ESG

KUALA LUMPUR, Johor Plantations Group Bhd (JPG) has successfully issued its first Sustainability Sukuk Wakalah–Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN), raising RM200 million under its Series 2 programme. The 10-year sukuk, maturing on Aug 15, 2035, carries a periodic distribution rate of 3.70% per annum. JPG said the issuance was oversubscribed by 4.93 times during the bookbuilding process, reflecting strong investor demand and confidence in the group’s sustainability efforts and operational performance. Proceeds will fund Shariah-compliant capital expenditure for JPG’s Integrated Sustainable Palm Oil Complex (ISPOC), recognised as an eligible green project under its sustainability framework. Maybank Investment Bank Bhd acted as principal adviser and sustainability structuring adviser. CIMB Investment Bank Bhd and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd were joint lead arrangers, while Affin Hwang Investment Bank, AmInvestment Bank, Bank Islam, CIMB Investment Bank and Maybank Investment Bank served as joint lead managers.

Temasek Trust’s Catalytic Capital for Climate and Health (C3H) has led a US$11.6 million Series A funding round for Equatic, a company developing seawater electrolysis technology that removes atmospheric CO₂ while producing carbon-negative hydrogen. Singapore-based Kibo Invest co-led the round, with participation from Stacey Nicholas, the Aga Khan Foundation, Adam McKay, and Lee Cooper. Equatic’s process speeds up the ocean’s natural carbon absorption, storing CO₂ permanently while generating clean hydrogen in one scalable system. Proven in pilot projects in Los Angeles and Singapore, the technology meets ISO-14064 monitoring and verification standards and has been validated by Isometric and Puro.earth registries. James Marshall, CEO of Kibo Invest. The funds will support the design of Equatic’s first 100-kilotonne carbon removal facility, commercialisation, manufacturing scale-up, and further R&D. The company has already attracted strong offtake interest from global partners. C3H said the investment aligns with its mission to back bold, scalable climate solutions. Kibo Invest called Equatic “a unique opportunity” to address both decarbonisation and clean energy needs. Gaurav N. Sant, Founder and CTO of Equatic. Founded in 2021 after winning Temasek Foundation’s The Liveability Challenge, Equatic has since piloted its technology with Singapore’s national water agency PUB and was a 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist. Founder and CTO Gaurav N. Sant said the financing will help deliver cost-effective, durable carbon removal at scale. The deal reflects growing global interest in science-driven solutions that combine environmental impact with commercial viability.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 24): Affin Group, in partnership with Sarawak-based Chemsain Sustainability Sdn Bhd (Chemsain), has launched the Greenhouse Gases Implementer Programme during its flagship Affin SME BizChat 2025 event, aimed at helping SMEs integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their operations. Supported by Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) and Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, this year’s event carried the theme “ESG for SMEs: A Practical Approach,” reflecting Affin’s commitment to sustainable banking and SME growth. Official launch of the Greenhouse Gases Implementer Programme, a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping SMEs with the skills and knowledge to adopt internationally recognised GHG protocol corporate standards. The Greenhouse Gases Implementer Programme is designed to equip SMEs with the expertise to adopt internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standards. It includes training for Certificates of Competency in ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14064-2, preparing participants to become certified GHG Practitioners, with a focus on developing Scope 1 and Scope 2 corporate GHG baselines. Training will be conducted by Chemsain and TÜV SÜD, with successful participants receiving internationally recognised certification accredited by TÜV SÜD. Affin and Chemsain formalised their collaboration through an MoU signed in July 2024 during the inaugural Affin SME BizChat in Kuching. “At Affin, we are committed to helping SMEs transform into low-carbon businesses by adopting sustainable practices, in line with our AX28 Plan’s strategic pillar of responsible banking with impact,” said Datuk Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin, CEO of Affin Islamic Bank. Affin’s recent achievements underline its sustainability efforts. The bank was upgraded from an ‘A’ to ‘AA’ in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG ratings, recognising improved corporate governance practices. It also won the Life Below Water and Life On Land Award (Champion) at the ABM 50th Anniversary CSR Excellence Awards 2024 for its Klang River cleaning and rehabilitation efforts, as well as Bank of the Year – ESG Champion at the 10th Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards 2025. These milestones highlight Affin’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship, responsible banking, and the communities it serves.

