability in digital advertising isn’t a future goal—it’s something we’re delivering today,” said Kara Petrocelli, Senior Director of Platform Operations at GumGum. “We’re proving that brands and publishers don’t have to compromise between performance and sustainability. By optimizing bidstream efficiencies and data centers, removing certain inventory type classifications like MFAs, and embracing contextual solutions, we’re not just reducing emissions—we’re setting a new standard for responsible advertising.” GumGum’s carbon footprint is measured according to the Global Media Sustainability Framework (GMSF), the standardized methodology for media emissions measurement, released in June 2024 by the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and Ad Net Zero. Unlike previous methodologies, the GMSF provides a holistic, granular, and consistent approach, ensuring more accurate and comprehensive carbon reporting. Cedara, a founding supporter of Ad Net Zero US and a member of IAB Europe led the measurement process, calculating GumGum’s carbon intensity values by leveraging the GMSF. The same methodology was applied to calculate industry benchmarks, offering an apples-to-apples comparison. “The advertising industry is increasingly shifting toward more sustainable media practices, and GumGum is setting a powerful example of what’s possible,” said Eric Shih, Chief Operating Officer at Cedara. “GumGum has achieved one of the lowest carbon intensities we’ve seen in digital advertising. Their ability to reduce emissions by 90% compared to industry benchmarks demonstrates how data-driven decision-making can drive both sustainability and business success.” As sustainability continues to be a top priority for brands and advertisers, GumGum remains committed to advancing contextual solutions that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance. By aligning with global industry standards and optimizing ad delivery, GumGum is paving the way toward a lower and more efficient carbon future for the digital advertising industry. GumGum continues to further investigate ways to drive more sustainable advertising solutions, including developing science-based emissions reduction targets as part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
PepsiCo Spotlights Sustainable Innovation with 2025 Greenhouse Finalists
KUALA LUMPUR: PepsiCo has announced the 10 startup finalists for the third edition of its Greenhouse Accelerator Program in Asia Pacific — a bold initiative to fast-track innovation across sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, and climate action. These early-stage startups will benefit from expert mentorship, access to PepsiCo’s networks, and the opportunity to pilot their solutions in real-world market conditions, helping scale commercially viable innovations that can strengthen resilience and sustainability across the food and beverage value chain. GHAC has grown into a key platform for advancing sustainable innovation across Asia Pacific. Each edition sharpens its focus on regional priorities — from promoting regenerative farming practices and increasing soil efficiency to scaling low-carbon solutions in packaging and logistics. What sets the program apart is its partnership-driven model, enabling entrepreneurs to refine their solutions alongside PepsiCo experts, pilot in real-world settings, and explore practical pathways to scale within the food and beverage value chain. “Now in its third edition, the Greenhouse Accelerator is becoming a powerful platform for surfacing promising ideas that respond to some of the most urgent sustainability challenges in Asia Pacific,” said Anne Tse, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Asia Pacific (APAC). “From climate resilience to circular packaging and smarter agriculture, we’re seeing bold thinking that is both locally grounded and globally relevant. We’re excited to back these early-stage innovators and learn from them as we explore ways to scale practical solutions across our value chain. Each edition strengthens our ecosystem of changemakers, and we look forward to what this year’s finalists will unlock—not just during the program but well beyond it.” Meet the 2025 Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Finalists (Details in Appendix 1.0 below): Calyx.eco (Australia) Endua (Australia) Beijing AIForce Technology Co. Ltd. (China) Beijing Phabuilder Biotechnology Co. Ltd. (China) Guangdong Databeyond Technology Co. Ltd. (China) Service Enviro SCAD Inc. (China) Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd. Central Academe (China) Bali Waste Cycle (CV Bakti Bumi Berseri) (Indonesia) Circular Unite (Singapore) DEEGOLABs Inc (South Korea) Despite their varied focus areas — from waste management and agriculture to renewable packaging and clean energy — this year’s startups are united by a shared commitment to innovation and system-level change. The 2025 cohort demonstrates how emerging technologies — including AI-powered lifecycle assessments, precision agriculture, mobile recycling, and molten salt energy storage — are being applied to reduce environmental footprint and improve sustainability outcomes across traditional systems. These startups are building practical, scalable tools that reduce environmental pressure and help accelerate resource-efficient progress across sectors like food, energy, and waste. Many of this year’s finalists also hope to tackle social and economic challenges through inclusive job creation and community empowerment. Hailing from Australia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea, the finalists will each receive a USD20,000 grant and gain access to PepsiCo’s global ecosystem of experts and go-to-market resources. Finalists will also benefit from tailored mentorship and learning modules from PepsiCo executives and leading business acceleration specialists to help overcome growth challenges, refine business strategies, and scale up their market-ready solutions. At the end of the program, the winning startup will be awarded an additional USD100,000 to scale its innovation further. Since its launch, GHAC has awarded over USD1 million in grants, launched 16 pilots across APAC, and contributed to pilots and innovation partnerships that have taken place across more than 11 manufacturing sites and farms. Globally, the Greenhouse Accelerator has supported 112 companies and engaged more than 200 mentors. Approximately 80% of participating startups have successfully secured additional incremental funding following the program, underscoring its impact in accelerating sustainable innovation. Standouts include 2024 and 2023 program winners Alternō and Powered Carbon, along with finalists X-Centric and Enwise, who are partnering with PepsiCo beyond the accelerator program. PepsiCo recognises that the long-term success of its business is closely tied to the health of the planet, resilient food systems, and thriving communities. Over the past two years, GHAC has expanded its innovation ecosystem — welcoming new strategic partners and deepening its reach across the region. As a collaborative platform, the program brings together entrepreneurs, corporations, and communities to scale solutions that drive meaningful environmental and commercial impact. This edition is made possible with the support of partners, including Suntory PepsiCo Beverages Thailand, Suntory PepsiCo Beverages Vietnam, GC Ventures, Circulate Capital, CM Venture Capital, GRC Sino GreenFund, and Plug and Play — extending the program’s role in shaping a growing regional network of innovators.
