Media participants say ESG topic ‘timely and trendy’

On Tuesday, 2 August 2022 – The Corporate Communications Division MIDA hosted a Networking Event and a Panel Session on Malaysia’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Agenda In Line With The National Investment Aspirations (NIA). The event was held at Perdana Hall, Level 10, MIDA Sentral. The event, which is part of the MIDA Journalist Programme, is organised to network and build a closer rapport with the media, while also emphasising to MIDA stakeholders that Malaysia remains a strong nation in attracting quality and sustainable investments, retaining its position as a competitive hub for global and domestic investors.

Themed “Powering the ESG Economy”, the event was held with the objective to share on “ESG as the value driver” particularly in the context of investment and strategies towards supporting ESG and the significant initiatives. The panel discussion highlighted the ESG adoption from global and ASEAN perspectives, the imperatives of bridging the gap in Malaysia towards the nation’s sustainable development, as well as facilitation measures to drive sustainable investments.

The event saw 100 guests in attendance, including local and international media representatives, namely Astro Awani; News Straits Times (NST); Berita Harian; The Edge; Business Times; Makkal Osai; Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM); The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama); Malaysian Nanban; NNA Asia; The Malaysian Reserve; WorldLabs; and Money Compass, to name a few.

MIDA Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman emphasized, “Companies are encouraged to embrace ESG elements because they are an increasingly important factor in determining company valuation, investors’ and consumers’ confidence. Ultimately, there will be high demand from the consumers and clients to have the ESG requirements in the way of doing business. Therefore, companies, especially the SMEs should be ready to take up the challenge to become the global champions.”

Datuk Wira Arham thanked the members of media for being supportive to MIDA’s efforts in driving the Government’s initiatives to promote the green and sustainability agenda in Malaysia. He stressed on media’s role in consistent reporting of ESG growth, using strong storytelling to highlight relevant and events shaping in the public and private sectors has been crucial in shaping positive perceptions within society. MIDA is planning to organise such programme in the future as its continuous effort in strengthening the engagement with the local and international media and journalists.