WWF-Malaysia and the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate plastic circularity in Malaysia’s private sector, focusing on the hospitality, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. The collaboration was formalised on July 2 during the Plastic Circularity Clinic for the Hospitality Sector and Strategic Partnership Ceremony at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral. (From left) WWF-Malaysia Peninsular Malaysia and Conservation Science associate director Jason Hon, Marketing and Communications director Rozzana Basri, executive director and CEO Sophia Lim, BCSD Malaysia director Emily Oi, director Stefanie Braukmanna and Marea CEO Roberto Benetello. At the event, WWF-Malaysia officially handed over its Plastic Circularity Toolkit — a digital platform designed to help businesses assess, benchmark, and enhance their plastic waste management practices. The toolkit enables companies to measure their performance against key indicators, identify improvement areas, and integrate circular economy principles into their value chains. Under the agreement, BCSD Malaysia will lead a Plastic Circularity Clinic Series until December 2025, offering targeted workshops and solution-driven knowledge-sharing sessions tailored to specific sectors. “This collaboration with BCSD Malaysia is a meaningful step towards building capacity and strengthening systems for better plastic management,” said WWF-Malaysia CEO Sophia Lim. “The toolkit moves businesses from compliance to conviction and from awareness to action. BCSD’s peer learning clinics will be instrumental in supporting this journey.” The initiative aligns with the Malaysia Plastic Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2030, which targets a 25% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025 and the phase-out of single-use plastics by 2030. The clinics will serve as industry platforms for sharing best practices, exploring circular business models, and fostering leadership in sustainability. BCSD Malaysia director and chairman, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, said, “By expanding the use of WWF’s digital toolkit across the private sector, we can help companies pinpoint practical opportunities for improvement and equip them with the support to take action. Collaborations like this are key to building industry capabilities and achieving real progress towards a circular economy.” The event host, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral — BCSD Malaysia’s Strategic Sustainability Partner and Pilot Venue Host — showcased its commitment as an early adopter of circularity solutions in the hospitality industry. The programme also featured a panel discussion on “Circular Solutions for the FMCG, Hospitality and Retail Sectors,” where experts discussed practical approaches to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), sustainable packaging, and consumer engagement. Following the ceremony, a BCSD Circularity Clinic for the Hospitality Sector was conducted in partnership with the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA), bringing together sustainability practitioners and business leaders, including representatives from Matrade, AEON, UCSI, and Alam Flora.

