𝗢𝗻 𝟮𝟱 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, during its latest monthly networking session, the MICCI Central Branch partnered with 𝗦𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗠 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 to explore the evolving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) landscape and key sustainability initiatives. The event emphasized the growing importance of ESG compliance across industries, driven by rising stakeholder expectations, environmental risks, and global regulatory pressures.

The featured presentation by SIRIM Academy offered a comprehensive overview of the major sustainability challenges of the 21st century such as climate change, biodiversity loss, labor rights issues, and governance concerns. It introduced an ESG ecosystem framework encompassing readiness assessments, materiality analysis, strategic roadmaps, and continuous improvement processes. Organized by Wayne Shu, Advocacy Manager.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:
a) 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
ESG is no longer optional. It is increasingly demanded by governments, investors, consumers, employees, and financial institutions. Businesses must align with these sustainability expectations to stay competitive.

b) 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 & 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
Critical issues like climate change, resource depletion, modern slavery, and urbanisation—coupled with rising consumer expectations and regulatory demands make ESG adoption more urgent than ever.

c) 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗦𝗚-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰
According to the World Economic Forum, the most severe global risks in 2024 are rooted in environmental degradation, economic instability, and social disruption underscoring ESG’s role in global risk mitigation.

d) 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸
SIRIM introduced an 8-step ESG roadmap:
1. Organisational context & gap analysis
2. Materiality assessment & stakeholder engagement
3. ESG strategy & roadmap development
4. Implementation, monitoring & continuous improvement
5. Sustainability and GHG reporting
6. Certification & assurance
7. Inspection & verification
8. Baseline setting & impact assessment

e) 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗠
SIRIM provides end-to-end ESG support, including:

a. ESG Management Systems (SIRIM 55, 56, 50)
b. Training & certification ( internal auditors, GHG accounting, life cycle assessments)
c. Product & environmental testing
d. Carbon accounting & energy efficiency solutions
e. Social compliance & anti-bribery frameworks
f. Readiness assessments and digital solutions for Eco-Industrial Parks

f) 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
SIRIM drives industry alignment through:
– Technical competency training
– Development of product, environmental, and industry-specific ESG standards

g) 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 & 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Focus areas include circular design, waste management, EV testing, and technology commercialization to foster sustainable industrial growth.

Through these initiatives, SIRIM aims to help Malaysian industries meet international sustainability standards and advance national development goals.