ESG

SINGAPORE : In a powerful statement on gender diversity in aviation, Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), operated a special flight TR676/677 from Singapore to Chiang Mai and back with an all-female crew in celebration of International Women’s Day. The flight was led by Captain Vanessa Khaw and First Officer Robyn Alexander, supported by a dedicated cabin crew including Malaysian crew member Siti Zubaidah, who has been with Scoot for over six years. Reflecting on her journey, Siti shared, “My journey at Scoot has been one of growth and inspiration. With great mentors and a supportive team, I’ve learned that with passion and determination, women can soar to great heights in aviation and beyond.” The initiative highlights the increasing presence of women in aviation, an industry traditionally dominated by men. As the world marks International Women’s Day, Scoot reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all genders can thrive and achieve their aspirations in aviation.

SINGAPORE: MVGX Tech Pte Ltd (MVGX), a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Group and a leader in sustainability solutions, and the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), the global body representing 1,600 free zones and industrial parks, have signed a landmark agreement to accelerate sustainability adoption across Free Zones worldwide. Through this collaboration, Free Zones will gain access to internationally recognised sustainability frameworks, enabling them to implement robust sustainability management systems and attain the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Certification, a key benchmark for green industrial park development. Aligned with ISO 37101, the Management System for Sustainable Development in Communities, and PAS IP 8848, the framework for Sustainable Industrial Park management systems, this initiative underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable, future-ready industrial ecosystems. The signing ceremony in Dubai signals a major push towards sustainable transformation, as Free Zones worldwide move to align with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and future-proof their operations. Helping Free Zones Achieve Global Sustainability Standards As part of this partnership, MVGX and WFZO will champion the adoption of the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Standard (PAS 8848:2024), encouraging WFZO members to integrate structured sustainability practices within their operations. To facilitate this, MVGX will provide capacity-building programs, consulting services, and hands-on certification support, equipping Free Zones with the expertise needed to implement effective sustainability management systems. The initiative will also help Free Zones secure dual certification in ISO 37101 (Sustainable Development in Communities) and PAS IP 8848 (Sustainable Industrial Park Free Zone Standard), reinforcing their commitment to globally recognized sustainability benchmarks. Defining the Path to Sustainability: WFZO and MVGX’s Roles Under this partnership, WFZO will take the lead in promoting the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Standard across its global network, encouraging Free Zones to integrate sustainability into their operations. It will organize capacity-building events and workshops, providing Free Zones with the knowledge and resources needed to participate in the certification process. Additionally, WFZO will serve as the key liaison between MVGX and Free Zones, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. MVGX, on the other hand, will drive the technical execution by developing specialized training programs, sustainability assessments, and improvement roadmaps for Free Zones. It will provide hands-on consulting, guiding Free Zone teams through gap analyses, sustainability project implementation, and certification preparation. From documentation support to third-party certification reviews, MVGX will ensure Free Zones meet globally recognized sustainability standards. Why This Matters to Free Zones and the Global Economy Free Zones and Industrial Parks play a critical role in global trade, contributing to economic growth, industrial development, and cross-border commerce. However, as sustainability becomes a defining factor in investment decisions, supply chain partnerships, and regulatory compliance, Free Zones that do not embrace sustainability risk falling behind. Ms Lily Hong, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of MVGX, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This agreement underscores our shared commitment to sustainability in industrial zones. By leveraging MVGX’s expertise in sustainability consulting and WFZO’s extensive global network, we aim to provide Free Zones with the necessary tools and guidance to achieve internationally recognized sustainability certifications. This partnership is a critical step in accelerating the transition to greener industrial practices worldwide.” “This collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating carbon markets within free zones, enabling enterprises to actively participate in global carbon reduction efforts,” said Dr. Samir Hamrouni, Chief Executive Officer of World Free Zones Organization. “By establishing unified carbon credit standards and digital trading systems, we are fostering a more sustainable and economically resilient future for free trade zones worldwide.” This partnership between MVGX and WFZO provides Free Zones with a clear roadmap to sustainability compliance, strengthening their appeal to global investors and businesses. By offering direct access to cutting-edge sustainability knowledge and best practices, it empowers Free Zones to future-proof their operations while aligning with global ESG regulations. With sustainability now shaping the future of trade, this collaboration ensures Free Zones remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.

