Corporate Malaysia

by NURNABIHAH DINI

THE sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd has welcomed the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) recommendations on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), saying they are broadly aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, operational performance and Malaysia’s airport ecosystem.

In a statement yesterday, the sovereign wealth fund said the recommendations reinforce the objectives behind MAHB’s privatisation, which was aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s aviation sector by improving connectivity, enhancing passenger experience and reinforcing the competitiveness of the country’s airports.

Khazanah said several of the PAC’s recommendations are already being implemented or reinforced by MAHB and other stakeholders, particularly in areas such as operational performance, stakeholder engagement, governance oversight and service quality across the country’s airport network.

The fund also supported the PAC’s call for closer collaboration among airport operators, airlines, regulators and government agencies, saying stronger coordination is essential to ensure airport development remains responsive to operational requirements, passenger needs and Malaysia’s long-term connectivity ambitions.

Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said taking MAHB private was intended to create the conditions for long-term transformation through sustained investment,  operational excellence and continuous improvement across Malaysia’s airport network..

“Stronger airports and connectivity are critical enablers of trade, investment, tourism and business activity, and play an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s economic competitiveness in an increasingly competitive region,” he said in a statement.

He said stronger airports and connectivity are critical enablers of trade, investment, tourism and business activity, while playing an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s economic competitiveness in an increasingly competitive regional aviation market.

Amirul Feisal acknowledged that transforming the airport operator would take time but said Khazanah was encouraged by MAHB’s commitment to learn from global best practices and leverage international expertise while pursuing continuous improvement with discipline and consistency.

“We are already seeing improvements in the passenger experience, but delivering the broader economic benefits will require sustained investment, strong execution and close collaboration across the aviation ecosystem,” he added.

Khazanah said MAHB continues to operate within the country’s established governance and regulatory framework, with oversight by the relevant authorities and mechanisms to monitor performance, service quality and major capital projects.

As a shareholder, it said it supports the PAC’s recommendations, including proposals to strengthen reporting structures, while remaining committed to high standards across the board, from procurement and project delivery to performance monitoring and integrity.

The fund also stressed that Malaysia’s airports continue to be strategic national assets, with MAHB operating the airport network. It noted that national security, border control and other sovereign functions remain under the responsibility of relevant government agencies.

Khazanah said it will continue working with MAHB, regulators, airline partners and other stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s airport network, reinforce national connectivity and deliver lasting value for Malaysia.

Yesterday, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said the decline in airport service quality reflected years of inadequate recovery and preventive maintenance, as well as insufficient capital investment, and called for tighter oversight of MAHB following its privatisation. 

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by TMR 

SMALL Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) Group, today announced the appointment of Samad Majid Zain Abdul Majid as CEO, effective July 1, 2026.

Having joined SME Bank as CFO in November 2021, the bank said Samad has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Bank’s financial stewardship, organisational resilience and strategic execution. 

SME Bank chairman Zulkiflee Hashim noted that Samad’s appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in his leadership, extensive experience across the financial services industry and steadfast commitment to SME Bank’s development mandate. 

“Since joining the Bank, he has played an instrumental role in strengthening SME Bank’s financial resilience, operational excellence and strategic execution while providing steady leadership during a significant period of transition. 

“As part of the BPMB Group, the Board is confident that he will build on this strong foundation to further strengthen SME Bank’s development impact, empower Malaysia’s MSMEs and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long term economic growth and competitiveness,” he said in a statement.

Prior to joining SME Bank, Samad served as the Group COO of a local bank-backed investment bank. He began his career in External Assurance with one of the Big Four audit firms before joining the Management Assurance team at a local multinational conglomerate. 

He brings more than three decades of experience spanning finance, assurance, treasury, investment banking, corporate finance and operational leadership, including more than 19 years in various C-suite capacities within the financial services industry.

Samad is also a Chartered Banker of the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (“AICB”) and a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (“FCPA”) of CPA Australia. 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Business Administration specialising in Information Technology Management from Multimedia University.

The post SME Bank appoints Samad Majid Zain as CEO appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KUALA LUMPUR – Plus Xnergy Services Sdn Bhd (Plus Xnergy) today announced the full-capacity grid connection and commercial operationalisation of one of Malaysia’s largest single deployment, self-consumption (SELCO) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to date.

Developed in collaboration with a global energy storage system leader HyperStrong, the 20 megawatt-hour (MWh) industrial infrastructure asset is now fully operational at a major food manufacturing facility located in Perak.

