28/01/2026

ESG WEDNESDAY | JAN 28, 2026

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Nestle completes major reforestation initiative

FWD Insurance takes home Social Impact & Inclusion Award KUALA LUMPUR: FWD Insurance Bhd has been recognised at the ESG Plus Awards 2025, organised by The Exchange Asia, receiving the Social Impact & Inclusion Award under the Community Engagement & Social Responsibility Award category. This accolade highlights FWD Insurance’s sustained commitment to advancing financial literacy and supporting inclusive, empowered communities across Malaysia. FWD Insurance’s award-winning initiatives span primary schools to tertiary education, equipping learners with practical financial skills: Know your money Introduces children to basic money concepts through engaging lessons and hands-on activities. Over the past year, the programme has reached over 5,000 primary school students, laying the foundation for responsible money management from an early age. JA SparktheDream Designed for teenagers, this programme develops practical financial decision-making skills and confidence. Over 1,300 secondary students have participated nationwide, with teachers noting improved awareness and application of financial knowledge. Fun(d) for Life Prepares young adults for real-life financial responsibilities, including budgeting, savings, and long-term planning. The programme is expected to engage 10,000 beneficiaries by the end of the two-year programme, empowering them with knowledge to make informed financial choices. Infrastructure support Enhances digital learning environments, providing continuous access to financial education for students and teachers across 38 schools in the Keramat district. “Financial literacy is a powerful enabler, and we believe everyone deserves the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. This recognition affirms our commitment to supporting communities through meaningful, long-term initiatives that help Malaysians build financial resilience. We’re honoured to be acknowledged at the ESG Plus Awards and remain focused on creating positive social impact for generations to come,”said FWD Malaysia country CEO Aman Chowla. FWD Insurance Berhad CEO Mak See Sen emphasised:“Creating real social impact requires long-term commitment, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose. Our financial literacy programmes reflect our belief that every Malaysian, regardless of age or background, deserves the knowledge to build a secure financial future”.

o Company commits to planting another three million trees over next five years

PETALING JAYA: Nestle Malaysia has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful completion of Project RELeaf, achieving its goal of planting 3 million trees nationwide, covering approximately 1,650 hectares of land since 2021. Combined with the earlier Project RiLeaf in Sabah, this brings the total to four million trees. As the nation’s largest private-sector reforestation initiative, these efforts demonstrate Nestlé’s enduring commitment to restoring forests, preserving Malaysia’s natural ecosystems, and supporting the Government’s “Greening Malaysia” initiative to plant 100 million trees. This important milestone was achieved through strong collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, the Sabah Wildlife Department, the Malaysian Nature Society, and plantation partners SD Guthrie, TDM Plantation, IOI Plantation, Sabah Softwoods, Sawit Kinabalu and Ikhasas. Nestle Malaysia CEO, Juan Aranols said: “Project RELeaf embodies our conviction that businesses must play an active role in safeguarding the environment for future generations. “Reaching this milestone is a proud moment in our ESG journey and fuels our determination to do even more. While Malaysia’s forest cover currently stands at 54%, above the national target of 50%, it is vital to further preserve and restore these precious ecosystems. “Building on this momentum, we are launching the next phase of our initiative to plant another 3 million trees over the next five years. As we begin the next phase, we will continue working hand in hand with our partners and communities to drive reforestation under strict ecological criteria,strengthening biodiversity and supporting Malaysia’s climate ambitions.” Guided by the 3 “Rs” – REforest, REstore, and REspect – Project RELeaf has been part of Nestlé’s global Forest Positive strategy which focuses on addressing deforestation risks. In Malaysia, this initiative plays a critical role in restoring riparian zones and wildlife corridors and support endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and

Aranols (middle), together with Nestle’s leadership team and volunteers, celebrate the successful finale of Project RELeaf.

cultivate and care for indigenous seedlings but have also provided a sustainable source of income, improved our livelihoods and given us a sense of security. “What matters most is knowing that the work we do today will restore our forests and protect the wildlife that defines our home, ensuring that generations to come can thrive. And we look forward to continuing this journey together to create an even greater impact.” Moving forward, Nestle Malaysia’s reforestation endeavours will continue with the ambition to plant another three million trees by 2030. “Project RELeaf2030 will continue to work closely with relevant external stakeholders to maximise the ecological and environmental impact of these efforts. “An added dimension to RELeaf2030 will be the acceleration of efforts to advance agroforestry and regenerative agriculture. “By working closely with smallholders and plantation operators to integrate forest species and fruit trees into cocoa and coffee farms, the company aims to enhance crop resilience, diversify farmers’ income streams, and restore healthier ecosystems, creating shared value for communities and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

Malayan Tigers. The project has prioritised the use of native species such as Tropical Almond Trees or Ketapang, Bintangor Laut, Bongkol, Pulai and Sentang which help enhance biodiversity, stabilise soil and restore riparian habitats. Over the next decade, these restored landscapes are projected to remove up to 700,000 tonnes of carbon, supporting Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon future. A central feature of Project RELeaf has been its community-driven approach. Through partnerships with local farming communities in Kinabatangan, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia, Nestlé provided training, tools and resources for seedling production and planting efforts. To date, more than 90 farming and orang asli communities have participated in seedling cultivation, while another 120 have been involved in reforestation activities, providing additional sources of income alongside fostering greater environmental awareness. Seedling cultivator representative, Hasidin Bin Ahmit, Ketua Komuniti Anak Pokok Kinabatangan , Kg Perpaduan, shared: “Being part of Project RELeaf has transformed our community’s future. “Over the years, the training and support we’ve received have not only taught us how to

PKNS FMI launches inaugural sustainability report SHAH ALAM: PKNS FM Integrated Sdn Bhd (PKNS FMI) released its inaugural Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, which outlines the company’s sustainability-related performance and initiatives for the period from Jan 1, 2024 to May 30, 2025. economic and environmental impact and resource management. “It also includes worker welfare, safety, and community engagement, as well as corporate governance, ethics, and compliance,” he said at the launch of the PKNS FMI 2025 Sustainability Report, here, recently. PKNS FMI is a facilities Development Corporation (PKNS), supporting the state’s sustainable development agenda by delivering comprehensive and integrated facilities management services.

also shaped by the vision of the Selangor State Government, through the First Selangor Plan 2021-2025 (RS 1) and the upcoming Second Selangor Plan 2026-2030 (RS-2). “We are also guided by national and global frameworks such as Bursa Malaysia’s Sustainability Reporting Guide, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. – Bernama

adopt an annual reporting cycle, with the next sustainability report expected to cover the period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, or as aligned with future internal reporting structures.” Shamshul Bahari noted that the report is more than just a milestone, it reflects PKNS FMI’s values, aspirations, and responsibility as a company trusted to manage critical assets that serve people every day. He said the company’s direction is

He said the extended reporting period was adopted to provide a more comprehensive overview of the company’s early-stage sustainability performance, particularly given the limited availability of historical data. “Moving forward, PKNS FMI plans to

Its CEO, Shamshul Bahari Ahmad, said the report addresses the material ESG topics identified as most relevant to PKNS FMI’s stakeholders, including

Banking & Finance management company incorporated in early 2023 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Selangor State

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