The SME ESG Challenge is a platform for small and medium enterprises to showcase their sustainability and ESG initiatives. By participating, SMEs gain not only media exposure and recognition but also access to free capacity-building workshops and skill training. This equips your company with practical tools to strengthen ESG practices while inspiring others and gaining visibility as a sustainability leader.

The challenge is open to all SMEs in Malaysia across any sector and location. You must meet the Guideline on New SME Definition.

If shortlisted to the next stage, please note that the training and pitching sessions will take place in the Klang Valley.

As part of the application process, applicants are required to complete the application form (which will take approximately 10–15 minutes) and submit a brief write-up on their company’s ESG initiative(s) as indicated in the form itself.

The initiative(s) must already be implemented (not just in planning), so share the one your company is most excited and passionate about!

No. You don’t need a formal ESG report or certification. All you need is at least one implemented ESG initiative—something your company is proud of and eager to share with a wider audience to showcase the impact of your work.

We’re looking for initiatives that are able to show real impact in any area of Environmental (e.g., energy saving, waste reduction), Social (e.g., employee wellbeing, community support), or Governance (e.g., ethical practices, transparency).

These are just examples - what matters most is the story behind your initiative. No matter how big or small, every effort counts. This is your chance to showcase the positive change your SME is making and inspire others along the way.

Entries will be assessed based on clarity, impact, creativity, and scalability of the ESG initiative. A panel of experts from business, sustainability, and industry bodies will serve as judges.

If your company is shortlisted to participate in the next round (capacity development on ESG Storytelling), you will be notified within 5 working days of your submission.

If you do not receive any notification by 12 November 2025, it means that your company has not been shortlisted for the next round.

All shortlisted SMEs will benefit from free capacity development workshops and opportunities to network with peers and sustainability leaders. The Top 10 finalists will pitch their ESG stories to a panel of expert judges. From there, the Top 3 winners will be recognised at UNGCMYB’s flagship ESG event on 29 January 2026.

Each of the Top 3 winners will also receive a prize package worth RM100,000 in media value equivalent, including:

1. A 6-minute feature on BORAK SeeNI (2 minutes per winner)

2. A congratulatory promo on Mix or Lite FM (30 seconds, aired twice daily for two weeks)

3. A 15-minute segment on Astro AWANI (5 minutes per winner)

4. One branded advertorial on Astro AWANI’s website or social media platforms

No. Participation is free of charge for eligible SMEs.

Shortlisted SMEs will be invited to pitch their ESG story in a 7-10 minute presentation followed by Q&A. We will provide guidelines to help you prepare.

Kindly refer to the full Terms & Conditions here, which cover eligibility, judging process, data collection and sharing, prizes, and other important participation requirements.