ESG

Indonesia has announced it will revoke permits held by 28 resource companies, including major gold miner PT Agincourt Resources, following investigations linking alleged forest mismanagement to deadly floods in Sumatra last December that killed over 1,000 people. The affected permits, covering more than a million hectares, include activities such as logging, pulpwood plantations, mining, and hydropower, the government said. Authorities found the companies had violated forest area regulations, according to State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi. An area affected by a deadly flash flood following heavy rains in Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec 4, 2025. Other notable firms impacted include pulp producer PT Toba Pulp Lestari, owned by billionaire Sukanto Tanoto. The government’s move is part of a broader crackdown on Indonesia’s natural resources sector under President Prabowo Subianto, which has seen state seizure of parts of nickel and coal mines, as well as over four million hectares of oil palm plantations. Shares of PT Astra International, Agincourt’s parent through listed subsidiary PT United Tractors, fell 13% following the announcement. Trading in Toba Pulp Lestari has been suspended since Dec 17 while its operations are audited. Both companies are awaiting formal government decisions. Of the land affected, roughly 900,000 hectares will be restored to conservation forest, including nearly 82,000 hectares in Tesso Nilo National Park in Riau province. The Environment Ministry has also filed lawsuits against six companies in North Sumatra, seeking more than US$280 million (RM1.14 billion) for environmental damage. Environmental groups have urged the government to halt new permits in the revoked areas and impose strict sanctions, warning that reissuing licences could cause further ecological harm.

SD Guthrie Bhd as committed to developing a living wage policy for its Malaysian operations, with the framework targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2026. In a statement on Friday, the group said the policy will be introduced in phases, starting with about 8,000 non-plantation employees. The initial phase is expected to be completed by December 2026 and will be guided by the Employees Provident Fund’s Belanjawanku Expenditure Guide. The initiative aims to promote fairer wages while supporting Malaysia’s broader socio-economic goals. It forms part of major shareholder Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s efforts, alongside other government-linked investment companies, to implement living wage policies under the government’s GEAR-uP reform programme led by the Finance Ministry. SD Guthrie said the policy will align with its existing labour commitments and international standards, including compliance with Malaysian labour laws such as the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), as amended in 2019. The framework will also take into account regional cost-of-living differences and existing employee benefits. The group adheres to standards set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the International Labour Organization. SD Guthrie operates across 11 states in Malaysia, with 121 estates, 31 mills, and downstream and renewable energy facilities, employing more than 35,000 workers from multiple countries. Shares in SD Guthrie rose 1.25% to RM5.69 on Friday, valuing the group at RM39.35 billion. The stock is up nearly 15% year to date.

Jobstreet by SEEK today announced the renewal of its collaboration with TARA Foundation, continuing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support underprivileged students across Malaysia. The partnership helps TARA Centres provide free after-school tuition and meals to children from low-income communities. Since the collaboration began in 2023, Jobstreet by SEEK has sponsored 50 complimentary job advertisements, enabling TARA Foundation to recruit staff and serve over 1,000 students nationwide. Under the renewed agreement, valid until 31 July 2026, Jobstreet by SEEK will continue providing complimentary job postings for tutors, administrators, and support staff across TARA Foundation’s 29 learning centres. The updated partnership also grants TARA Foundation access to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest recruitment innovations, including AI-assisted job description writing, seekAi high-fit candidate prediction, analytics, and SEEK Pass for verified credentials. These tools streamline hiring processes, helping TARA Centres focus on delivering education and support to students. Supporting “Mission Zero Dropouts” TARA Foundation’s “Mission Zero Dropouts” programme addresses high school dropout rates among B40 students by offering structured academic support, nutritious meals, and a safe learning environment. Nearly 99% of school dropouts in Malaysia come from B40 families, highlighting the importance of organisations like TARA Foundation in providing academic and emotional support to help children stay in school. Krishna Raj, Human Resources Director at TARA Foundation, said:“Our centres rely on committed educators and administrators. Jobstreet by SEEK’s support has been invaluable in helping us recruit the right people to serve our growing number of centres.” Empowering Purpose-Driven Hiring Jobstreet by SEEK’s CSR efforts aim to bridge talent gaps while strengthening communities. By supporting TARA Foundation, the platform enhances access to meaningful roles, promotes skills development, and improves hiring efficiency. Early results show a faster, more diverse applicant pool with stronger alignment to job requirements, demonstrating tangible benefits of the collaboration. Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, added: “Supporting TARA Foundation aligns with our mission to help Malaysians find meaningful careers. We are honoured to ease their hiring process so they can focus on transforming lives for the next generation.”  Driving National Impact This renewed partnership reinforces Jobstreet by SEEK’s broader commitment to workforce development and community support. It exemplifies purpose-driven collaboration, enabling organisations—both corporate and non-profit—to access top talent efficiently while contributing to sustainable social impact.

