ESG

Malaysia officially unveiled its Pavilion at COP30, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to tackling the global climate crisis. Building on progress made at COP29, the Pavilion showcases Malaysia’s whole-of-nation approach and continued journey toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while strengthening its leadership in the region. (from left) YBrs. Encik Saiful Adib (Acting CEO, MGTC), YBhg Datuk Nor Yahati (Deputy Secretary General, NRES), and Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin (CEO, TNB) at the Malaysia Pavilion opening ceremony at COP30. Themed “Climate Action Now: Net Zero Pathways Unlocked,” this year’s Pavilion highlights Malaysia’s steady progress, bringing together voices from government, industry, and civil society. Malaysia is advancing toward net-zero through robust governance and private sector engagement. As one of the world’s three great equatorial rainforest nations, Malaysia also champions biodiversity and nature-based solutions as core pillars of its low-carbon transition. Serving as the ASEAN Chair of 2025, Malaysia is deepening regional collaboration, accelerating collective climate action, and shaping a more sustainable future. Building on the momentum from COP29 in Baku, where Malaysia promoted the “Shift for Sustainability – Climate Action Now!” narrative, COP30 marks a critical step forward. It highlights Malaysia’s progress, commitment to climate justice for vulnerable communities, innovative adaptation finance, and the balance between conservation and sustainable development. The Malaysia Pavilion will focus on five key thematic areas reflecting the nation’s net-zero transition: Restoring Rainforests, Rivers, and Reefs Energy Transition Pathways for Developing Nations Climate Justice in the Global South Future-Proofing Water, Food Systems, and Industry Unlocking Finance for Net Zero Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), said: “As COP30 in Belém calls for an ‘Implementation COP,’ Malaysia comes prepared to move decisively from pledges to measurable action. We aim to drive tangible and transformative change to achieve carbon neutrality and secure a sustainable future for all.” She added: “Malaysia’s participation underscores our dedication to global climate action and advancing both a whole-of-nation and whole-of-region approach, uniting partners in shared responsibility and cooperation.” The Pavilion will host a series of high-level dialogues, panel discussions, report launches, and collaborative sessions to advance regional and global conversations on climate resilience. Key highlights include: Day 1: Launch of Malaysia Pavilion Day 2: Safeguarding Our Ecosystems Day 3: Adaptation in Action Day 4: Anchored in Resilience Day 5: Igniting the Energy Shift Day 6: Financing the Future Day 7–10: Synergy in Sustainability, Emerging Voices for Change, Diverse Green & Blue Economy, and A Paradigm for Progress The Pavilion brings together national and international stakeholders, including Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN), Pos Malaysia, Yinson Holdings Berhad, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Amanah Lestari Alam (ALAM) under Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), Air Selangor, the World Bank, and Universiti Malaya. The Malaysia Pavilion at COP30 is spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), in collaboration with its implementing agency, the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), and supported by leading national partners Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Maybank.