By charging during off-peak periods and discharging during peak demand hours, the system optimises energy utilisation, smooths load fluctuations, improves localised power supply stability, and significantly reduces Maximum Demand charges for the manufacturer. The resulting set-up offers a highly cost-effective and reliable mitigator against rising utility expenses while supporting the facility’s long-term operational and decarbonisation objectives.

Plus Xnergy Group Chief Executive Officer Ko Chuan Zhen said, “The successful delivery of this project marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s clean energy transition. It moves BESS deployment from a concept into a proven corporate cost-optimisation tool. Based on our data, the savings is projected to be around RM1.25 million per annum for every 10 MWh of BESS depending on load profile under the Regulatory Period 4 (RP4) framework.”

“This project serves as a live business case for energy-intensive sectors, such as large-scale food processing and heavy manufacturing, seeking to enhance their competitiveness while fulfilling corporate sustainability goals,” he continued.

The industrial deployment pairs Plus Xnergy’s technical expertise and local engineering experience with HyperStrong’s HyperBlock III AC-coupled integrated BESS technology. By fusing the core direct current (DC) battery system with an integrated Power Conversion System, the specialised design yields higher system efficiency within a compact physical footprint. This allowed the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) process to be completed within a rapid 2.5-month timeline.

Going forward, to accelerate market adoption amid high operating costs to all industrial manufacturers, Plus Xnergy is offering deployment of these set-ups through a zero-capital expenditure Performance Sharing Agreement (PSA). Under this 15-year commercial partnership model, Plus Xnergy fully finances, engineers, and manages the asset on-site, allowing industrial players to capture immediate energy tariff reductions with zero initial capital outlay.

The commercial deployment advances Plus Xnergy’s growing portfolio of pioneering clean energy infrastructure across Malaysia. It follows the company’s 2024 deployment of the nation’s first 1.45 MWh sodium-sulphur utility-scale BESS in Kedah, and a RM95 million Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) solar contract secured in 2025. 

Most recently, in January 2026, Plus Xnergy was appointed the EPCC contractor for a landmark, ongoing project at KLIA Aeropolis, which integrates a 36 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 45 MWh BESS to support the airport’s daily operational demands under the SELCO framework.

With this latest BESS project successfully operationalised, Plus Xnergy’s total nationwide portfolio features 100 MWh of completed and ongoing BESS projects. This capacity runs parallel to a grid-connected solar footprint that exceeds 500 MWp that has generated over 3,180 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of clean energy to date, reinforcing the Plus Xnergy’s position as a leading enabler of utility-scale and commercial energy solutions.

Plus Xnergy is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BM GreenTech Berhad (BM GreenTech), a constituent of Bursa Malaysia’s Renewable Energy subsector.

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KUALA LUMPUR– True corporate growth is not only measured by business performance, but by the positive change a company returns to the communities, lives, and environments it coexists with. Following years of growth, CUCKOO International (MAL) Berhad (“CUCKOO Malaysia” or the “Company”, KLSE:5336), a Healthy Home Creator, is scaling up its corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) efforts to deliver greater, long-term impact.

At its landmark CSR launch event, the Healthy Home Creator officially unveiled its CSR master blueprint, the “CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project”, unifying its philanthropic efforts under one strategic architecture. To drive this scaled-up vision forward, the Company simultaneously launched the RM100,000 “CUCKOO Dream Fund” to empower the next generation of creative visionaries and appointed celebrated Mandopop sensation, 菲道尔 Firdhaus, as its first-ever official “CUCKOO CSR Friend”.

Driving Social Impact: Mr. Hoe Kian Choon (KC Hoe), Non-Independent Executive Director and CEO of CUCKOO Malaysia, delivering his speech to officially launch the CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project. The newly unified framework is designed to deliver a scaled-up, long-term impact to communities across Malaysia.

“For us, business success must always go together with social impact. As our company grows, our responsibility to improve the homes and spaces, as well as the standard of living for all Malaysians expands with it. Today, is a very big step for us. By bringing all our efforts under one clear CSR blueprint, we are moving forward strategically with greater purpose as a Healthy Home Creator to deliver lasting changes that truly elevate the communities, lives, and spaces we touch,” said CUCKOO Malaysia Non-Independent Executive Director and CEO, Mr. Hoe Kian Choon (KC Hoe).

Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives: CUCKOO Malaysia officially launches the RM100,000 “CUCKOO Dream Fund”. Anchored under the #SAMASAMAEmpower CSR brand, the creative grant offers up to RM10,000 per project alongside industry mentorship for Malaysian creators aged 15 to 30.

A Unified Blueprint for Good: The CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project

At the heart of the launch event was the officiation of the CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project, acting as the master brand and strategic umbrella for all of the Company’s current and future CSR movements. Over the past three years, CUCKOO Malaysia’s community touchpoints have scaled up exponentially, growing dynamically from 8 initiatives in 2023, expanding to 20 initiatives in 2024, and peaking at 54 initiatives in 2025. Moving forward, the newly structured CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project aims at unifying and strengthening these efforts to ensure strategic, purposeful engagement for maximum social impact.

The CUCKOO CSR blueprint: CUCKOO Malaysia Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Queenie Goh, presenting the structure of the ‘Projek CUCKOO Loves, Cares’. The master blueprint divides the Company’s social footprint into two specialised wings, CUCKOO Loves and CUCKOO Cares, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Driven by the tagline ‘Better homes begin with us’, the master blueprint serves as the Company’s CSR North Star and is further guided by two core objectives, “creating a safer, healthier, happier space”, and “raising living standards for all”. This streamlined framework divides its portfolio into two specialised impact wings:

● Impact Wing 1 – CUCKOO Loves: Serving as the compassionate humanitarian “heart” of the Company, this wing is dedicated to community support, and crisis and disaster relief, through the following CSR action brands:

○ #SAMASAMAKongsi: A community meal programme dedicated to combatting food insecurity and easing financial hardships within vulnerable populations.

○ #SAMASAMABantu: A responsive relief effort providing immediate outreach, emergency assistance, and vital aid to support communities during times of crisis and natural disasters.

○ #SAMASAMABuatBaik: Community outreach efforts to engage, support and empower the vulnerable communities through purposeful events and programmes.

● Impact Wing 2 – CUCKOO Cares: Leveraging the Company’s core wellness expertise and commitment to future-proofing society, this wing focuses on wellness access, ecological conservation, and youth empowerment through the three CSR action brands below:

○ #SAMASAMAUplift: Improving the standard of living of the communities the Company touches by leveraging water purifier support and other core offerings to equip schools, community centres, orphanages, and old folks’ homes.

○ #SAMASAMAProtect: Direct environmental stewardship initiatives focused on protecting ecosystems, restoring natural habitats, and preserving life on land and below water.

○ #SAMASAMAEmpower: Empowering the next generation and nurturing grassroots talent through dedicated scholarships, strategic sponsorships, vocational training, and developmental funds.

The six CSR action brands under the overarching architecture of the CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project are systematically guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Alongside these core pillars, the Company also continues to support broader philanthropic initiatives, including complementary ad-hoc projects and community sponsorships, in strict alignment with these global targets, ensuring that every layer of CUCKOO Malaysia’s social footprint drives a sustainable, purposeful impact.

CUCKOO Malaysia Non-Independent Executive Director & CEO, Mr. Hoe Kian Choon (KC Hoe), receive the Asia Records certification for “Asia’s First Chinese Corporate CSR Theme Song Featuring Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza and Firdhaus by a Home Living Brand (2026)” for their newly launched theme song, “像水一樣” (Be Like Water).

Funding Dreams, Fuelling Futures: The CUCKOO Dream Fund

The Healthy Home Creator has also launched the CUCKOO Dream Fund following the officiation of the CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project and its six CSR action brands. Anchored under the #SAMASAMAEmpower CSR action brand, the fund provides a RM100,000 fund pool to empower the dreams and ambitions of entry or early-growth stage creative talents, such as students, fresh graduates, or self-taught creators aged 15 to 30.

Applicants are invited to submit an original project proposal alongside a 2-minute pitch video across one or more of the five eligible creative domains: Digital Content & Storytelling, Music & Sound, Design & Visual Arts, Performance & Movement, or Creative Workshops. Selected submissions will receive up to RM10,000 per project, uniquely structured to reward both creative talent and community responsibility:

● Up to RM5,000 Creative Fund: Awarded to support purely creative deliverables and original artistic project components.

● Up to RM5,000 Social Impact Alignment Fund: An additional incentive granted specifically to projects demonstrating a robust social cause or clear community impact.

