16/09/2026

ESG WEDNESDAY | SEPT 16, 2026

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AHAM Capital strengthens ESG integration across ops

UKM to offer Master’s programme in ESG via open, distance learning KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) will soon introduce a Master’s programme in environmental, social and governance (ESG) through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) under the Institute for Environment and Development (Lestari) to develop ESG talent and support organisations in navigating the evolving sustainability landscape. UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh said the programme will enable ESG practitioners and working professionals in Malaysia and abroad to pursue postgraduate studies while remaining in the workforce. “Among these initiatives is the Professional ESG Certificate, previously delivered in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and developed together with the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) to equip professionals with internationally recognised ESG competencies,” he said in a statement. Recently, UKM co-organised the MAPAN ESG Summit 2026, a national platform that brought together government agencies, industry leaders, and academics to accelerate Malaysia’s ESG agenda. During the summit, UKM also launched its artificial intelligence-powered ESG Advisory platform to help organisations strengthen their sustainability strategies through more comprehensive ESG assessments. Sufian said the platform integrates internationally recognised ESG standards, enabling organisations to conduct more comprehensive ESG assessments and strengthen their sustainability practices. He said the launch reflects UKM’s continued commitment to developing ESG talent, advancing research, and providing practical solutions for organisations navigating the sustainability landscape. Sufian also said authentic leadership is key to ensuring environmental, social and governance (ESG) becomes more than a compliance exercise, with organisations requiring leaders who make decisions based not only on business performance but also on the long-term well-being of society and the environment while upholding good governance.

KUALA LUMPUR: AHAM Asset Management Bhd (AHAM Capital) recently released its 2025 Sustainability Report, marking a milestone in its sustainability journey as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary. The report outlines AHAM Capital’s continued progress in embedding sustainability across its investment processes and business operations. The report was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Universal Standards 2021, a globally recognised framework that allows for consistent disclosure and comparability with industry peers. AHAM Capital managing director, Datuk Teng Chee Wai said: “At AHAM Capital, sustainability is not just a strategic priority, it is a responsibility we embrace as stewards of capital. “As an asset manager, we recognise the profound impact our investment decisions can have on the environment and society. “By integrating ESG considerations into our investment and risk management processes, we are better positioned to identify material risks, support informed decision-making and deliver sustainable value for our clients over the long term. “We are committed to continuous learning, expanding our expertise, and amplifying our impact. Our ambition is to contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda – not just as an asset manager, but as a responsible corporate citizen for the next 25 years and beyond.” Meanwhile, AHAM Capital’s Group sustainability management committee deputy managing director and chairperson Esther Teo said: “Sustainability is an evolving journey that requires strong governance, disciplined execution and continuous improvement. “In 2025, we focused on translating our commitments into practical processes and delivering measurable outcomes across our o Asset manager recognises profound impact of investment decisions on environment and society PETALING JAYA: Gamuda Bhd has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with two significant achievements: inclusion in TIME and Statista’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2026 list and advancement to the highest Bursa Malaysia FTSE4Good ESG Grading Band. The group is the only Malaysian company recognised in the Resource Generation & Infrastructure industry category, which covers businesses involved in utilities, heavy engineering, mining support, and the supply and support of raw materials. Ranked 239th globally, Gamuda was selected from more than 5,800 companies across 43 countries, with only 750 companies making the final list. The TIME and Statista ranking evaluates companies against a broad set of sustainability criteria, including environmental and social performance, corporate transparency, reporting

Teng.

Teo.

emissions coverage and a PCAF data quality score of 1.89. (The PCAF score is measured on a 1–5 scale, where lower values indicate higher data quality.) A score of 1.89 reflects robust, reliable emissions data, reinforcing the credibility of AHAM Capital’s climate disclosures. Operationally, AHAM Capital said it remains committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and a strong organisational culture, recognising that a diverse workforce enhances innovation, collaboration and decision-making.

operations, spanning responsible investment, people management, and digitalisation.” As an asset manager, she added their sustainability efforts extend beyond responsible investment. “We continue to invest in CSR programmes that uplift underserved communities through education, financial literacy, youth empowerment, and environmental support. Our long-term partnerships with organisations such as Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Dignity for Children Foundation, and The Lost Food Project reflect this commitment,” said Teo.

He added that the broader approach is reflected in the concept of Inclusive and Responsible Business and Investment (IRBI), developed by the OECD, which promotes good governance, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity while complementing existing ESG and corporate social responsibility frameworks. Gamuda recognised among world’s most sustainable companies Notably in 2025, AHAM Capital integrated ESG considerations across all in-scope equities and bonds, achieving 99% ESG rating coverage for the year. In climate reporting, AHAM Capital enhanced the transparency of its portfolio emissions disclosure, achieving 99.7% greenhouse gas Women represent 57% of our workforce, 38% of senior management, and 33% of the Board. Key CSR highlights from the report include 78,466 beneficiaries directly impacted through community initiatives;15,624 kg of waste rescued from landfill comprising food, textile and e-waste; and engaged over 34,000 users through digital financial literacy initiatives.

financing and ESG-driven business opportunities. The upgrade signals to institutional investors that Gamuda’s ESG risk management is strengthening in line with global benchmarks, supporting inclusion in ESG-screened investment mandates, more favourable terms for sustainability-linked financing, and a stronger competitive position in tenders where ESG credentials are increasingly an important pre qualification criterion. These independent recognitions reaffirm Gamuda’s view of sustainability as a fundamental part of how it creates lasting value through engineering, infrastructure and property development. As Gamuda continues to expand across its key regional markets, it remains committed to delivering projects that are resilient, responsibly governed and designed to benefit communities for generations, guided by the Gamuda Green Plan.

Grading Band under the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index. A 4-star rating is awarded to publicly listed companies that achieve a rank within the top 25% quartile, based on FTSE Russell’s independent environmental, social and governance assessment framework. The improvement was driven primarily by stronger performance in the Social and Governance pillars, further strengthening Gamuda’s ESG risk management and enhancing its competitiveness for sustainability-linked

quality and internationally recognised ESG benchmarks. Gamuda’s inclusion among the world’s leading sustainable companies underscores the strength of its sustainability practices and disclosures, while reaffirming its position as a trusted partner in delivering infrastructure and developments that support long-term economic and community outcomes. Meanwhile, Gamuda’s Bursa Malaysia FTSE4Good ESG Rating improved to 3.7, elevating the Group to the highest 4-star ESG

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