Assemblr EDU, a leading immersive education platform supported by Malaysian venture capital firm Ficus Capital, has partnered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) to promote the adoption of immersive learning in classrooms nationwide. The collaboration was announced during the inaugural CDT Talks organized by Kemendikdasmen’s Center for Data and Information Technology (Pusdatin) under the theme, “The Future of Learning: Immersive Technology in Indonesian Classrooms.” Yudhistira Nugraha, Secretary General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Left) and Hasbi Asyadiq, Founder & CEO of Assemblr EDU (right). Through this partnership, Indonesian teachers with official @guru and @pendidik email accounts gain access to Assemblr EDU’s premium tools, including a 3D object library, digital teaching aids, AR experience builders, and 3D editors, potentially benefiting over 16 million users in the national education system. Yudistra Nugraha, Head of Pusdatin, highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in fostering innovation in education, while Prof. Nunuk Suryani, Director General of Teachers and Education Personnel, emphasized that technology should enhance educators’ creativity and capacity rather than replace them. Expansion into Malaysia As part of its regional growth, Ficus Capital invested US$400,000 in Assemblr through its Ficus SEA Fund, marking the firm’s first cross-border investment and demonstrating its commitment to ESG-aligned, Shariah-compliant innovation in Southeast Asia. Following this, Assemblr established its Malaysian subsidiary, Assemblr Studio Sdn Bhd, aiming to replicate Indonesia’s immersive learning initiatives and empower Malaysian teachers with AR-driven tools to enhance classroom engagement. “Assemblr was built to make education more engaging and accessible for everyone. Expanding into Malaysia is a proud milestone as we continue our journey to become a global platform that empowers educators and students through immersive learning,” said Hasbi Asyadiq, Founder & CEO of Assemblr EDU. Hasbi Asyadiq (Founder & CEO of Assemblr EDU) Ficus Capital’s support reinforces Assemblr’s mission to create scalable, creative, and impactful learning environments across ASEAN. Assemblr Studio will serve as a hub for collaboration with Malaysian educators, ministries, and education-focused organizations. “Assemblr EDU equips teachers to inspire curiosity and creativity among digital-native students. We’re excited to see its impact on Malaysian classrooms,” added Hasbi. The regional expansion highlights the growing demand for tech-driven education solutions and underscores Ficus Capital’s strategy to invest in ventures that deliver sustainable and high-impact outcomes.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is stepping up its sustainability efforts under its Net Zero 2050 roadmap, driving multiple renewable energy (RE) initiatives that include hybrid hydro-floating solar projects, hydrogen partnerships, and cross-border renewable power integration. According to TNB’s chief sustainability officer, Leo Pui Yong, the company is working closely with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and Terengganu Inc to advance its renewable energy agenda. Among the key projects is the Hybrid Hydro Floating Solar and Green Hydrogen Hub in Terengganu, launched in July this year, which forms part of TNB’s broader 2.5-gigawatt hybrid solar-hydro initiative. TNB is also focusing on regional energy collaboration through the Asean Power Grid (APG), aimed at strengthening interconnections and ensuring a stable, sustainable electricity supply across Southeast Asia. The utility giant currently has five major cross-border projects in development, with a combined capacity exceeding 6,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. One notable initiative is the Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore interconnection project, which will see renewable energy generated in Vietnam transmitted to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. The collaboration involves TNB, PETRONAS, Sembcorp, and Petrovietnam, supporting the APG’s goal of regional energy integration. Under its carbon management strategy, TNB is targeting a 5% reduction in emission intensity starting in 2025, and aims to help consumers cut their Scope 2 emissions — indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy. Leo emphasized that TNB’s energy transition is not limited to physical infrastructure but also hinges on intelligence, digital connectivity, and human capital. “TNB remains committed to advancing Malaysia’s energy transition through strategic collaboration, robust governance, and innovation — building a secure, future-ready, and sustainable energy system for all,” she said during the Sustainable Action Conference (SAC) held recently.

KUALA LUMPUR, AmInvest, in collaboration with Bursa Malaysia Bhd, has launched the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) — the country’s first Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI)-qualified ETF — aimed at providing investors with access to companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. The ETF mirrors the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, which assesses listed companies based on transparent ESG criteria. The initiative is designed to promote responsible investing, enhance corporate visibility among ESG leaders, and support Malaysia’s shift toward a low-carbon and sustainable economy. AmFunds Management Bhd chief executive officer Kevin Wong said that improving investor education is key to building awareness and participation in the local ETF market, as many Malaysian investors still prefer selecting individual stocks. “Malaysian investors often believe they can outperform the market by picking stocks they’re familiar with,” Wong said during a press conference on Wednesday. “It will take time and education to show investors that ETFs provide low-cost diversification, market access, and exposure to sustainable, ethical businesses.” Wong highlighted that ETFs with an SRI focus can offer competitive long-term returns, noting that the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index gained 36.01% over the past five years, outperforming both the FBM KLCI (25.97%) and the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index (26.39%). The ETF offers exposure to more than 100 Malaysian companies across multiple sectors, including finance, utilities, healthcare, and industrials. With a low minimum investment of about RM200 (100 units) and no entry fees, the fund provides investors an affordable gateway into sustainable investing. Currently, 15 ETFs are listed on Bursa Malaysia, comprising seven shariah-compliant and eight conventional ETFs. AmInvest remains the largest ETF provider in Malaysia, managing RM1.8 billion in ETF assets — equivalent to 75.4% of the local market share. It is also a leader in the SRI fund segment, overseeing RM4.3 billion in SRI-qualified assets, or 28.2% of the market, across nine SRI-qualified funds covering diverse asset classes.

