04/06/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | JUNE 4, 2025

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Columbia Asia accelerates ESG journey o Hospital group uses solar panels and reduces single-use plastics

transparency and accountability are central to Columbia Asia’s ESG framework. “We have implemented internal systems to monitor and report on its carbon emissions, which enables proactive energy management and supports compliance with both local and international ESG standards. “Tracking our emissions gives us visibility into the progress we’re making—and where we need to go next. “We are constantly reviewing and refining our approach to remain aligned with global ESG expectations, especially as we explore public listing options,” Lim said. Beyond environmental efforts, he highlighted that Columbia Asia is driving social impact by expanding healthcare access in underserved areas. “Our data-driven site selection strategy considers demographic trends, healthcare gaps, and infrastructure development. “The upcoming Batu Kawan hospital, for instance, is strategically located to serve a rapidly growing residential and industrial community in Penang,” he remarked. Sunsuria launches foundation to advance commitments PETALING JAYA: Sunsuria Bhd is taking a significant step forward in advancing its environmental, social and governance commitments with the launch of Sunsuria Foundation – focused on driving meaningful contributions across three core pillars: education, community, and environmental sustainability. “Since founding Sunsuria Bhd in 1989, we have grown into a purpose-driven organisation committed to shaping a brighter, more sustainable future. The launch of the Sunsuria Foundation is a natural extension of this commitment to society,” said founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Ter Leong. Sunsuria Foundation is providing a scholarship for students of Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), building on a long-standing partnership through which Sunsuria has contributed a cumulative total of RM12 million to date. Beyond financial support, Sunsuria has also invested significant time, effort and manpower to support the establishment and ongoing development of the university. Prior to the launch, Sunsuria had already begun building the foundation for its Education pillar through a range of community-focused initiatives. These include scholarships for students of Concord College International School, the distribution of school supplies to preschool children from SK Kota Warisan; and support for educational initiatives at Kuen Cheng High School, Pin Hwa High School, Hin Hua High School and Sekolah Menengah Tengku Ampuan Rahimah. Sunsuria has also supported education through book donations, health-related assistance, scholarship awards, and career development opportunities for young talents. Sunsuria has also extended support to local communities and environmental initiatives under its community focus area. To date, RM1.31 million has been contributed towards healthcare, children’s homes, elderly care, and disaster relief. In support of environmental sustainability, Sunsuria has planted over 5,000 trees in Sunsuria City. The foundation reflects Sunsuria’s commitment to meaningful, purpose-driven contributions across education, community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

2050, a target supported by measurable short term goals. “As part of the vision, we are phasing out desflurane, an anesthetic known for its high greenhouse gas emissions, and adopting greener alternatives,” he explained. Lim said the company is also implementing policies to reduce single-use plastics across its hospitals, in line with the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2023. “The group is currently rolling out energy efficient LED lighting, along with EV charging stations at selected facilities to support the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in Malaysia,” he said. He remarked that one standout initiative is the commitment to go plastic bag-free at its new Columbia Asia Hospital in Batu Kawan, effective September 1, 2025. “This move, aligned with Penang state regulations, will see paper bags replace single use plastics—underscoring the group’s alignment with local environmental goals,” he said. Furthermore, he remarked that

Bhd, the group has equipped nine hospitals with rooftop solar panel systems since the fourth quarter of 2023. “These include facilities in Iskandar Puteri, Tebrau, Setapak, Cheras, Petaling Jaya, Bukit Rimau, Klang, Seremban, and Taiping—with upcoming Batu Kawan hospital in Penang next in line,” he told SunBiz. He said, collectively, these systems now generate an impressive 4.039 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year, resulting in an annual reduction of 4,848 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. “Since the project’s inception, Columbia Asia has recorded energy cost savings exceeding RM4.4 million. “This initiative reflects our long-term vision to embed sustainability into every aspect of hospital operations. “Our commitment goes beyond compliance and we are aiming to become a benchmark for green healthcare delivery in Malaysia and the region,” he remarked. He highlighted that Columbia Asia has also set its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by

