Outstanding Malaysian corporations that have excelled tremendously in the corporate sustainability and social responsibility arena in boosting the socio-economic and environmental transformation of Malaysia were honoured at the recent Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards 2022 luncheon event.

The recipients of these awards have been selected by a panel of high-calibre judges representing corporate and social bodies. The annual event afforded the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of inspiring Malaysian companies for their sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts in creating a better Malaysia, especially through their heart-warming initiatives in the challenging fight against Covid-19 in this nation.

50 Malaysian listed, private companies, GLCs, and governmental organisations together with corporate foundations were honoured, recognized and awarded for rising up to reach out to needy communities and to engage in sustainability endeavours for the betterment of all Malaysians.

The award recipients received their recognitions from the Guest of Honour, Datuk Ramlan Harun, the Rural Development Ministry secretary-general; representing Datuk Seri Mahdzir Bin Khalid, Minister of Rural Development. The theme of the event, ‘Embracing Sustainability – Supporting Rural Community Development’ was chosen as it reflected the efforts of the companies that have extended substantial help to the rural communities in Malaysia.

Among the recipients of the awards were:

Bank Rakyat

Top Glove

Mah Sing

Hong Leong Bank

Sunway

Astro Malaysia

Mc Donald’s

Prudential

Hektar REIT

OSK

Mah Sing

Celcom Axiata

Kuala Lumpur Kepong

KPMG

Kenanga Investment Bank

7-Eleven

DRB Hicom

Coway Malaysia

KPS Berhad

Bank Islam

Malaysia Airport Berhad

KPJ Healthcare

Touch ‘N Go

Alam Flora

Capitaland

Guan Chong Berhad

Sun Life Malaysia

Etiqa Insurance & Takaful

Flex Penang & Flex Johor

Daikin Malaysia

Few companies received the overall excellence award for their effort in championing sustainability and CSR initiatives and among them are Bank Rakyat, Top Glove Corporation, Coway Malaysia, Kumpulan Perangsang and KPJ Healthcare. At the event, Datuk Zainalabidin, the legendary singer known for his song, Hijau, was given the Special Award for outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and education.

The judging Criteria for the Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards included clear purpose and goals of the company for the CSR initiative, the impact created or the significance of the CSR initiative, frequency of CSR events held, the total amount of contributions given, transparency in reporting CSR initiatives, creative implementation of the CSR activities, the strength of the CSR team and sincerity and the effectiveness of each initiative.

Datuk Seri Mahdzir Bin Khalid, Minister of Rural Development, expressed hope that the event would create a greater awareness of the needs of the rural and needy communities and will synergise all efforts related to community development transformation and sustainability. “The ministry is looking forward to hearing new ideas and supporting more initiatives from various industries to make Malaysia a great country,” said the minister.

The Managing Editor and Co-Chairman of CSR Malaysia, Lee Seng Chee said that the award recipient companies, 50 of them have contributed 1,194 million ringgit (which is almost 1.2 billion) in cash and in-kind to improve the quality of life for the needy, the underprivileged and charitable causes, especially during this recovery period.

“A recent study by CSR Malaysia and Sustainability Malaysia revealed that companies that embrace sustainability have a clear vision on ensuring their companies’ longevity and they develop strategies to that effect,” said Datuk R. Rajendran, Chairman of CSR Malaysia, who was present at the event. “More often than not, the focus on recognition for CSR and sustainability excellence has not been sufficient. It must be remembered that private sector companies are the driving force of the nation’s economy and they are well placed to carry out meaningful and significant CSR and sustainability activities.”

Also present at the event was Tan Sri Faizah Tahir, the Patron of CSR Malaysia.

The event was organized by ‘CSR Malaysia’, an initiative of Pertubuhan Amal Tanggungjawab Kemapanan Dan Korporat Malaysia.

Donation cheques close to RM25 million were also presented to charitable causes by the companies at the event.

Corporate Malaysia’s aspirations go beyond mere profits or building world-class buildings or infrastructures. These caring organizations promote sustainable economies by helping marginalized communities and making environmental efforts to preserve our heritage for future generations. “Sustainability is much more than just a buzzword for the businesses of today. Sustainable economic growth promotes jobs and stronger economies while countering the effects of climate change, pollution and other environment factors,” said Lee, the Co-Chairman of CSR Malaysia.

The event which was attended by some 400 corporate personalities not only celebrated the sustainability and CSR achievements of these outstanding corporations but also served as a source of inspiration for other corporations to emulate them.