In a decisive step toward addressing the global demand for sustainable practices, the GO ESG 2024 Symposium convened over 300 executives, sustainability professionals, and business leaders in Kuala Lumpur to explore the critical skills needed to meet sustainability targets. Organised by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), the event carried the theme “Empowering Talent in Achieving the SDGs,” underscoring the importance of workforce development in translating corporate sustainability pledges into tangible results.
Tan Sri Datuk Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, opened the symposium with a call for organisations to strengthen workforce capabilities in navigating the complexities of sustainability. “The ability to embed ESG principles, foster innovative problem-solving, and drive cross-functional collaboration is no longer optional,” he stated. “Comprehensive training and mentorship programmes are essential to instilling sustainable practices at the heart of our organisations.”
Launch of CSP Competency Framework 2.0
A key moment of the event was the unveiling of the Corporate Sustainability Practitioner (CSP) Competency Framework 2.0, a collaborative effort by Bursa Malaysia and UNGCMYB. This enhanced framework incorporates competencies aligned with international benchmarks, including the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS S1 and S2). It aims to provide a robust structure for developing ESG-focused skill sets in Malaysia’s corporate sector.
Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB, described the framework as a tool for enabling organisations to adapt to an evolving ESG landscape. “CSP 2.0 equips companies with a future-proof competency map, empowering them to identify, recruit, and cultivate top sustainability talent,” he said. “This ensures that businesses remain agile and ready to tackle emerging challenges.”
Addressing Regional Challenges
The symposium also featured panels that delved into regional sustainability challenges, drawing insights from prominent industry leaders. Among the speakers were Prasarana Malaysia Bhd’s CEO, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and AEON’s Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer, Dr Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi. Both leaders emphasised the pivotal role of leadership and human resources in aligning workforce skills with sustainability goals.
Dr Kasuma highlighted the need for companies to actively integrate sustainability into their talent strategies, adding, “Leaders must prioritise upskilling and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure that sustainability objectives are met across all levels.”
Collaboration for Impact
The event’s success was supported by partners including Alliance Bank, Capital Markets Malaysia, Kenanga Investment Bank, Prasarana, and Sarawak Energy Bhd. UNGCMYB expressed gratitude for their commitment to fostering a sustainable future and accelerating Malaysia’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the conclusion of GO ESG 2024, the focus now shifts to implementing the strategies outlined during the symposium. UNGCMYB reaffirmed its dedication to developing a future-ready workforce that is equipped to drive impactful, sustainable change by 2030.