🌍 Transformative Partnerships: Civil Society & Private Sector – Driving the SDGs Forward
29th October 2025 marked a historic milestone!
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The ESG Association of Malaysia (ESGAM) and the Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance (MCSA) held their first-ever public–private partnership event, uniting civil society and industry to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward. The day set a clear tone: cross-sector partnerships are no longer optional but essential.
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Key Highlights from the Day:
* Welcome Remarks by Adjunct Professor Cheah Kok Hoong (President, ESGAM) and Omna Sreeni-Ong (Co-Chair, MCSA) emphasized that the private sector brings scale and innovation, while civil society offers grounded perspectives and community trust, creating a powerful foundation for long-term impact.
* Dr. Hezri Adnan’s Keynote connected policy, business, and purpose, reminding us that transformation happens when sustainability is a mindset, not just a mandate.
* The forum, “Beyond Reporting: Unlocking Shared Value through the ESG-SDG Connection,” facilitated by Mr Kiu Jia Yaw, provided practical insights, including how SMEs can achieve quick ESG wins and that environmental action begins in our daily, intentional choices.
* Dr. Chin Chee Seong (President, SME Association of Malaysia) reinforced that sustainability must be inclusive and SME-driven.
* The day concluded with MCSA Co-Chair Datuk Indrani Raja expressing enthusiasm for more collaboration opportunities and affirming, “we should continue to sit together like this to make real impact”.
* ESGAM’s Chair of Research Committee, Mr Zahid closed the event, emphasizing that government alone cannot meet the SDGs and that civil society–business collaboration is key to progress grounded in local realities and guided by ethics.
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A special thank you to Ms Joyline Chai, Vice President of ESGAM and Lead of Fundraising for MCSA, whose commitment made this partnership possible. And thank you to our generous partners:
* Venue Sponsor: SSF Home Group Berhad
* F&B Sponsor: iForte Intelligence Sdn Bhd.
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This workshop embodies ESGAM’s commitment to walk the talk as the voice for the industry in sustainability. We’re not just discussing sustainability, we’re building it, one partnership at a time!
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