Gentari and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have inked a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for an 80MW wind power project in Tamil Nadu, India, marking a key milestone in their clean energy collaboration. Scheduled to commence operations in mid-2027, the project is expected to generate about 300,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. The agreement builds on the partnership formed in 2023 and aims to accelerate Gentari’s mission of delivering scalable clean energy solutions, while supporting AWS’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to driving practical and scalable clean energy initiatives—crucial for Asia and the global transition towards a low-carbon future. Through projects like the Karur wind development, we’re not just adding renewable capacity but addressing critical energy needs where it matters most,” said Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit. “Together with AWS, we are focused on creating real impact through action and enabling the broader energy ecosystem to transition.” Jeff Johnson, AWS Managing Director for ASEAN. Jeff Johnson, AWS Managing Director for ASEAN, added, “As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, AWS continues to advance towards our 2040 net-zero target. Partnering with Gentari, a Malaysian clean energy leader with growing regional influence, moves us closer to that goal.” Witnessed by senior representatives from Gentari, AWS, and PETRONAS, the signing underscores the role of corporate partnerships in accelerating renewable energy adoption across Asia. Gentari continues to grow its portfolio in renewables, hydrogen, and green mobility, forging alliances that deliver measurable decarbonisation results.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia’s upcoming data centres could release nearly 10 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually — equivalent to putting over two million cars on the road — according to environmental group RimbaWatch. In a statement, RimbaWatch said the country’s growing data centre industry could produce emissions on par with entire nations like Papua New Guinea, due to Malaysia’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels. “The emissions from just one sector could rival that of whole countries,” said RimbaWatch director Adam Farhan. “This is largely because our national grid is still dominated by fossil fuels.” As of January 1, 2025, Malaysia has 14 new data centre projects — including three completed since 2023, two undergoing expansion, five under construction, and four proposed. These projects are expected to add 2.2 gigawatts in capacity, with 1.7 gigawatts having no plans for renewable energy usage. This would raise the country’s annual electricity demand by nearly 13,000 gigawatt-hours, mostly supplied by fossil fuels. RimbaWatch is urging the government to ensure data centre expansion aligns with the country’s climate goals by phasing out fossil fuels and setting strict carbon limits. The group also called for only approving projects committed to 100% renewable energy. Currently, coal, crude oil and natural gas make up nearly 90% of Malaysia’s energy mix. The government plans to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2044 as part of its long-term energy transition strategy.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd (DLMI) has committed to supplying 73 million packs of milk to 77,000 schoolchildren across Sarawak from 2025 to 2029, under the newly launched Sarawak School Milk Programme. The initiative aims to enhance child nutrition and academic performance in both urban and rural areas of the state. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd (DLMI) has pledged to deliver 73 million packs of milk to 77,000 schoolchildren across Sarawak over the next five years. The programme was officially launched at Sekolah Kebangsaan Beliong, a rural school in Sarawak, where DLMI’s managing director Veronika Utami joined students and teachers to distribute milk and reaffirm the company’s commitment to child development. “From 2011 to 2024, Dutch Lady has distributed over 228 million milk packs to schoolchildren nationwide, building trust with parents, educators and policymakers,” Utami said. “In Sarawak, we are honouring this responsibility not just through compliance, but with genuine presence and purpose.” DLMI is also extending its Program Murid Angkat, introduced in 2024, which provides academic and personal development support to underperforming students from Malaysia’s B40 income group. The initiative reflects DLMI’s holistic approach, acknowledging that children need both proper nourishment and opportunities to reach their full potential.

BANGKOK, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. has taken a significant step towards its sustainability goals by transitioning all six of its manufacturing facilities in Thailand to renewable electricity under the Utility Green Tariff 1 (UGT1) program. This marks a collaborative effort with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to supply green energy from renewable sources, including hydroelectric and solar power. Ms. Suchada Kongdham, (left), Director of Power Economics Policy Department, PEA; Mr Philippe Glauser, (2nd from left), Technical Director, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.; Mr Praveen Narayan (2nd from right), Corporate Engineering Manager, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.; and Mr Amphol Sanguanwong, (right), Director of Power Economics Department, MEA This move supports Nestlé’s ambition to achieve 100% renewable electricity usage across its Thai factories by the end of 2025 and aligns with the company’s global Net Zero 2050 roadmap, aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Since July 2025, Nestlé has been sourcing renewable electricity for its six factories across Thailand. These include: The ice cream factory in Bang Chan The coffee creamer factory in Bang Pu Two Nestlé Waters factories in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Surat Thani Two pet food factories in Rayong province Mr Philippe Glauser, Technical Director at Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Our collaboration with MEA and PEA under the UGT1 program is a major milestone in Nestlé Thailand’s journey toward Net Zero. Transitioning to renewable electricity isn’t optional—it’s essential to ensuring the planet’s long-term health. Nestlé is among the first FMCG companies in Thailand to adopt the UGT1 program, making sure that the energy used to produce our products is sourced responsibly from clean, renewable sources. This initiative continues our mission to create products that are not only Good for You, but also Good for the Planet.” Mr Amphol Sanguanwong, Director of MEA’s Power Economics Department, echoed the sentiment: “MEA is proud to begin supplying green electricity to Nestlé under the UGT1 program, starting with the July 2025 billing cycle. This reflects our strong commitment to promoting clean energy in Thailand’s industrial sector, helping businesses meet future energy needs in a sustainable and competitive way.” Ms Suchada Kongdham, Director of PEA’s Power Economics Policy Department, added: “This partnership between Nestlé and PEA reinforces our shared goal of advancing Thailand’s transition to clean energy. It showcases a powerful collaboration between the public and private sectors that will benefit the economy, environment, and quality of life in Thailand over the long term.” This initiative not only supports Nestlé’s operational sustainability goals but also reflects its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. By aligning its business practices with ESG standards, Nestlé continues to deliver tasty, nutritious, and affordable products while keeping environmental and societal well-being at the core of its operations.