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) has reinforced its commitment to coastal conservation through an ongoing partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), supporting a mangrove planting initiative at Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KNSP). The activity saw 20 Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA) school eco clubs plant 1,200 mangrove saplings, sponsored by MSIG. MSIG Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki (6th from left, third row), MSIG representatives, students and teachers from 20 from Klang Valley schools at the planting site.  This initiative is part of a broader, multi-year collaboration with MNS aimed at rehabilitating Malaysia’s mangrove ecosystems. Since 2019, MSIG and MNS have planted more than 10,587 saplings across Peninsular Malaysia. Additional plantings this year include 1,200 saplings across Selangor, Kedah, Perak, Melaka, Johor, and Kota Kinabalu, with another 400 scheduled before year-end. MSIG employees have actively participated as volunteers, contributing their time to the planting activities nationwide. MSIG Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ang Yien Chia (8th from left, first row), led the Senior Management Team members and MSIG staff volunteers in the mangrove planting activity, facilitated by Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). Leadership CommitmentMs. Ang Yien Chia, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Malaysia, led the Senior Management Team and staff volunteers at the event. She said, “Since 2019, our partnership with MNS has helped restore critical mangrove ecosystems across Malaysia. Beyond planting trees, we aim to strengthen coastal communities and build long-term environmental resilience. Engaging young Malaysians in these efforts ensures that the next generation values and protects our natural heritage.” MSIG Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki delivers the opening remark at the programme. Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, added, “Mangroves act as natural insurance—stabilising coastlines, reducing storm surges, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Our work with MNS reflects the belief that environmental protection and community resilience go hand in hand.” MSIG Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toshibumi Suzuki handed the mangrove saplings to participating students at the planting site.  Nationwide Conservation ImpactThe MSIG-MNS programme has reached diverse locations nationwide, including: Sungai Cherating, Pahang Kuala Bagan Tiang, Perak Kampung Pulau Ketam, Perlis Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor Delta Kelantan, Kelantan Sungai Merbok, Kedah Tanjung Tuan, Melaka Taman EcoCare, Terengganu Tanjung Piai, Johor Lukut, Negeri Sembilan Nibong Tebal, Penang Darau Wetlands, Sabah (new site added in 2025) These efforts restore degraded coastal habitats, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen natural buffers for communities vulnerable to flooding and erosion. MSIG Malaysia’s collaboration with MNS extends beyond volunteer activities, reflecting a long-term vision to create shared value by fostering environmental resilience and sustainable ecosystems. Future initiatives will continue to focus on ecological restoration and community support.

Following the company’s flood preparedness announcement in October, CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) has activated its nationwide flood relief efforts to ensure those affected remain safe, connected and supported. In collaboration with the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) and Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), the company has commenced the delivery of essential aid and connectivity solutions to several temporary relief centres (Pusat Pemindahan Sementara – PPS) nationwide to benefit more than 50,000 affected people. Teams have deployed 60 charging stations and 80 WiFi units across relief centres in eight states to keep families connected with loved ones and access essential communication services. The company’s 24/7 operations teams are also on standby to swiftly deploy power generators to base stations in flood-hit areas, ensuring minimal disruption to network services. Beyond connectivity, CelcomDigi has enabled MRA with four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, rescue boats and volunteers to help residents stranded in severely flooded areas. In parallel, the company has activated its Flash-SMS broadcast, enhanced with AI-powered postcode targeting to ensure timely alerts reach customers in flood-risk areas. To date over 5.1 million flash-smses have been broadcasted to alert families. Essential household and personal supplies are being distributed to support families during their stay at relief centres. Alongside company-led aid, employees have also contributed cooking essentials and food packs as a gesture of their personal support. Other relief packages also include general relief kits, female dignity kits, ready-to-eat meals, baby care packs, and bedding sets—items selected to provide comfort and meet immediate needs. CelcomDigi is working with the government and relevant agencies for more coordinated relief efforts. The company has also readied its resources and employees to support more Malaysians nationwide – whether customers, dealers, or partners – during this time of need. In tandem with these efforts, a refreshed Flood Preparedness Kit that includes updated safety guidelines and practical checklist is made available in English and Bahasa Malaysia via CelcomDigi’s social media platforms and on CelcomDigi app.