Ű BY AIMIE SHAZRIE sunbiz@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As Columbia Asia prepares for its next growth phase, the private hospital group is putting environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices at the heart of its strategy. Regional CEO Tom Lim said that the hospital has laid out a comprehensive roadmap that blends sustainability, technological innovation, and healthcare accessibility. “One of the most significant achievements in Columbia Asia’s ESG journey is the implementation of solar energy solutions across its hospital network. “In partnership with Solarvest Energy Sdn

UOB and Bursa collaborate to support SMEs KUALA LUMPUR: UOB Malaysia has collaboratedwith Bursa Malaysia Berhad to facilitate Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainability practices and advancing their decarbonisation journey.

This collaboration is central to the Bank’s newly expanded Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2.0 (SAP 2.0). First launched in October 2023, SAP 1.0 was designed to equip SMEs with foundational knowledge to kick-start their ESG journey, enabled through UOB’s Sustainability Compass tool (co-developed with PWC) and customised financing solutions such as the U-Series (comprising U-Energy, U-Solar and U-Drive). Building on the success of the initial phase, SAP 2.0 takes the Bank’s commitment further by providing its SME clients with access to Bursa Malaysia’s Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) Solution, reducing complexities of emissions calculation and facilitating uptake of relevant decarbonisation solutions. UOB Malaysia CEO, Ng Wei Wei said: “We are honoured to be the first bank to partner with Bursa Malaysia. Under UOB’s SAP 2.0 Programme, in addition to our enhanced suites of SME-centric solutions, the Bank will also fund Bursa’s CSI Solution’s subscription fees for our SME clients. “Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting can be a daunting aspect of the decarbonisation journey, and by lowering this barrier and helping them calculate and report their GHG emissions more effectively, we hope to empower more SMEs to transition. “I truly believe that strong public-private collaboration is essential to help businesses to decarbonise”. Bursa Malaysia CEO, Datuk Fad’l Mohamed said: “This collaboration with UOB Malaysia marks a significant step forward in expanding

Ng and Fad’l at the launch of Sustainability Accelerator Programme 2.0.

through the use of the CSI Solution. “We look forward to seeing other financial institutions follow suit. These collective efforts will accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a low carbon economy”. The CSI Platform serves as the Exchange’s designated sustainability reporting channel for all PLCs. As part of this designation, the platform supports the ISSB IFRS S1 and S2 disclosure requirements adopted under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework. MBI added that the recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), promoting sustainable and inclusive urban landscape development. According to the council, the NBS promotes bamboo as a sustainable alternative material, not only for landscape furniture, but also integrated with shade tree planting to support carbon absorption. – Bernama

our CSI ecosystem to benefit a wider group of companies. “Just as our CSI Solution has empowered public listed companies (PLCs) to meet disclosure obligations and guide their decarbonisation, we are now extending the same capabilities to SMEs, enabling them to progress confidently on their sustainability journey. “We applaud UOB Malaysia for taking proactive steps in encouraging sustainable business practices among SMEs, particularly

Ipoh City Council wins award for green landscape initiative IPOH: Ipoh City Council’s (MBI) Department of Parks and Landscape received the Honour Award in the Green Initiatives Award – Government Sector category at the 15th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) recently. Malaysia, Datuk LAr Ismail Ngah, acknowledges MBI’s proactive role in championing holistic and progressive nature based landscaping approaches aligned with national aspirations.

“This achievement is a catalyst for MBI’s continued efforts to realise Ipoh’s vision as a Smart and Sustainable City by 2030, driven by innovation, sustainability and community well being,” the statement read.

In a statement, MBI said the recognition was for its Bamboo: A Sustainable Solution for Green Landscape project. The award, presented by former president of the Institute of Landscape Architects

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