Malaysian businesses have increasingly embraced environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles as central drivers of long-term success, as evidenced by the latest ESG Positive Impact Awards (ESG PIA) 2025 held at the Sunway Resort Hotel. Organised by Star Media Group (SMG) and advised by Ernst & Young, the event recognised 44 organisations that collectively received 65 awards across various sectors for their sustainability achievements, underscoring a shift from compliance-focused approaches to strategic, impact-driven ESG integration.

The gala dinner, themed “Celebrating ESG in Action: From Vision to Value,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and corporate practitioners to highlight the progress Malaysian companies have made in embedding responsible growth into their operations. The event was supported by key government ministries, including Investment, Trade and Industry; Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Human Resources (Kesuma), along with corporate sponsors Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and IJM Rimbayu.

Guest of honour Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Minister of Human Resources, praised the awards for aligning with the Malaysia Madani values, particularly the principle of Ihsan, or compassion, emphasizing the importance of integrating human rights, workforce diversity, and governance in promoting equity across the economy. SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt lauded recipients for proving that ethical business practices can generate enduring value for shareholders, employees, communities, and future generations.

Among the standout winners was HeveaPac Sdn Bhd, recipient of the Most Outstanding ESG Initiative 2025 in the SME and Mid-Tier category. Founder and executive director Peh Ju Chai highlighted the firm’s decade-long commitment to sustainable manufacturing, clean energy use, and comprehensive worker welfare, including investments in rainwater harvesting, advanced dust control, an on-site medical clinic, and modern housing facilities for foreign workers. In the large company category, YTY Industry Holdings Sdn Bhd was honoured for leadership in ethical labour standards and environmentally friendly manufacturing. YTY group chairman and CEO Vikram Hora emphasized the award’s role in encouraging the firm’s continued progress on social compliance, particularly migrant worker rights.

The event also underscored a regional dimension through the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), a partnership involving Malaysian, Indonesian, and Philippine media groups that synchronised ESG award ceremonies across the three countries. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce noted that this collaboration fosters cross-border learning and adoption of international best practices, benefiting organisations of all sizes.

Judges and industry observers have noted the growing maturity and depth of Malaysia’s sustainability landscape. Commentators praised the diverse range of entries, which demonstrate practical solutions, measurable outcomes, and strategic integration of ESG across business operations. While progress varies among organisations, many are moving beyond reporting towards embedding sustainability as a core element of governance, risk management, and value creation. At the same time, experts emphasised the need for stronger measurement, transparency, and ongoing improvement to avoid superficial claims.

Telekom Malaysia’s chief corporate officer Nor Fadhilah Mohd Ali stressed that the awards not only celebrate achievements but also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and raising accountability. TM’s own sustainability strategy, PWR 2030, reflects a similar commitment to balancing prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social empowerment. Nor Fadhilah emphasized the importance of localised, scalable solutions and encouraged greater participation from micro and small enterprises, young innovators, and diverse sectors.

Earlier in 2025, SMG hosted supplemental events including an ESG Winners Showcase and Power Breakfast, where past awardees shared detailed insights on how ESG strategy supports resilience and business growth. These forums illustrated how sustainability initiatives are evolving from abstract commitments into practical, value-driven actions.

As the ESG PIA continues to expand its reach and impact, selected winners from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are set to convene in November for the regional Asia ESG PIA, reinforcing a shared vision of melding profitability with purpose. The 2025 winners have set a benchmark for corporate Malaysia and the broader region, demonstrating that meaningful sustainability is achievable and essential for future competitiveness and societal resilience.