KUALA LUMPUR, Wasco Bhd has received shareholder approval for the proposed listing of its renewable energy arm, Wasco Greenergy Bhd, on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd, with the debut targeted for mid-December. According to the group’s statement, the company plans to launch Wasco Greenergy’s prospectus later this month. The initial public offering (IPO) will involve up to 37% of Wasco Greenergy’s equity, comprising 75 million new shares and an offer for sale of up to 75 million existing shares by Wasco and its partner, Tema Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd. Post-listing, Wasco will retain a 62.54% stake in the subsidiary, down from 88.87% currently, while Tema Energy Ventures will continue to hold 11.13%. Wasco group chief executive officer Gian Carlo Maccagno said the approval marks a major milestone for the group’s clean energy ambitions. “The listing of Wasco Greenergy represents the evolution of our renewable energy platform — from a biomass and thermal systems specialist to a comprehensive clean energy provider capable of driving industrial decarbonisation, while creating long-term value for shareholders,” he said. He added that investor support reflects confidence in Wasco’s sustainability strategy and its goal of expanding clean energy solutions across Malaysia and the region. Wasco Greenergy focuses on designing and delivering integrated clean energy systems, including biomass and palm oil mill solutions, along with after-sales and maintenance services. Its client base spans palm oil, oleochemicals, paper mills, and industrial parks. CIMB Investment Bank Bhd is the principal adviser for the listing. Wasco’s shares closed half a sen higher at 87 sen on Monday, valuing the company at RM670.28 million.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia has achieved another global first in Islamic finance with the launch of the world’s first RMB 200 million Climate Sukuk, a landmark deal that fuses Shariah principles with green finance, digital tokenisation, and carbon credit monetisation.  Jointly issued by Hong Kong-listed Unity Group Holdings International Ltd (Unity Group) and Tek Securities Limited under the Labuan IBFC framework, the sukuk was announced at the Global Islamic Finance Forum (GIFF) 2025 recently, reinforcing Malaysia’s ambition to position Labuan as the Global Hub for Digital Islamic Finance. The issuance is backed by 40,400 tonnes of verified carbon credits derived from the Selangor Government’s Energy Efficiency Initiative: The Green Initiative Program, reflecting tangible carbon reduction outcomes through the deployment of Ultra High-Efficiency ESG Lighting. Proceeds from the issuance will fund green infrastructure and low-carbon projects led by Synergy ESCO, including advanced ESG lighting installations under the Selangor Green Initiative for Strata Properties. The initiative aims to convert six million tubes and generate four million tonnes of carbon credits over the next decade. Unity Group Chairman and CEO Mansfield Wong said the Climate Sukuk serves as a replicable model for sustainable investment and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration. “It sets a new standard for Islamic finance to drive climate action and this marks Unity Group’s shift from energy services to sustainable fintech provider, delivering both financial returns and measurable environmental value,” he added. Unity Group also plans to expand its portfolio into other sustainability-driven ventures such as renewable energy and smart farming projects to further support Malaysia’s net-zero transition. This milestone was highlighted by the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who toured the Unity Group booth at GIFF 2025 and kickstarted the initiative by signing a commemorative plaque. This innovative bond represents a new generation of Shariah-compliant financial instruments aligned with the Government’s vision for a climate-focused and transparent financial ecosystem under Budget 2026. Using Labuan IBFC’s strong framework to attract investment and drive sustainable, climate-resilient growth, the sukuk exemplifies how Islamic finance can support measurable environmental outcomes.

KUALA LUMPUR, The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a leading transshipment hub jointly owned by Malaysia’s MMC Group and Netherlands-based APM Terminals, has successfully completed the issuance of its first-ever green sukuk, underscoring its long-term commitment to sustainable growth and responsible investment practices. Valued at RM500 million, the issuance is structured in two tranches with maturities of three and five years respectively. According to a statement from PTP, the proceeds from the green sukuk will be allocated towards funding the port’s ongoing capacity expansion and infrastructure enhancement initiatives. The issuance is valued at RM500mil and split equally across three-and five-year tenors, PTP said. PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the financing marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to align its development strategy with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. The green sukuk will help drive the next phase of PTP’s growth, enabling the terminal to efficiently accommodate increasing export, import, and transshipment volumes from its global clientele. “This issuance supports our broader investment plan to raise PTP’s annual handling capacity to 15.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the coming years,” he said. “Our continued expansion not only ensures operational excellence and competitiveness but also reinforces Malaysia’s position as a key maritime gateway in the region.” The green sukuk initiative reflects PTP’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its financial and operational frameworks, aligning with Malaysia’s push for green financing and the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