The RM100,000 fund pool will be disbursed across two distinct application cycles, each totaling RM50,000. Applications for Cycle 1 open from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026 while details for Cycle 2 will be announced later. Interested individuals can submit their applications directly through the official CUCKOO Malaysia website at www.cuckoo.com.my/CUCKOODreamFund. Applications will be thoroughly evaluated based on a structured matrix of Execution Feasibility (50%), Innovation & Originality (25%), Sustainability (15%), and Social Impact & Legacy (10%).

The first-ever CUCKOO CSR Friend: Celebrated trilingual singer-songwriter and Mandopop sensation, 菲道尔 Firdhaus, is officially appointed as CUCKOO Malaysia’s first-ever ‘CUCKOO CSR Friend’. In this hands-on role, he will champion the Company’s CSR efforts and serve as a mentor for the CUCKOO Dream Fund.

Amplifying Impact: Appointment of 菲道尔 Firdhaus as CUCKOO CSR Friend

To bring this comprehensive structure to life, celebrated trilingual singer-songwriter and Mandopop sensation, 菲 道尔 Firdhaus, has been officially appointed as the Company’s first-ever CUCKOO CSR Friend. In this dedicated, hands-on role, 菲道尔 Firdhaus will serve as the approachable face of the Company’s welfare narratives and act as a mentor for the CUCKOO Dream Fund. As a “Dream Fund Mentor”, he will be directly involved in shortlisting and evaluating applications, as well as mentoring successful applicants in the execution of their projects.

Honouring the journey: CUCKOO Brand Ambassadors, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza and Phei Yong, reflect on the past CUCKOO CSR initiatives they were personally part of. Their shared experiences highlight CUCKOO Malaysia’s commitment towards delivering love and care to the communities, serving as the foundation for the newly unified ‘CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project’ master blueprint.

“Our event today has given us an entirely new momentum to drive greater social impact. By bringing 菲道尔 Firdhaus on board as our first-ever CUCKOO CSR Friend, we are injecting an authentic energy into our advocacy, one that we hope will inspire more people to do good and join us in amplifying the impact of our CSR efforts. As a corporate entity, we recognise that true well-being encompasses lives of all beings, the spaces we inhabit, and the natural environment we share. Moving forward with this unified blueprint, our purpose is to channel this collective energy into long-term change. By protecting our ecosystems, nurturing vulnerable spaces, and uplifting communities, we hope to build a more resilient and harmonious world for everyone, said CUCKOO Malaysia Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Queenie Goh.

The landmark event also briefly previewed a historic musical milestone with the launch of “像水一樣” (Be Like Water) song, a unique duet between Malaysia’s legendary Biduanita Negara and CUCKOO Brand Ambassador, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, and 菲道尔 Firdhaus. Written and composed by 菲道尔 Firdhaus, the track also marks a significant breakthrough for Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza as her first-ever full Chinese song in her illustrious musical journey. Reflecting the philosophy of water that embodies how love and care flows fluidly and adapts to every challenges, the song aligns seamlessly with the core purpose of the blueprint and has also been officially adopted as CUCKOO Malaysia’s official CSR Theme Song, which also saw CUCKOO Malaysia being awarded “Asia’s First Chinese Corporate CSR Theme Song Featuring Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza and Firdhaus by a Home Living Brand (2026)” by Asia Records.

The post CUCKOO Malaysia unifies CSR efforts under the ‘CUCKOO Loves, Cares Project’ master blueprint, unveils RM100,000 CUCKOO Dream Fund and first CSR Friend appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

HEINEKEN Malaysia Bhd has appointed Datuk Iain John Lo as its new chairman, effective Aug 15, 2026, succeeding Datuk Sri Idris Jala, who will step down after a nine-year tenure.

In a statement today, the group said the leadership transition is in line with the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance, which recommends a nine-year limit for independent directors.

Idris Jala will remain as an advisor to the company following his retirement from the board.

Heineken Malaysia said Idris Jala had played a key role in guiding the group through a period of transformation and resilience, including the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as overseeing strategic initiatives such as digital transformation, route-to-consumer strengthening and brewery upgrades.

Iain brings more than three decades of leadership experience across the energy, banking and telecommunications sectors.

He previously served as country chairman of Shell Malaysia Limited and has held senior roles within Shell’s global operations before retiring in 2021.