KUALA LUMPUR, Johor Plantations Group Bhd (JPG) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YPJ Plantations Sdn Bhd (YPJP) and PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (PIJH) — both Johor state-linked companies — to boost collaboration and modernise the state’s palm oil industry. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, JPG said the partnership covers around 13,202 hectares of land managed by YPJP and PIJH. The focus will be on improving productivity through better procurement and processing of fresh fruit bunches, sustainability advisory services, and efforts to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. The parties also plan to explore centralised procurement for key inputs like fertilisers and introduce training and upskilling programmes for plantation workers. JPG managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said the group is committed to working with Johor state agencies to build a more efficient and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. “By sharing resources and expertise, we aim to raise productivity, strengthen sustainable practices and enhance the skills of our workforce. This collaboration marks a meaningful step toward strengthening Johor’s agricultural sector,” he said. The partnership is expected to deliver long-term value, improve plantation standards and support Johor’s vision to become a national leader in sustainable agribusiness. YPJP is involved in palm oil trading under Yayasan Pelajaran Johor, while PIJH — under Perbadanan Islam Johor — operates across sectors including plantations, property, infrastructure, and the halal industry.

SEOUL, LG Electronics has announced a new social media campaign to promote the use of ‘LG My Cup’, a dedicated tumbler-cleaning dishwasher. The campaign, which runs from July 30 to August 27, encourages users to share their My Cup experience online. LG Electronics announces that it holds an authentication event for the ‘LG My Cup’ dedicated cleaner to promote the use of tumblers until the 27th of next month.  Participants can join by posting photos or videos of themselves using My Cup on platforms like Instagram or personal blogs, using hashtags such as #TumblerWasher, #LGMyCup, and #StarbucksTumblerWasher. Users can conveniently locate My Cup units—installed in locations such as Starbucks—through the My Cup app. As part of the campaign, 2,000 winners will be randomly selected to receive prizes including the LG StandbyME 2, LG tiiun mini, and Starbucks gift cards. Developed in response to strong ESG interest from corporate clients, My Cup was launched on April 22 (Earth Day) after nearly three years of field testing in partnership with Starbucks Korea. Since then, its adoption has grown rapidly across coffee chains, universities, corporate offices, and government institutions. Currently installed in over 400 Starbucks locations, LG plans to expand this to 2,000 stores by year-end. The device is also being adopted in university campuses such as Seoul National University, Kyung Hee University, and Pusan National University, and in offices like Hyundai Motor’s Gangnam HQ, Kyobo Life Insurance, and public agencies including Ansan City Hall and the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office. Leveraging LG’s expertise in dishwashing technology, My Cup offers powerful cleaning with a 360° rotating wing and 65°C high-pressure water, thoroughly washing both the tumbler body and lid. It offers three cleaning modes: Quick Course (30 seconds) – ideal for a fast rinse. Standard Course (4 minutes) – for cleaning coffee or dairy residue. Drying Course (9 minutes 50 seconds) – for comprehensive cleaning and drying. The product has received certification from TÜV Rheinland for eliminating 99.999% of harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, when using the standard mode. Designed for convenience, My Cup has a compact 23cm width, making it suitable for tight spaces, and incorporates recycled plastic in its body, touchscreen frame, and input cover—reinforcing LG’s sustainability efforts. LG also offers a B2B subscription service for My Cup, including quarterly visits by care managers who perform in-depth maintenance—such as steam-cleaning the lower grill, replenishing detergent and rinse supplies, checking touchscreen operations, inspecting for damage, and replacing internal filters. Lee Hyang, Head of LG Electronics’ Home Solutions Customer Experience division, said:“We will continue to promote My Cup as a core part of LG’s growing B2B subscription business, while encouraging a wider culture of tumbler usage.”