Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 24, 2025 – A groundbreaking collaboration between Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for ESG and Peterson Solutions sparked a vital dialogue at the ESG in Action Forum, a landmark event aimed at accelerating the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across Malaysia’s economic landscape. Moving beyond traditional discussions, the forum emerged as a solutions-driven platform, uniting industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to chart a path toward a sustainable future through innovation and collective action.
The event served as a dynamic hub, bridging theoretical frameworks with actionable strategies, cutting-edge AI-driven solutions, and the transformative potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Attendees explored how AI can optimize resource management, enhance ESG reporting, and predict environmental impacts, while GIS technologies provided critical insights for informed decision-making on sustainability and biodiversity. Discussions also focused on strengthening ecosystem resilience within ESG frameworks, creating long-term value for businesses and society.
Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for ESG, a national leader in ESG research and education, played a central role in shaping the dialogue. The Centre fosters collaboration between industries, government bodies, and NGOs, harmonizing ESG and sustainability standards on both national and international levels. This forum embodied its mission, driving knowledge exchange and meaningful progress.
Peterson Solutions, a key partner in the initiative, showcased its expertise in helping organizations exceed their sustainability goals. With a team of seasoned professionals, Peterson offers comprehensive support across the core pillars of ESG, including streamlining sustainability certifications, delivering tailored strategies for ESG reporting and carbon footprint reduction, and building ethical, resilient supply chains that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad, Director of UM Sustainable Development Centre, alongside ESG specialists from Peterson Solutions, I-Chem Solution, EB Tech, and Prasarana Berhad. The participation of the industry stakeholders underscored the expanding ESG adoption, particularly among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a vital sector for Malaysia’s economic growth.
Insights from Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for ESG
“Universiti Malaya, through our Centre of Excellence for ESG, is committed to fostering impactful collaborations that translate ESG theory into tangible outcomes,” said Dr. Noor Zalina Mahmood, Head of UM CoE for ESG. “This forum exemplifies the critical role of academia in providing the research, knowledge, and talent necessary to drive innovation in sustainable practices. It also exposed students to prepare them as future leaders and professionals in this area, and by working closely with industry partners like Peterson Solutions, we can accelerate the development and implementation of solutions that address pressing environmental and social challenges, ensuring a more sustainable future for Malaysia and the region.”
A Collaborative Roadmap for a Sustainable Future
The ESG in Action Forum not only bridged the gap between theory and practice but also ignited a powerful synergy among stakeholders. Building on this momentum, Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for ESG and Peterson Solutions, alongside other key participants, is committed to advancing Malaysia’s sustainability agenda through a series of impactful initiatives. These efforts focus on fostering collaboration between academia and industry, developing tailored training programs to build ESG capacity across sectors, and promoting innovative solutions to address Malaysia’s unique sustainability challenges.
This collaborative approach marks a significant step forward in Malaysia’s journey toward sustainability. Organizations eager to lead this transformation are encouraged to connect with Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for ESG or Peterson Solutions to explore partnership opportunities and contribute to a greener, more equitable future.
Together, this alliance is paving the way for a sustainable Malaysia, where innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices drive lasting economic and environmental progress.
