KUALA LUMPUR: There is a growing significance of sustainability within corporate governance, said the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (Maicsa) president Datuk Akbar Moidunny.
In today's rapidly evolving business environment, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a business imperative, Akbar added.
"With climate change accelerating and social expectations mounting, businesses must integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their core strategies," Akbar said in a statement.
KPMG's latest statistics reflect the growing importance of sustainability reporting.
A remarkable 97 per cent of Malaysia's top 100 companies now include sustainability data in their annual reports, showcasing a strong commitment to transparency and corporate responsibility.
Regionally, Malaysia ranks among the Asia Pacific leaders, with over 90 per cent of companies prioritising sustainability reporting.
Other top performers in the region include Japan and Singapore (100 per cent), South Korea (99 per cent), and Thailand (97 per cent).
These figures shows the increasing demand for chartered secretaries and governance professionals to stay informed and proficient in sustainability frameworks to effectively guide organisations, Akbar said.
Meanwhile, Maicsa will host its Annual Conference 2024, themed "Sustainability Today for Tomorrow" from Oct 22-23.
The hybrid event promises to bring together thought leaders from regulatory bodies, the corporate sector and governance professionals to explore actionable strategies for sustainable business practices.
"This conference will serve as a platform to dissect these challenges and uncover practical, forward-thinking solutions," Akbar said.
The two-day conference will feature a robust lineup of keynote sessions and panel discussions designed to inspire and guide organisations on their sustainability journeys.
Topics to be addressed include building sustainable business ecosystems; future directions in ESG governance; engaging younger generations in sustainability initiatives; capital gains tax and transfer pricing; and leveraging artificial intelligence for data protection and privacy.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh will be a special guest speaker in the conference.
She is expected to provide invaluable insights into governance within the sports sector, as well as the broader role of youth in driving sustainability initiatives.
Attendees will also benefit from regulatory updates provided by the Malaysian Companies Commission, along with exclusive insights from industry experts on emerging global governance trends.