He currently sits on the boards of RHB Bank Bhd and RHB Investment Bank Bhd, as well as Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd, and is a member of the Board of Guardians of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund.

The group said it is confident Iain’s experience will support its long-term growth strategy under the EverGreen 2030 plan, which focuses on accelerating growth, productivity and digital transformation while building a future-ready organisation.

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Eligible customers can enjoy immediate medical protection, with waiting periods for selected illnesses waived upon issuance of a new certificate 

by FAREZZA HANUM RASHID 

SYARIKAT Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad (Takaful Malaysia) is introducing the Kaotim MediKad Campaign, aimed at helping eligible Malaysians secure medical takaful coverage through a simplified and digital-first experience. 

Running from May 4 to June 30, 2026, the campaign is designed for those who already hold an existing individual medical takaful certificate or medical insurance policy with takaful or insurance companies other than Takaful Malaysia and are seeking an alternative medical protection solution that is straightforward, affordable and convenient to access. 

At the centre of the campaign is Kaotim MediKad, a digital-first medical takaful protection plan offered by Takaful Malaysia with monthly contributions starting from as low as RM38 a month (based on a female aged 11-15 — age next birthday with a standard profile). Customers who choose the annual payment mode are also entitled to a 10% discount on contributions. 

The plan is structured to provide essential medical protection while maintaining affordability for a broader segment of Malaysians. In addition to hospitalisation and surgical coverage, Kaotim MediKad also includes selected outpatient benefits, subject to the annual limits of the selected plan. 

To further enhance protection, customers may choose the MediBooster rider, which increases annual coverage limits up to RM1.1 million. 

One of the key features of Kaotim MediKad is its fully digital customer journey. Through the Kaotim platform, customers can register, subscribe and manage their medical takaful coverage directly online without relying on third-party intermediaries. 

The campaign also introduces several benefits designed to make medical coverage more accessible for eligible applicants. 

Among the most notable is the waiver of the usual waiting periods that commonly apply to medical plans. Under the Kaotim MediKad Campaign, eligible customers may enjoy immediate medical protection where the standard waiting periods of 120 days for specific illnesses and the 30 days for other illnesses are waived upon issuance of a new certificate, subject to underwriting approval and the campaign’s terms and conditions. 

The campaign also includes a one-month contribution rebate for certificates that remain active for three consecutive months from the certificate issuance date. 

For customers who choose for monthly contribution payments, the fourth month’s contribution will be waived automatically. Meanwhile, customers who choose annual payment mode will receive the equivalent rebate amount offset against their next contribution due. 

Another consumer-friendly aspect of the campaign is its simplified onboarding process. Eligible applicants are not required to undergo a medical check-up, subject to underwriting assessment and approval as a standard case. 

The campaign is open to customers who subscribe to a new Kaotim MediKad certificate during the campaign period and who already have an existing individual medical takaful certificate or medical insurance policy with another takaful or insurance company, excluding Takaful Malaysia. 

To qualify, the existing medical coverage must have been continuously in force for more than four months at the time of application. Applicants must also be assessed and approved by Takaful Malaysia’s underwriting as standard cases without loadings or exclusions applied. 

According to Takaful Malaysia, these requirements are intended to ensure responsible underwriting practices while enabling eligible consumers to enjoy the campaign benefits. 

Applications can be made through the Kaotim MediKad online portal at medikad.kaotim.my or 6. Takaful myCare Centre (TMCC) branches nationwide. 

At the same time, the availability of physical branches ensures support remains accessible for customers who may prefer face-to-face assistance. 

As part of the application process, customers are required to truthfully declare their existing medical takaful or insurance coverage with another provider and acknowledge the relevant campaign disclosure under the “Aqad, Declaration and Authorisation by Proposed Participant” section before payment is made. 

This disclosure is intended to ensure transparency and help customers understand the campaign mechanics, eligibility criteria and underwriting requirements associated with immediate coverage benefits. 

Beyond the main campaign, Kaotim is also running a Customer Get Customer referral initiative that rewards existing customers for successful referrals. 

Under the referral programme, customers can receive a RM40 Touch ’n Go eWallet Reload PIN for each successful Kaotim MediKad referral. Additional rewards are also offered for every five successful subscriptions, subject to terms and conditions. 

The introduction of the Kaotim MediKad Campaign comes at a time when healthcare inflation and medical treatment costs remain a key concern among Malaysians. 