DXN Holdings Bhd a leading global nutraceutical manufacturer, has been recognised as the winner of the Social Category Award at The Exchange Asia ESG PLUS Awards 2025. This recognition reflects DXN’s long-standing commitment to empowering communities, advancing social inclusion and supporting long-term societal well-being across the markets in which it operates. The Exchange Asia ESG PLUS Awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate measurable progress and leadership in the areas of Environment, Social and Governance (“ESG”). The recognition reflects DXN’s sustained commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive global society grounded in wellness, education, dignity and empowerment. Representatives, from left to right: Mr. Mahmood Hisham, Chief Operating Officer of DXN, YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Binti Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, Puan Sri Datin Seri Dato’ Akmal Abdul Salam, Chairwoman of the ESG PLUS Awards 2025. DXN’s social impact initiatives span a wide spectrum, including poverty alleviation, education support, healthcare access, nutrition programmes and global mindfulness development. Central to these efforts is the belief that businesses have a responsibility to uplift society while creating sustainable value. In the financial year ended 28 February 2023 (“FY2023”), DXN channelled more than RM5.3 million into community programmes, followed by RM11.9 million in the following year, enabling meaningful outreach through partnerships with Yayasan Prihatin, public institutions such as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (“UTAR”), and regional community networks. DXN promotes children’s health through its One Dollar One Child (“ODOC”) campaign, supporting undernourished children with health check-ups, nutrition guidance, and medical care, across Malaysia, India, and other countries by June 2025. In Malaysia, the Company partners with government-linked and charitable organisations to deliver impact through initiatives like Malaysia Madani, MYGrocer mobile markets, school programs, and a RM3.5 million donation to UTAR for an Ayurvedic clinic that advances holistic healthcare. On receiving the Social Category Award, Executive Chairman and Founder, Datuk Lim Siow Jin (拿督林孝仁) said, “At DXN, our philosophy has always been to inspire health, dignity and opportunity for every individual who comes into contact with our work. This award is a meaningful recognition of the many communities, volunteers, partners and DXN members who have walked this journey with us. We believe true social impact is created when compassion is translated into action, and when people are empowered to improve their own lives. This Award motivates us to expand our efforts further, so that our work continues to bring tangible change to families and communities around the world.” DXN’s strong showing in the Social Category also reflects its deep commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its global workforce. As part of its ongoing human rights journey, the Company has introduced enhanced worker engagement and protection mechanisms designed to ensure transparency, dignity and respect for all workers across its operations. This initiative underscores DXN’s belief that listening to workers is essential to building ethical, resilient and future-ready supply chains. It also aligns with international labour standards and complements DXN’s broader ESG commitments. DXN’s performance in the Social Category reflects its structured ESG strategy and its commitment to creating long-term positive impact for communities worldwide. The Company will continue strengthening its social initiatives, expanding global partnerships and driving responsible value creation across all markets in which it operates.

Gambit Group, a technology-driven consortium of wealth management companies, today reinforced its commitment to meaningful community engagement by launching its Impact Partner Program and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hiichiikok Foundation. From left: Datuk Clifford Hii, Group CEO (Gambit Group) and Frieda Ngui, Home Manager (Hiichiikok Foundation).  The Impact Partner Program, led by Digital Trustees Berhad, a member of Gambit Group, is designed to enable structured and sustainable giving. Through the program, Gambit clients can voluntarily support selected Impact Partners via one-off contributions or structured giving through their trust distributions. At the launch event, Gambit Group contributed RM15,000, with RM5,000 each donated to three Impact Partners: the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Hiichiikok Foundation, and WWF-Malaysia. The MoU signing took place during “Movie Day with a Heart”, a private charity screening that brought together children, caregivers, partner organisations, and clients to celebrate community partnerships and foster meaningful engagement beyond traditional CSR activities. Datuk Clifford Hii, Group CEO of Gambit Group, said:“Through the Impact Partner Program, we aim to go beyond one-off donations and build long-term relationships with organisations creating real community impact. This program simplifies sustainable giving for our clients while supporting causes they care about. Today, we’re proud to formalise our collaboration with these organisations and look forward to partnering with more Impact Partners in the future.” From left: Lynn Lim, Group Finance Director (Gambit Group); Frieda Ngui, Home Manager (Hiichiikok Foundation); Yap Yoke Tuan, Home Assistant (Hiichiikok Foundation); Tan May Ching, Assistant Supervisor (Hiichiikok Foundation); Nalani AP Balan, Home Mother (Hiichiikok Foundation); Datuk Clifford Hii, Group CEO (Gambit Group); Alya Syahida Allias, Head of Philanthropy Partnership (WWF-Malaysia); Julian Wong, Chairman (NASOM); Cheah Zi Kah, Chief Growth Officer (Gambit Group); Lau Chung Han, Head of Product (Gambit Group).  The MoU with Hiichiikok Foundation establishes a long-term collaboration focused on supporting underprivileged children through ongoing initiatives. Frieda Ngui, Home Manager of Hiichiikok Foundation, commented:“This partnership gives us stability and confidence to expand educational support and care programs. It represents a shared commitment to giving children a brighter future and shows that corporate partners like Gambit Group believe in our mission.” Since September 2025, NASOM has also been supported under the Impact Partner framework, enabling the organisation to strengthen programmes that empower children and adults with autism. Julian Wong, NASOM Chairman, said:“Gambit Group’s generous contribution will directly enhance our services nationwide, including upgrading teaching materials, facilities, and intervention programmes, helping individuals with autism reach their full potential.” WWF-Malaysia, recognised for its environmental conservation efforts, also received support to advance work in forests, wildlife, freshwater, food, marine, and climate protection. Alya Syahida Allias, Head of Philanthropy Partnership at WWF-Malaysia, said:“This partnership demonstrates that meaningful change for people and nature is possible when we act with heart.” By combining direct donations with structured partnerships, the Impact Partner Program reflects Gambit Group’s belief that sustainable impact is built through continuity, trust, and shared purpose. The program also allows clients to integrate social impact into their wealth and legacy planning in a transparent and flexible way.

