Discover everything you need to know about travel, shopping, upcoming events, and more in Malaysia.
Discover everything you need to know about travel, shopping, upcoming events, and more in Malaysia.
The inaugural ESG & Brands Forum 2024, held on September 26 at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, represented a major turning point in the quest for sustainable business methods. More than 100 delegates from six countries, including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and India, came together at the forum to advance sustainable branding and corporate accountability. As the official media partner for ESG & Brands Forum, Kuala Lumpur Hospitality was in the thick of things and we are here to give you a detailed summary of the event as it happened.
The Opening Ceremony for ESG & Brands Forum 2024 began with a welcome address from Shikha Kedia Bharadwaj, Chairperson of the ESG & Brands Forum 2024 and CEO of BitQuest Sdn Bhd who set the stage for insightful discussions and networking opportunities. She highlighted the forum as not only achievable but also essential in the contemporary business landscape. Additionally, Ts. Dr Nurul Muiz Murad, CEO of Yayasan Hijau Malaysia, emphasised the need for organisations to commit to driving meaningful progress towards sustainability goals in Malaysia. Finally, we saw the Guest of Honour, YB Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, take the stage and deliver a strong opening address. He pointed out the critical need to implement sustainable practices not only for economic benefit but also to positively impact the environment.
Following the opening ceremony, a press conference was held. Our representative of KL asked a crucial question: “How do you see the government's role in helping sustainable brands grow in the future? What steps is the government taking and what kind of support do you think they need?”
Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad pointed out the government's commitment to fostering sustainable brands via tailored grants and incentives. He mentioned that companies dedicated to sustainability are eligible for different financial assistance programs including grants made for eco-friendly endeavors. Sustainable brands can take advantage of tax exemptions that lighten their financial load and inspire further development. He pointed out that these incentives play a key role in establishing a supportive setting for sustainable enterprises.
Post the press conference, the forum featured a series of engaging panels and keynote speeches that delved into various aspects of ESG and branding. The audience got to know about a lot of diverse topics. For example, one of the panels examined how gender equality and brand innovation intertwine in a circular economy. One of the discussions focused on encouraging required government actions to advance local sustainability. This discussion also stressed the necessity of teamwork among the private sector and government to develop an encouraging setting for sustainable practices.
Similarly, a panel on Greening Events was discussed by demonstrating creative ways to reduce waste and use eco-friendly practices in event management. Furthermore, experts examined tech-driven solutions to improve sustainability objectives in a moderated discussion. An important talk on "The Importance of Responsible ESG Reporting for Companies & Brands" offered practical guidance for ensuring transparency in ESG practices. Finally, a powerful session discussed the connection between sustainability activities and poverty alleviation, highlighting the importance of social equity in environmental stewardship.
In addition to theoretical ideas, the forum discussed real steps for sustainability implementation. The event itself implemented several eco-friendly measures. Instead of using regular plastic bottles for water distribution, water stations and reusable containers were used. Vegetarian meals were served to minimise carbon output and the guests were encouraged to utilise public transport or carpooling.
These efforts showed concrete ways in which events and firms can utilise green practices in their strategies. As Shikha Kedia Bharadwaj, Chairperson of the ESG & Brands Forum 2024, stated, "Small actions can lead to big changes. By offering eco-friendly options throughout the event, we demonstrated that sustainability is not only achievable but essential."
Shikha Kedia Bharadwaj as the Malaysia country chair for G100 Brand Creation and Marketing Wing also launched the G100 Special Handbook on Brand Guidelines for Women-led Sustainable Businesses along with other members at the end of the forum. The goal of this initiative was aimed at enabling women entrepreneurs to lead in sustainable brand development, further emphasising the forum's focus on diverse and sustainable business models.
Overall, the ESG & Brands Forum 2024 served as an important arena for promoting discussions on sustainable business practices and enabling future innovation and partnership in the years to come. We at Kuala Lumpur Hospitality are eagerly waiting for the next year’s event. See you back then!