By combining affordable contributions, digital accessibility and selected campaign incentives, Takaful Malaysia aims to lower the barriers to medical takaful participation while supporting broader awareness on the importance of healthcare protection. 

Takaful Malaysia emphasises that all applications remain subject to underwriting assessment and approval, in line with responsible risk management practices. 

The campaign does not guarantee automatic acceptance, nor does it imply unlimited coverage for all illnesses or treatments. Coverage remains subject to the terms, conditions and annual limits of the selected plan. 

For Malaysians seeking a more accessible and digitally enabled approach to medical protection, the Kaotim MediKad Campaign offers an opportunity to explore medical takaful coverage with added flexibility and convenience during the campaign period. 

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition 

The post Kaotim MediKad boosts access to affordable medical protection appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

The festival was designed to bridge that gap by bringing sustainability conversations closer to lived experiences

by HIDAYATH HISHAM 

FOR many organisations, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments begin with frameworks, policies, targets and reports. 

At Taylor’s Education Group (TEG), however, sustainability is increasingly being approached through a more human lens — one that connects governance and reporting with everyday experiences, communities and decision-making. 

This was the intention behind Taylor’s ESG Festival 6.0, held at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus and co-hosted with Gamuda Berhad, where the theme “Food for Thought” turned sustainability discussions into a conversation- driven dining experience. 

Instead of a conventional conference format dominated by speeches and prepared talking points, the festival brought together dialogue, rescued ingredients, refugee storytelling, youth voices and upcycled fashion under one central provocation: “Are We Solving the Right Problem?” 

The question reflected a broader challenge facing organisations today. As ESG reporting requirements become increasingly sophisticated, there is growing debate about whether ESG efforts are producing genuine environmental and social outcomes, or whether too much attention has been placed on reporting, compliance, and corporate messaging. 

For Taylor’s, the festival was designed to bridge that gap by bringing sustainability conversations closer to lived experiences. 

TEG Head of Group Sustainability Office Dr May Wong said the theme was deliberately chosen to move away from the familiar rhythm of ESG conferences, where participants often hear similar messages without seeing enough practical action. 

“I want participants to walk away feeling that this dialogue is different and fresh. You understand more about food and the story of refugees. You have seen their first-hand stories,” she told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). 

Turning Sustainability into Lived Experience

One of the festival’s centrepieces was an upcycled dining experience developed in collaboration with Saving Graze, a Malaysian social enterprise specialising in rescued ingredients and repurposed meals. 

Through the five-course meal, participants were encouraged to consider issues surrounding food waste, preservation, consumption patterns and personal responsibility. 

For Wong, success was not measured solely by what participants learned during the event, but by whether they left inspired to act. 

“If each participant walks away with one inspired action, it could be to support refugees, it could be as simple as trying a new food habit. As long as there is one action inspired by our event, I think that is enough,” she said. 

Beyond food, the festival highlighted the social dimensions of sustainability through an immersive storytelling and music performance by refugee participants in collaboration with Taylor’s University School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

The performance offered participants a more personal understanding of resilience and inclusion, reinforcing that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass dignity, opportunity and community well-being. 

The event also featured a waste-to-fashion showcase developed under the Denim Project, bringing together refugee seamstresses, students from The Design School at Taylor’s University, Gamuda’s fabric collection efforts and Taylor’s own staff as models for the showcase. 

Using discarded denim and fabrics, the refugees created upcycled fashion pieces that demonstrated how creativity and intention can transform waste into value by giving materials a second life. 

While experiential activities formed a major component of the festival, governance and accountability remained central themes throughout the day. 

Sustainable fashion creations by refugee participants and The Design School at Taylor’s University are showcased through the Denim Project

The platform brought together leaders from governance, finance, urban development, sustainability and social impact sectors to discuss how ESG is being translated into practice across industries. 

Speakers included Gamuda Berhad Group Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer Ong Jee Lian, Climate Governance Malaysia Founder and Chairperson Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, Yayasan MySDG CEO Anita Ahmad, and IDEO Consulting South-East Asia Director Bea Camacho.

The session was moderated by Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming, adjunct professor at Taylor’s University.

Discussions explored whether sustainability is genuinely integrated into business models, the role of developers in shaping sustainable communities and the importance of board-level accountability in driving meaningful outcomes.

Wong said organisers deliberately designed the session to encourage differing perspectives rather than consensus.

“We wanted people to leave with more questions, clearer intentions and a stronger sense of responsibility,” she said.