As Malaysia works toward increasing the female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) to 60% by 2033, the latest data reveals a notable gap: women’s LFPR stands at 56.4%, compared to 83.3% for men. Many single mothers face the dual responsibilities of paid employment and unpaid caregiving — a challenge often referred to as the ‘double shift’ or ‘double burden’. A 2019 survey by the Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) shows that Malaysian women spend significantly more time than men on unpaid care work, while devoting a similar number of hours to paid work. These tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and child care, are mentally demanding and time-sensitive. Inclusive Employment Initiatives by dobiQueen As part of its inclusive employment policy, dobiQueen actively hires single parents and members of the B40 community, providing meaningful opportunities, job stability, and long-term support. Most recently, the company introduced its “Single Parent Welfare Support” programme, rewarding high-performing single-parent employees with monthly incentives of up to RM500. This initiative strengthens the workforce while advancing dobiQueen’s mission to empower women and foster a supportive society. Nini Tan, Co-founder and Executive Director of dobiQueen “Empowering women and strengthening families to reclaim their time to focus on what matters most has always been core to dobiQueen’s mission,” said Nini Tan, Co-founder and Executive Director of dobiQueen.“Our Single Parent Welfare Support programme reflects our commitment to helping them build stability, confidence, and long-term success. When single parents are empowered, this strengthens families, and communities flourish from there.” Personalised Raya bags were also gifted to children in collaboration with the Dignity for Children Foundation. Dedicated to supporting underserved communities, dobiQueen regularly collaborates with NGOs such as Dignity for Children Foundation, Kintry, PichaEats, Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ), and The Asli Co. These partnerships have supported single mothers, refugee mothers, and women from the B40 income group, helping them generate income and enhance skills. Malaysians Turn to Launderettes to Save Time and Energy In line with Malaysia’s social and economic inclusion goals, dobiQueen is also redefining everyday convenience. A recent customer survey reveals that families, working individuals, and students increasingly use professional launderette services to reclaim valuable time. By outsourcing laundry, customers save 150 to 300 hours a year — equivalent to 25 hours per month or 6 hours per week. This time savings allows them to reduce stress and enjoy greater flexibility in daily life. Customer data from over 15 million washes shows that: 41% of users spend extra time bonding with their children 32% use the time for dining out and social activities 19% reinvest the time into managing or growing their businesses 8% dedicate time to self-care Globally, self-service laundry services are growing rapidly, with the Asia Pacific region leading, driven by urbanisation, a growing middle-class population, and widespread smartphone adoption. With over a decade in the laundry industry, dobiQueen has gained insights into customer habits via its proprietary mobile app. The app helps users locate the nearest outlet and start washing or drying instantly via QR code scanning, removing the need for in-outlet kiosks, buttons, or tokens. “With over 90 outlets across the Klang Valley, we’ve witnessed firsthand how our laundrette services can make a meaningful impact, giving Malaysians more time and energy back in their daily lives,” said Nini Tan. Expansion Plans and Global Benchmarking dobiQueen plans to open 20 outlets per year, expanding to Sabah and Sarawak, with 10 outlets in Kota Kinabalu and 10 in Kuching. “At dobiQueen, we actively benchmark against global leaders in the laundry industry, particularly Japan and Korea, known for advanced technologies,” said Nini Tan.“While Korea leads in automation and convenience, we adapt innovations to suit Malaysian consumer behavior, prioritising trust and security. Japan remains technologically advanced but often relies on physical tokens and domestic e-payment systems. Malaysia has leapfrogged these limitations with inclusive payment options for both local and international users.” The laundry service market is valued at US$45.85 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$273.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 29.3% from 2025 to 2032.

