Chairpersons Roundtable: Leadership for Sustainability Actions

Sustainability, incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is rapidly becoming a priority for many Chairpersons. They must make bold decisions about this key aspect of running a business, for sustainability is now an essential factor in corporate success and the ongoing success of an organisation. It has taken the spotlight in the boardroom, and is the focus of attention moving forward.

The findings from the recent Sustainability Pulse Report by UNGCMYB indicate that many Malaysian business organisations are overly reliant on tools to "plug-in" ESG practices, with a focus on compliance rather than value creation. This often results in quick-fixes practiced with an emphasis on 'reporting for disclosure' instead of a substantial transformation within the organisation. To effectively tackle current sustainability challenges, more is needed than just tools and technology - a true change needs to be made with a Chairperson’s leadership that can engage both internal and external stakeholders confidently under unpredictable circumstances. Chairpersons of organisations with the right knowledge can help drive and shape a focus on sustainability in companies, making decisions that will create real, lasting change.

New approaches to leadership must be adopted in order to enable executives at different levels of an organisation to effectively address sustainability issues. Every organisation requires a unique approach to sustainability, through purpose, culture, values and business models that are tailored to its specific goals. Significant systemic change is needed in order to integrate sustainability into the business strategy and culture. Chairpersons must act as catalysts to drive this change; from developing purpose and values to guide the organisation, to setting up new governance systems to collaborate with key stakeholders, to creating a culture and mindset among individuals to always make the right decisions, and to acquire an appropriate business model to deliver on promises.

The aim of the roundtable discussion is to draw on the insights of Chairpersons on Boards of Malaysian businesses who have had the experience in transforming organisations towards sustainability. The panellists will share:

• The values they hold and how these values were developed into a purpose and strategy for the organisation to drive the change or transformation needed.
• How do they take decisions that help develop a culture and leverage governance structures (formal and informal) needed for theirs organisations’ journey towards sustainability

Speakers

• Foong Pik Yee (Moderator) - Independent Non-Executive Director, AmBank Group Malaysia
• Datuk Yvonne Chia - Chairperson, Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd.
• Dr. Tunku Alina Alias - Chairperson, J A Russell & Company Sdn. Bhd.
• Alizakri Alias - Chairperson, Malaysia Venture Capital Management Berhad
• Tan Sri Dato' Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa - Chairperson, Malayan Banking Berhad
• Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh - Chairperson, Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn. Bhd.
• Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi - Chairperson, Sarawak Energy Berhad

Agenda

2.30PM – 3.00PM: Registration

3.00PM  – 3.05PM: Opening remarks

3.05PM – 3.15PM: Announcement of Partnership between Monash University Malaysia and UNGCMYB

3.15PM – 4.45PM: Roundtable Session

4.45PM onwards: Refreshments & Networking Session

Kindly note that due to the limited availability of seats, the confirmation of your attendance will be informed at a closer date.