Beyond the festival itself, Taylor’s ESG journey has evolved significantly over recent years.

Wong explained that the Group began its sustainability efforts recognising that ESG could not remain a standalone initiative or corporate buzzword. Instead, it required changes to governance structures, institutional culture and operational decision-making.

One of the Group’s earliest strategic partners in that journey was Gamuda Berhad.

According to Wong, Gamuda provided valuable guidance in areas such as governance frameworks, stakeholder buy-in, committee structures and policy development.

From Reporting to Real-World Impact

During the weeklong festival, different days were structured around different agendas, including knowledge-sharing on how to conduct baseline engagement with People’s Housing Programme (PPR) communities.

Taylor’s has collaborated with CIMB for approximately a decade on entrepreneurship initiatives involving marginalised communities, providing practical experience in stakeholder engagement, community mapping and needs identification.

The Group now hopes to share some of these implementation frameworks with organisations seeking to strengthen their own community impact efforts.

At an organisational level, Taylor’s continues to strengthen ESG integration across leadership, governance, campus operations and institutional culture.

Operating across Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, the Group comprises 11 divisions spanning higher education, K-12 schools and properties.

As sustainability reporting expectations continue to evolve, Taylor’s is also investing in internal governance and data capabilities ahead of Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework requirements.

Wong said the Group is currently compiling data through its ESG dashboard across institutions with varying levels of sustainability maturity.

According to Wong, the current priority is establishing a reliable baseline before introducing ambitious sustainability commitments.

“It is too premature to set a lofty target if you do not yet have a proper decarbonisation pathway plan,” she said.

Instead, the Group is focusing on strengthening ESG governance, improving measurement capabilities and building confidence in its reporting processes.

The approach reflects a growing emphasis on credibility and transparency at a time when organisations face increasing scrutiny over sustainability claims.

Participants experienced a unique upcycled dining concept as part of Taylor’s ESG Festival 6.0

Preparing Future Generations For Sustainable Leadership

Taylor’s Education Pte Ltd President and TEG ESG Co-Chair Karl Engkvist said avoiding greenwashing remains an important consideration.

“It is a very complex topic. The last thing that we want to see happen is greenwashing. We are very careful in communicating our commitments because we want to make sure that we can stand behind whatever we commit to,” he explained

Engkvist believes sustainability will also play a larger role in shaping the future of education, particularly as the world grapples with new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and their growing resource demands.

“It is the students who are going to be the ones who drive more economical ways to use new technologies.

Their expectations will drive the behaviour of the institutions they choose to attend,” he said.

He added that students are likely to choose universities and schools based on the track record of the institution, making it important for sustainability to become an integral part of the education experience.

Initiatives such as the Waste War campaign, which addresses issues ranging from plastic consumption to digital waste, originated from student concerns and continue to shape sustainability conversations on campus.

“These are real practical things happening in students’ everyday lives. They are telling us these issues matter to them, and they help create our priorities,” he said.

At Taylor’s University, sustainability is embedded through Impact Labs, designed to be interdisciplinary learning experiences linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Regardless of whether a student is studying engineering, architecture, marketing or another discipline, Impact Labs allow students to explore sustainability challenges through practical and collaborative problem-solving across different subject areas.

Engkvist added that universities have an important responsibility to take public positions on environmental and social issues.

“Universities have historically been places of intellectual thought. They are expected to help set aspirations and expectationsfor society,” he said.

Meanwhile, TEG Executive Chairman Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan said the annual ESG Festival reflects the Group’s commitment to embedding sustainability into how it leads, governs and operates.

He said sustainability and responsible practices cannot exist as parallel initiatives, but must be reflected through everyday decisions, institutional culture and the experiences created across campuses and communities.

“We recognise meaningful progress requires long-term commitment, collective responsibility, and a willingness to continuously evaluate if the systems we build today will create lasting impact for tomorrow,” he said.

By turning ESG into a five-course conversation, Taylor’s ESG Festival 6.0 sought to demonstrate that sustainability does not have to remain abstract, technical or distant from everyday life.

It can be experienced through food, expressed through creativity, strengthened through community partnerships and embedded through governance, rather than being confined to reports and boardrooms.

In that sense, “Food for Thought” was not just a theme. It was a reminder that sustainability becomes meaningful when people are able to connect it with their own choices, communities and responsibilities.

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition 

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