KUALA LUMPUR: Senior Aerospace UPECA, a subsidiary of Senior plc and a leading manufacturer of high-tech components and systems, has signed an agreement with DHL Express to adopt the GoGreen Plus service. This partnership enables UPECA to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), cutting up to 30% of carbon emissions from its time-definite international shipments. “At UPECA, we believe SAF is one of the most promising solutions for decarbonizing long-haul flights,” said Kavan Jeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of UPECA. “It is compatible with existing aircraft, making it a viable option to accelerate the transition towards sustainable aviation. We are excited to partner with DHL Express through GoGreen Plus and contribute to the growth of a commercially viable market for renewable energy.” GoGreen Plus is the only solution in the global express logistics industry that allows customers to use SAF to reduce their Scope 3 emissions—indirect greenhouse gas emissions from supply chain activities. Derived from sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oil and other residues, SAF can lower lifecycle carbon emissions by approximately 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. UPECA’s subscription to GoGreen Plus applies across its international trade lanes, covering key markets in Europe and North America. This move aligns with growing concerns about aviation’s impact on global emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, aviation has been the fastest-growing source of CO₂ emissions in transport over recent decades, surpassing rail, road, and sea travel. The push for SAF adoption is critical to achieving the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) goal of making SAF 50% of global aviation fuel consumption by 2050. “SAF is a key driver in creating cleaner air mobility, but scaling its production and adoption remains a challenge,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. “Having UPECA onboard reflects the growing commitment among businesses to explore innovative pathways for a green transition. These partnerships are vital in making SAF more accessible and affordable at the speed required to address today’s climate challenges.” Launched in 2023, GoGreen Plus is made possible through strategic partnerships with bp and Neste to procure up to 800 million liters of SAF, along with an agreement with World Energy to purchase up to 668 million liters via sustainable aviation certificates. With air freight accounting for approximately 70% of DHL Group’s carbon footprint, sustainable air transport solutions remain a priority in its mission to drive low-emission logistics.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hari Raya celebration is the annual key practice of Zakat-alFitr, a charitable donation given to those in need to ensure everyone can partake in the festivities regardless of their financial circumstances. It demonstrates the spirit of compassion and solidarity among Muslims, with many supporting those less fortunate, strengthening the sense of community and togetherness. In line with this act of kindness, TOP, the No.1 detergent brand in Malaysia1 proudly launches the #TOPBerkongsiRezeki campaign, which will run exclusively at MYDIN from 1st March to 31st April 2025. This heartfelt initiative aims to provide Raya celebrants the opportunity to give sadaqah (voluntary charity), which holds a special significance during the holy month of Ramadan, as it is believed the rewards for good deeds are multiplied during this blessed month. As such, celebrants are encouraged to engage in various forms of charity, including Raya necessity to those in poverty and offering financial assistance to those in need. #TOPBerkongsiRezeki hopes to gather help from generous Malaysians to support underprivileged communities through a combination of cash donations, product contributions, and social engagement proceeds. These charitable contributions will ensure children, women, and families in need are being taken care of during this festive season.   During the campaign period, RM0.10 from each purchase of TOP detergent at MYDIN will be donated to charitable organizations, such as MYDIN Prihatin, Rumah Aman Children’s Home and Rumah Safiyyah. Total funds raised will be distributed as RM20,000 in cash, plus RM2,000 worth of TOP products will be given to charity homes and shelters.   Additionally, TOP will donate RM0.50 for every ‘like’ clicked for TOP Silky Miracle video on the brand’s Malaysia Facebook. This initiative aims to drive more awareness and participation in this meaningful campaign to support those in need. Link : https://www.facebook.com/TOPdetergentMY

KUALA LUMPUR: The Food Purveyor, the country’s leading premium grocery retailer, won praise today from international NGO Lever Foundation for its new goal of selling 100% cage-free eggs nationwide by 2035. This move, part of the company’s broader ESG goals, further establishes The Food Purveyor as a leader in Asia’s premium retail sector when it comes to prioritizing ethical sourcing, animal welfare and sustainability. “At The Food Purveyor, we collaborate closely with suppliers to promote ethical sourcing practices within our supply chain, exemplified by our aspiration to achieve a 100% cage-free egg assortment by 2035,” The Food Purveyor noted in a new statement posted on its website last week. “The Food Purveyor’s new goal on this important issue showcases a remarkable commitment to ethical food sourcing,” said Vilosha Sivaraman, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, which is collaborating with The Food Purveyor on the issue. “By prioritizing food safety, product quality and animal welfare, the company demonstrates true leadership in sustainable sourcing. Today’s consumers are demanding more from food brands, and The Food Purveyor is responding with a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that sets a new standard for responsible retail.” Cage-free egg production, in which hens are given the freedom to move in open indoor environments, improves animal welfare and significantly lowers food safety risks compared to caged egg production. Exhaustive research by the European Food Safety Authority found that cage-free egg farms are up to 25 times less likely to be contaminated with key strains of salmonella than caged egg farms. The production of caged eggs has been banned across Europe, as well as in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Bhutan and parts of India, Australia and the United States. An increasing number of consumers have also been leaving eggs off their plate as the best way to help laying hens. A recent survey carried out by leading Asia research agency GMO Research found that 77 percent of Malaysians believe food companies should source only cage-free eggs, and nearly 60 percent are more inclined to patronize brands that commit to doing so. As a result, in recent years, a growing list of food companies in the country have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs.