Public-listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia will soon have to use the Bursa Malaysia ESG Reporting Platform to comply with mandatory sustainability disclosures set by Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd.

Bursa Malaysia introduces mandatory ESG reporting platform for PLCs

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the World Bank Group (WBG) announced a collaboration to develop a financial risk assessment guide for Malaysian financial institutions and businesses to assess nature-related risks and impacts, and private capital mobilisation for nature-based solutions on Sunday (Dec 3).

BNM, World Bank announce financial risk assessment guide for Malaysian firms to assess nature-related risks and impacts

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): Despite 95% of Malaysian companies setting sustainability goals or targets, only half (49%) have put into practice a comprehensive sustainability strategy, as revealed by the 2023 Schneider Electric Sustainability Survey released on Tuesday (Nov 28).

Sustainability survey: 46% gap between companies’ sustainability aspirations and actions

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 27): Malaysian corporations need to improve their quantification of methane emissions and transparency in these disclosures, said several researchers during a policy brief launch and seminar on methane emissions last Friday (Nov 24).

Better monitoring and reporting of methane emissions needed

Since the concept of ESG (environmental, social and governance) took off a few years ago, companies have been responding to emerging — and still developing — regulatory requirements, as well as investor and client demands to integrate ESG considerations into their operations.

ESG 2023 - Special Issue : Walking The Talk

Jorge Rubio, global head of Citi Social Finance, is not a regular banker. He often has to switch out of his suit and tie to more comfortable attire so he can visit entrepreneurs providing innovative solutions that address pressing social issues around the world.

Banks: Committed to social financing

Neurodivergent young adults, like those with conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia, often face unique challenges when finding and staying in a job. These difficulties stem from societal biases, workplace environments and the individuals’ characteristics that might not be understood by the larger public.

Banks: Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace

In 2016, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) established an urban farm on the peripheral slopes of Menara Maybank in Kuala Lumpur where its employees could volunteer their time to tend to plants and vegetables.

Banks: Bankers who farm

Within certain circles in the corporate world, it is easy to think that everyone knows what environmental, social and governance (ESG) is and what corporations are expected to do with regard to sustainability. It has, after all, been the theme of many conferences and workshops held for corporates in recent years.

Overview: Does ESG have any impact?

When Smith & Nephew plc made its maiden foray into Malaysia in 2020, ensuring that the new manufacturing plant and the operations met the company’s goals of minimising its ecological footprint was non-negotiable.

Manufacturing: Starting from the top

Unlike the plastic room key cards that hotel guests usually receive upon arrival, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu’s bamboo ones are a good surprise for environmentally conscious travellers. This is just one of the upscale Sabah hotel’s many sustainable initiatives.

Hospitality: Going plastic-free for a greener tomorrow

Climate change stands as one of the most daunting challenges of this era. Financial institutions are pivotal in addressing climate change due to their immense influence and resources. Their investments, lending practices and risk assessments can either accelerate or decelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Finance: Engaging for change

Johan Rozali-Wathooth, founder and CEO of Bintang Capital Partners (Bintang), had a crude realisation about his legacy in his late 20s. He had clocked in almost a decade of work in the financial industry, implementing corporate restructuring strategies and making investments.

Finance: Building the B Corp movement in Asia

While it is difficult to assess whether Malaysian companies are “walking the talk”, many reports and surveys have been published, measuring how well public-listed companies are preparing their sustainability reports, a record of what the companies have measured, done and plan to do.

Infographic: How well are Malaysian companies doing on ESG?

PIVB thinks that Magni-Tech will see a stronger second half

MORNING CALL:7/12/23

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): RHB Retail Research said Wellcall Holdings Bhd is set to propel higher, surpassing the RM1.69 breakout level, on a strong trading volume – printing a new high.

In a trading stocks note today, the research house said that riding on the bullish momentum above the ris...

Wellcall set to propel higher, says RHB Retail Research 

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): RHB Retail Research said MCE Holdings Bhd is set for a strong uptrend, as it broke above the RM1.97 recent high, accompanied by high trading volume.

In a trading stocks note today, the research house said the latest “higher high” bullish pattern above the rising 21...

MCE Holdings set for a strong uptrend, says RHB Retail Research 

(Dec 7): President Joe Biden moved to forgive US$4.8 billion in student loans Wednesday, providing relief to more than 80,000 borrowers including public sector employees and Americans who have been repaying their federal debts for decades.

The move implements regulatory changes taken by...

Biden moves to forgive nearly US$5 billion in student loans

NEW YORK (Dec 7): A gauge of global equities rose on Wednesday following consecutive declines to start the week, while longer-dated U.S. Treasury yields fell after economic data kept afloat expectations the Federal Reserve has leeway to cut rates next year.

U.S. private payrolls rose by...

Stocks edge up, 10-year Treasury yield falls as rate cut timing weighed

LONDON (Dec 7): Resurgent Bournemouth climbed further away from the Premier League relegation zone with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace courtesy of goals by Marcos Senesi and Kieffer Moore on Wednesday.

Senesi headed in from a corner in the 25th minute and Bournemouth were r...

Bournemouth's resurgence continues with win at Palace

(Dec 7): U.S. stocks ended down on Wednesday, pulled lower by megacaps and energy shares as signs of a cooling jobs market reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could start cutting interest rates early next year.

The ADP National Employment report showed private payrolls incr...

Wall St ends lower as investors weigh fresh employment data

SHEFFIELD, England (Dec 7): Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk scored a first-half volley to put his side on course for a 2-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday, handing new Blades boss Chris Wilder a losing start on his return to the club.

The Liverpool captain volleyed...

Van Dijk volley sets up Liverpool for 2-0 win over Sheffield United

WASHINGTON (Dec 7): President Joe Biden pleaded with Republicans on Wednesday for a fresh infusion of military aid for Ukraine, warning that a victory for Russia over Ukraine would leave Moscow in position to attack NATO allies and could draw U.S. troops into a war.

Biden spoke as the U...

Do not let Putin win, Biden pleads with Republicans on Ukraine

Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made the news on Wednesday: Gamuda Bhd, Boustead Plantations Bhd, LB Aluminium Bhd, Comintel Corp Bhd, IOI Properties Group Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Hiap Teck Ventures Bhd, Heitech Padu Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, MyEG Services Bhd, UMW Group.

Gamuda, Boustead Plantations, Comintel, IOI Prop, Tropicana, MPI, Hiap Teck, Heitech Padu, Sime Darby, MyEG, UMW Holdings 

Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made the news on Wednesday: Gamuda Bhd, Boustead Plantations Bhd, LB Aluminium Bhd, Comintel Corp Bhd, IOI Properties Group Bhd, Malaysian Pacific Industries Bhd, Hiap Teck Ventures Bhd, Heitech Padu Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, MyEG Services Bhd, UMW Group.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Agrochemical businessman Datuk Eddie Ong Choo Meng has emerged as a substantial shareholder in Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar REIT), after acquiring a 28.462% stake, or 143.9 million shares, in the company.

Eddie Ong buys into Hektar REIT, says no plan to merge with KIP REIT for now

(Dec 6):&nbsp;Thailand is on course to meet its target for 28 million foreign tourist arrivals this year, as a surge in visitors from neighbouring Malaysia helps counter a slow recovery in the Chinese market, the biggest source of inbound travellers to Thailand, pre-Covid.

Malaysians top list of tourists flocking to Thailand as Chinese miss target

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EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (BHIC) has proposed to undertake a partial debt settlement with three banks totalling RM183.26 million and the full settlement of its RM234 million debt with Boustead Holdings Bhd (BHB), before Dec 31.

Boustead Heavy Industries announces RM417m debt settlement plan with three lenders, Boustead Holdings

SEREMBAN (Dec 6): The Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) Industrial Park, which is in the planning permission approval stage for development on&nbsp;307.6&nbsp;hectares (ha) in Parcel B, Labu, has the potential to&nbsp;achieve&nbsp;a gross development value (GDV) of up to RM2.8 billion.

MVV Industrial Park project in Negeri Sembilan poised to achieve RM2.8 bil GDV

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 6):&nbsp;Malaysian police said&nbsp;on Wednesday that they have arrested&nbsp;a 36-year-old man&nbsp;and were conducting a&nbsp;sedition&nbsp;investigation over&nbsp;statements he made, suggesting the country should establish diplomatic relations with&nbsp;Israel.

Malaysian police arrests man over statements backing diplomatic ties with Israel

PUTRAJAYA (Dec 6): Checks have shown that the&nbsp;video of an individual proposing the establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Israel was&nbsp;a December&nbsp;2021 clip which has been circulated again,&nbsp;said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi: Video of individual proposing Malaysia-Israel ties old clip

US private payrolls increased less than expected in November as the labour market gradually cools.

US private payrolls miss expectations in November 

SINGAPORE (Dec 6): Oiltek International has won new contracts worth RM52.5 million from Colombia and Malaysia, bringing its total order book to RM390.6 million.

Oiltek wins RM52.5 mil worth of new contracts from Malaysia and Columbia

NEW YORK (Dec 7): A gauge of global equities rose on Wednesday following consecutive declines to start the week, while longer-dated U.S. Treasury yields fell after economic data kept afloat expectations the Federal Reserve has leeway to cut rates next year.

U.S. private payrolls rose by...

Power supply to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (BSI CIQ) Complex and Johor Bahru Sentral, was fully restored at 9.13am.

Power supply to Johor Causeway checkpoint, JB Sentral fully restored this morning — TNB

Sapura Industrial Bhd's net profit fell 25.68% to RM1.89 million in the third quarter ending Oct 31, 2023 (3QFY2024), compared to RM2.55 million a year ago, mainly due to the provision for deferred tax liabilities.

Sapura Industrial's net profit falls 26% on deferred tax provision

The Italian government has told China it plans to exit the massive Belt and Road Initiative investment programme which Rome signed up to in 2019, according to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Italy tells China it will exit Belt and Road investment pact

(Dec 7): U.S. stocks ended down on Wednesday, pulled lower by megacaps and energy shares as signs of a cooling jobs market reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could start cutting interest rates early next year.

The ADP National Employment report showed private payrolls incr...

Wall Street's main indexes gained on Wednesday as investors turned more optimistic about rate cuts from the Federal Reserve early next year, after data showed further signs of a cooling jobs market.

Wall Street rises as soft employment data supports rate cut bets

McDonald's is planning to open about 10,000 restaurants globally by 2027 and more than double revenue from its loyalty programme, the company said on Wednesday, as it invests heavily to automate processes and speed up service at its stores.

McDonald's plans to add about 10,000 new stores by 2027, double loyalty programme sales

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 6): The second reading of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill&nbsp; 2023 and the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill 2023&nbsp;in Dewan Negara&nbsp;has been postponed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC).

Energy efficiency, electricity supply bills’ second reading postponed

Alphabet on Wednesday introduced its most advanced artificial intelligence model, a technology capable of crunching different forms of information such as video, audio and text.

Alphabet unveils long-awaited Gemini AI model

(Dec 6):&nbsp;The European Union is facing the prospect of a coffee shortage in 2025, as the market grapples with a lack of clarity around the implementation of deforestation regulations, according to the International Coffee Organization.

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