Integrating ESG for greater resilience

CHANGE is coming for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whether they like it or not.

Those who are late to adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices risk missing out on valuable opportunities with larger companies, particularly where regulation or funding is linked to ESG standards.

To remain competitive, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must align with their customers’ ESG expectations.

However, while SME owners may be trained in business or management, they often lack the same ESG experience.

Charles Brewer, Pos Malaysia Group Chief Executive, will speak on “Leadership and Management Strategies for ESG Success”.

This means that their knowledge is primarily fueled by experience or cross-sectoral learning.

The upcoming Star ESG Summit 2024 offers organizations a unique opportunity to learn how to seamlessly incorporate ESG practices into their operations.

Dedicated to promoting sustainable development and promoting ESG integration across sectors, Star Media Group’s inaugural ESG Summit will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) on November 6-7.

Featuring a range of activities, this two-day conference will bring together influential leaders, policy makers, investors and sustainability professionals to engage in insightful discussions, share best practices and explore innovative solutions.

The summit will include a speech titled “From Vision to Action: Regional Implementation of ISPM 2030” by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, alongside a range of speakers from around the world.

Malaysian Public Advocacy Association for Nature (Mapan) Founder and President Ben Ong will share on “Entrepreneurship and Support for SMEs: Integrating ESG into their Business DNA”.

Malaysian Public Advocacy Association for Nature (Mapan) founder and president Ben Ong will be presenting on the topic “Entrepreneurial Support and SMEs: Integrating ESG into their Business DNA”.

Ong’s session will highlight ESG guidelines for supply chain players, including an ESG Quick Guide for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by SME Corp Malaysia, the Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide by Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM) and detailing the launch e-book ESG from Mapan. a 30-point ESG sustainability scanning matrix.

He will also discuss various government incentives available to SMEs, funding for green finance, the National Sustainability Reporting Framework, the importance of ESG in small businesses and more.

Ong is a digital supply chain, automation and enterprise resource planning practitioner with over 30 years of experience in systems integration, cold chain management, halal compliance, environmental management systems and ESG, as well as within the United Nations for Sustainable Development. Goals (UNSDG).

Pos Malaysia Group CEO Charles Brewer will speak on “Leadership and Management Strategies for ESG Success”.

His session will cover Pos Malaysia’s sustainability journey, highlighting the organization’s transition and sustainability roadmap.

Brewer brings extensive experience in the supply chain industry, particularly in e-commerce logistics, cross-border fulfillment, first and last mile delivery, supply chain logistics and management, and digital and business transformation.

Ong and Brewer are among the many distinguished speakers sharing their expert insights and practical strategies.

Their sessions are part of the summit’s plenary offerings, providing practical guidance for navigating various business, regulatory and commercial developments such as carbon border adjustments and sustainable supply chains.

Participants will have the opportunity to organize their own programs with a choice of three streams during the two-day event.

Stream 1 will focus on governance and sustainable reporting, discussing how company leadership can mitigate reputational, financial and cyber security risks.

Stream 2 will address economic security and decarbonisation of the value chain – managing and engaging talent to ensure low attrition rates, while encouraging skills development and strengthening the brand as a good employer.

Meanwhile, attendees interested in digital transformation can look forward to Stream 3, which focuses on climate and sustainable innovation.

The ESG Summit is organized by Star Media Group with Sime Darby Property Bhd as Urban Biodiversity Partner. Saxon Renewables and Zurich Malaysia are silver sponsors.

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