The Forward Faster Sustainability Awards (FFSA), organised by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), recognise companies and individuals integrating sustainability into their core business strategies.

The Awards highlight impactful actions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Forward Faster priorities, celebrating measurable progress in areas such as climate action, gender equality, sustainable finance, and supply chains.

Nominees are shortlisted through sustainability case studies that demonstrate credible, measurable impact.

Companies can qualify in two ways:

1. Co-develop a Sustainability Impact Case Study (ICS) with UNGCMYB — automatically shortlisted after passing technical review under the 10 Sustainability Performance Enablers (SPE) framework.

2. Submit an independently published sustainability case study — provided it meets credibility standards. A credible case study should:

• Be authored or endorsed by a reputable university, non-profit, or equivalent independent body.

• Demonstrate clear, data-backed outcomes.

• Document the sustainability challenge addressed, the actions taken, and the results achieved.

• Be transparent and verifiable, with supporting evidence available.

All qualifying case studies are reviewed by the Technical Committee and judging panel, with winners determined through deliberation.

For Individual-Level Awards, nominees may submit self-nominations through the online forms for the Forward Faster CEO, CSO, and Sustainability Manager Awards.

No, there is no nomination fee.

However, developing a co-branded Sustainability Impact Case Study (ICS) with UNGCMYB involves a subsidised fee for members who have submitted their 2025 Communication on Progress (CoP).

Independent case study submissions remain free of charge.

Final scores are determined through a weighted 50/50 model:

• Public Voting (50%) — anonymous voting open to the public via UNGCMYB’s official platform; and

• Independent Judging Panel (50%) — expert evaluation based on the Sustainability Performance Enablers (SPE) framework, credibility, and measurable impact. This approach balances professional assessment with public recognition, ensuring both rigour and inclusivity.

No. Publishing a case study qualifies a company for nomination but does not guarantee an Award.

Submissions are evaluated under the 10 Sustainability Performance Enablers (SPE) framework, considering:

• Integration of sustainability into culture, operations, and supply chains

• Measurable, data-backed outcomes

• Scale of impact (business, industry, national, or global)

• Innovation, leadership, and ability to overcome challenges

The Forward Faster Sustainability Awards are competitive and based on published case studies that are reviewed and scored by an independent judging panel.

The ESG Select List 2025, on the other hand, is a non-competitive recognition scheme that acknowledges organisations demonstrating strong sustainability performance and leadership across key focus areas.

Introduced this year, the ESG Select List operates as a standalone initiative under UNGCMYB’s recognition framework.

Learn more about the ESG Select List on its dedicated webpage.

The Awards are open to UNGCMYB Members actively reporting on their sustainability progress.

• Corporates participate via case study submissions (developed or independent).

• SMEs participate through the SME ESG Challenge.

• Individual-Level Awards are open to executives and sustainability practitioners within member organisations.

There are two key deadlines for the 2025–26 Awards cycle:

• 14 November 2025 — Register to develop an Impact Case Study (ICS) with UNGCMYB.

• 31 December 2025 — Submit independently published case studies or individual-level nominations.

Yes. Shortlisted nominees will be notified by email after the judging process concludes.

Final winners will only be revealed at the Sustainability Celebration Night on 29 January 2026 (TBC).

Winners will be announced during the Forward Faster Sustainability Awards Ceremony at the Sustainability Celebration Night on 29 January 2026 (TBC).

All shortlisted finalists will be featured on UNGCMYB’s official voting page.

Voting is anonymous and open to all, allowing anyone to participate and show support for initiatives they believe are driving real sustainability progress.

The voting period runs from 2 – 15 January 2026, after which results will be verified and combined with the judging panel’s scores.

Final results will be announced exclusively at the Sustainability Celebration Night on 29 January 2026 (TBC).

Public voting is designed to make sustainability leadership more visible and relatable.

By opening the process to a wider audience, UNGCMYB aims to raise awareness, encourage peer learning, and celebrate collective progress — while ensuring integrity through the 50/50 weighting with independent judging.

Voting will be conducted through a secure platform that ensures anonymity and fairness.

UNGCMYB may review and verify submissions to maintain the integrity of results.

In case of a tie, the Independent Judging Panel’s evaluation will serve as the tiebreaker.