The ESG PLUS Awards 2025 marked a milestone of celebration of sustainable excellence in Asia bringing together more than 300 corporate leaders, CEOs, founders, investors, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners from across the region, marking one of the region’s most significant celebrations of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) excellence. Held at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, the event honoured organisations and individuals who are shaping the future of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy. This year’s Awards saw an overwhelming 400+ nominations, reflecting the rapid rise of ESG-driven commitment across sectors including energy, technology, healthcare, finance, F&B, tourism, real estate, education, and community development. About ESG PLUS: Positive Leadership. Understanding Sustainability. As one of Asia’s emerging ESG recognition platforms, the ESG PLUS Awards embraces the philosophy of “Positive Leadership. Understanding Sustainability.” The Awards recognise those who demonstrate measurable impact, strong governance, social responsibility, innovation, and long-term commitment to sustainable value creation. This year’s edition received more than 400 nominations across diverse industries, reflecting the growing corporate commitment toward ESG transformation throughout the region. “PLUS” represents the foundation of the Awards: P – Positive Leadership L – Long-Term Value Creation U – Understanding Sustainability S – Stakeholder Impact The platform honours those who demonstrate meaningful progress, measurable outcomes, and a vision for a more responsible and resilient future for Asia. Celebrating 55 Outstanding Award Recipients A total of 55 awards were presented to exemplary leaders and organisations. Among the distinguished recipients were: Leslie Gomez, The Olive Tree Group – Sustainable Leadership in F&B Award Izzana Salleh, Project Girls for Girls (G4G) – Women Empowerment & Social Impact Award Dato’ Franky Chua, Mangala Estate – ESG Changemaker in Environmental Restoration Award Dato’ Simon Foong, Aquawalk Berhad – Honorary Impact Award, Marine Sustainability & Conservation Other honourees included influential organisations and emerging leaders from across Asia, each demonstrating how ESG strengthens competitiveness, community impact, and enterprise resilience. ESG Leadership Dialogue: “The ESG Balancing Act: Profit, People & Planet in Today’s Economy” One of the highlights of the programme was the ESG Leadership Dialogue, themed: “The ESG Balancing Act: Profit, People & Planet in Today’s Economy.” This high-impact conversation explored how modern organisations can balance commercial objectives with societal expectations and environmental stewardship — and how leaders must integrate ESG into business strategy, operations, culture, and stakeholder engagement. The panel featured respected industry leaders, including: Leslie Gomez, Founder, The Olive Tree Group Penny Choo, Co-Founder, BloomThis Chong Kai Wooi, CEO, OCK Digital Sdn Bhd Norhisham Abd Bahrin, Partner, Azmi & Associates Daryl Foong, CEO, Aquawalk Berhad Dato’ Franky Chua, Managing Director & Founder of Franky Group of Companies Their discussion offered practical insights, case studies, and lessons learned from implementing ESG principles across diverse sectors. ESG PLUS Awards 2025 was further strengthened by the support of three strategic partners and judges: Convene ESG, Heng Cheng Zin of Baker Tilly Malaysia as the Advisory & ESG Assurance Partner; and ESG Association Malaysia (ESGAM). Their contributions enhanced the credibility and benchmarking standards of the Awards evaluation framework. A Celebration of Progress, Purpose & Collective Responsibility The ESG PLUS Awards 2025 underscored a powerful regional shift: sustainability is now a strategic cornerstone of business competitiveness, investor confidence, and long-term value creation. Chairwoman of the ESG PLUS Awards 2025, Puan Sri Dato’ Akmal Abdul Salam, applauded all recipients, stating that the awardees “exemplify how purpose-driven leadership can reshape industries, uplift communities, and accelerate Asia’s journey towards a more responsible, resilient and human-centred future.” The event concluded on a celebratory note, reaffirming that sustainability is no longer a peripheral initiative but a strategic imperative for organisations aiming to thrive amid global challenges and rising stakeholder expectations.