GEORGE TOWN: In the vibrant landscape of Malaysia, Micron Technology Inc is weaving a narrative of hope and responsibility.
At the heart of this tale lies a commitment not just to corporate success but also to the very essence of community and the environment.
Under the leadership of Amarjit Singh Sandhu and his team, Micron has ambitious goals to drive positive change across its operations in Malaysia and beyond.
Micron has solidified its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, positioning itself as a responsible corporate citizen.
In the narrative of Micron, every chip tells a story — not just of technology, but of a profound commitment to a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.
In an interview with Business Times, Amarjit, the corporate vice-president of assembly and test NAND operations Micron (Malaysia and Singapore) said Micron's commitment to sustainability and community was not merely through words but translated into concrete actions.
"Everything is coming together. It is probably a very exciting time for us and we believe we can make a difference moving forward.
"Micron's commitment, whether to sustainability or to the community, is a long-drawn effort. We have very clear strategies, very clear goals for us to achieve wherever we operate in.
"However, we cannot do it alone. Every one of us needs to come together. From our side, our leadership is very committed and drawn for the long run," he said.
Micron's pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is a testament to its proactive approach to environmental responsibility. The company has made significant strides since announcing its US$1 billion investment in sustainability initiatives, aiming for a 42 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Notably, in 2023, Micron reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 11 per cent compared to the 2020 baseline, showcasing a solid commitment to its long-term goals.
Amarjit said Micron had successfully transitioned to 100 per cent renewable electricity, setting a benchmark for its operations globally.
"Our comprehensive strategy includes ambitious water conservation targets and a commitment to zero waste to landfills by 2030," he said at its Batu Kawan facility in Penang.
"Through innovative practices, Micron is leading the semiconductor industry towards a more sustainable future.
"As employees walk through the halls of Batu Kawan, they are not just part of a semiconductor operation, they are stewards of a greener future. Every chip produced reflects a dedication to energy efficiency, not only for Micron but also for its customers.
"Advanced memory solutions designed to consume less power are the norm, illustrating the company's mission to lead in both technology and environmental responsibility," he added.
Micron, according to Amarjit, understands that technology and innovation are integral to achieving its sustainability targets.
He said the development of energy-efficient memory and storage solutions not only reduced Micron's carbon footprint but also helped customers minimise their energy consumption.
He said, for instance, Micron's advanced memory products, such as the HBM3E 12-High, significantly lowered power consumption compared to competitors, aligning performance with environmental responsibility.
Micron's sustainability journey is a tapestry woven from partnerships with local and global stakeholders.
Amarjit said the company's acquisition of 100 per cent renewable electricity for its Malaysian facilities through the Green Electricity Tariff Programme exemplified its innovative strategies to combat climate change.
"This initiative is expected to eliminate over 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing 35,076 passenger vehicles from the road through its renewable electricity commitments — a staggering number that reflects a significant step towards a sustainable future," he said.
Micron's commitment extends beyond environmental stewardship to meaningful community engagement.
Amarjit said in 2023 alone, Micron contributed nearly RM5 million and 15,000 volunteer hours to underserved communities in Malaysia.
He said through initiatives like the Star Light Volunteering Month, Micron employees participated in activities that included beach clean-ups, food drives and tree planting, reflecting the company's ethos of giving back to the communities where it operates.
"The impact was palpable. In one month alone, they collected 1.2 tonnes of trash from beaches, provided 6,095kg of non-perishable food to families in need and planted 700 mangrove trees to protect coastal ecosystems.
"Each action served not only to assist those in immediate need but also to cultivate a culture of giving and responsibility among employees."
Amarjit said Micron's commitment to education was particularly noteworthy.
Through partnerships with academic institutions, the company actively promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
"The Micron Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting STEM education, collaborating with institutions like Penang Science Cluster and Teach for Malaysia to engage students from diverse backgrounds.
"Programmes like the STEPUP2.0 Inspire Programme and the Girls in Robotics initiative aim to empower the next generation of innovators, particularly young women, by providing access to resources and mentorship in fields traditionally under-represented by their gender.
"Last year, these initiatives reached thousands of students, transforming lives and reshaping futures."
He said by working with organisations like MyKasih to support disaster relief and educational programmes, Micron ensured that its community engagement was not merely philanthropic but transformative, creating pathways for growth and resilience.
Micron exemplifies how a corporation can effectively integrate sustainability and community engagement into its operational framework. With ambitious environmental goals and a deep commitment to empowering local communities, Micron is not just building a greener future but also ensuring that it enriches the lives of individuals and families.
As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, Micron's efforts serve as a model for corporate responsibility and innovation in the semiconductor industry.
By fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility, Micron is not only paving the way for growth in the semiconductor industry but also nurturing a skilled workforce ready to tackle future challenges.
With a commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment, Micron stands as a beacon of corporate responsibility, proving that businesses can thrive while positively impacting the world around them.