✨ ESGAM Highlights Key Takeaways from “ESG Forum for SMEs: Unlock Your Sustainability Opportunities”

The ESG Association of Malaysia (ESGAM) is proud to reflect on the successful “ESG Forum for SMEs: Unlock Your Sustainability Opportunities” held on June 10, 2025, at Lucky Palace Restaurant Seremban 2. ESGAM extends its sincere appreciation to ACCCIM (Initiator), NSCCCI (Main Organizer), UOB Malaysia (Main Sponsor), KCCCI, MCCCI, IEMNS, NSFEIA, FMMNS (Co-Organizers), KLSCCCI (Supported by), and Gold Sponsors Seri Pajam Development Sdn. Bhd. and Manforce Group Berhad for their invaluable contributions to making this event a success. This vital forum brought together industry leaders, experts, and SMEs to address the accelerating importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in today’s business landscape.

Our President, Adjunct Practice Professor Cheah Kok Hoong, delivered a compelling keynote presentation titled “UNLOCK YOUR SUSTAINABILITY OPPORTUNITIES: TURN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICES”. He emphasized that “Sustainability Leadership and ESG are here to stay and it will influence how we perceive, evaluate and make investment decisions”. He highlighted the collective effort required, stating that “Sustainability leadership and ESG require holistic participation from government, civil servants, Board, CXO, business leaders, academia and the whole ecosystem to seize the day”.

The forum also featured insightful sessions from other distinguished speakers:
1. Dr. Ken Yeoh, Senior Vice President of UOB Malaysia, led a session on “ESG in a Turbulent Business Environment & the UOB Sustainability Accelerator Program 2.0”.
2. Datuk Koong Lin Loong JP, Managing Partner of Reanda LLKG International (Chartered Accountants), presented on “The Driver For ESG Journey”.

The discussions highlighted that Malaysian exports of RM1.55 trillion are at risk if companies do not embrace sustainability, particularly due to global supply chain requirements and intensifying regulations like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). However, the forum also underscored the significant opportunities that arise from adopting ESG practices, including enhanced reputation, risk mitigation, and access to new markets and capital.

ESGAM remains dedicated to supporting Malaysian SMEs in their sustainability journey, offering resources such as the AI-powered ESGAMConnect platform for assessment, learning, and reporting. We believe that by fostering greater ESG literacy and providing practical tools, we can help businesses not just comply, but thrive in the evolving global economy. Data is a critical asset in addressing ESG concerns, and its effective documentation is paramount.

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