KUALA LUMPUR, The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is entering a new phase of growth, with a focus on developing longer regional interconnections essential for delivering renewable energy across Southeast Asia, said Energy Commission chief executive officer Siti Safinah Salleh. She said the key challenge now lies in financing and development risks, as many of the upcoming projects involve subsea power interconnections spanning up to 700 kilometres. According to Siti Safinah, most of these cross-border initiatives are led by private developers rather than system off-takers, which increases the revenue risk and makes securing financial backing more complex. “We need to firm up the off-taking arrangements and strengthen the requirements from off-takers. That is a very crucial part of the ASEAN Power Grid,” she said during a session titled “Accelerating Energy Transition Investment” at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum held here today. She added that the foundational elements of the APG’s governance framework and technical standards have already been established, and efforts are now focused on building upon these frameworks to ensure consistency and long-term viability. Meanwhile, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Southeast Asia Green Finance Hub head Scott Roberts said the region faces a financing gap of around US$200 billion (US$1 = RM4.22) annually to meet its climate and energy transition goals. This highlights the urgent need to scale up sustainable finance and attract more private sector participation. Roberts said ADB’s strategy is to catalyse private capital by developing scalable investment models that enable markets to operate independently. Through its green, social, sustainable, and other thematic bond programmes, ADB has advised approximately US$4 billion in ASEAN local currency issuances, which have subsequently spurred follow-on issuances worth between US$13 billion and US$14 billion. He added that these initiatives have strengthened market confidence and laid the groundwork for greater private sector involvement in funding the region’s energy transition and infrastructure development.

Malaysia and Japan have reaffirmed their shared commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon future by signing seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur. The agreements aim to accelerate joint decarbonization initiatives, focusing on biofuels, transition financing, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), in line with both nations’ energy transition strategies. The meeting, co-chaired and jointly hosted by Malaysia and Japan, served as a vital platform to strengthen regional collaboration on clean energy, sustainability, and climate action. Discussions centered on three key pillars — ensuring a just and equitable transition toward a low-carbon economy, advancing clean transportation and green aviation fuel, and promoting transition finance to support Malaysia’s ambitious energy roadmap. Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Chang Lih Kang, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that it marks a critical step in achieving Malaysia’s energy security and resilience goals. “Definitely, cooperation for energy security, affordability, and sustainability is strengthened, which is in line with the energy resilience we aim for in Malaysia,” he said. The event also saw the participation of prominent regional leaders, including Muto Yoji, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Sharon S. Garin, the Philippine Department of Energy Secretary, emphasizing AZEC’s growing role in fostering cross-border cooperation across Asia. Among the seven agreements, one of the most notable was the joint operation framework for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) between the Government of Malaysia and Japan’s METI, which will facilitate knowledge-sharing, investment, and the development of large-scale carbon storage solutions in Malaysia. Another significant MoU involves a collaboration between members of the Malaysia Rubber Council and a Japanese cloud technology provider, aimed at integrating advanced digital systems to improve operational efficiency and sustainability practices in the Malaysian rubber sector. Minister Chang further emphasized that Malaysia views net-zero emissions not only as a policy goal but as a lifestyle transformation, underpinned by innovation and affordability. He noted that Malaysia’s participation in AZEC aligns with the ASEAN Vision 2045 and the country’s MADANI principles, which advocate balanced progress across economic, environmental, and social pillars. Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), introduced in 2023, charts a clear path toward achieving 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050, supported by major investments in solar, hydro, green hydrogen, and digital energy grids. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the country aims to achieve a 35% renewable energy share by 2030, reflecting a steady and structured transition. To support this shift, Malaysia has introduced several landmark policy measures. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024 promotes energy-efficient consumption across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, while the upcoming Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Act 2025 will establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for developing a regional CCS hub. These efforts collectively underscore Malaysia’s readiness to position itself as a leader in sustainable energy and green technology within Southeast Asia. Through the strengthened partnership under AZEC, Malaysia and Japan aim to accelerate regional decarbonization and establish a collaborative model for green growth. The newly signed MoUs not only reflect shared environmental goals but also signal the deepening of bilateral ties — setting the stage for a more integrated, cleaner, and sustainable energy future across the region.

KUALA LUMPUR, Bursa Malaysia Bhd through its wholly owned subsidiary Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), has signed a memorandum of collaboration with the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak to explore the development of a carbon registry in the state. The two-year partnership will involve reviewing the registry’s objectives, conducting capacity-building programmes, holding technical consultations with experts, and designing an action plan for implementation. The proposed registry will align with the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, which empowers NREB to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and promote low-carbon strategies in Sarawak. Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Fad’l Mohamed said BCX’s experience in operating the voluntary carbon market and working with global carbon registries and renewable energy certificates will help Sarawak unlock economic opportunities from high-quality carbon credits. He added that the collaboration reinforces Bursa Malaysia’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and supporting Sarawak’s climate goals through capacity building and a well-structured carbon market ecosystem. NREB’s controller of environmental quality Datu Jack anak Liam said the partnership aligns with the agency’s mandate to develop and manage the carbon registry under the 2023 ordinance. “Working with BCX and leveraging their international expertise will help Sarawak build a credible and transparent carbon market ecosystem,” he said.