JCIM SDA BRINGS TOGETHER VARIOUS ENTITIES, CONTRIBUTES TO MALAYSIA ENVIRONMENTAL ECOSYSTEM 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The Junior Chamber International Malaysia (JCIM) Sustainable Development Awards (JCIM SDA) has brought together government entities, corporations, non-government organisations (NGOs), and community organisations that have made significant contributions to Malaysia’s environmental ecosystem, societal welfare, and governance since its inception eight years ago.

The JCIM SDA is an initiative that embodies the commitment to fostering impactful public-private partnerships and celebrating organisations dedicated to advancing sustainability and supporting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), JCIM said in a statement today.

Since its launch in 2017, JCIM SDA have been Malaysia's pioneering awards for excellence in sustainable development and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. 

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"This year, we recognise the top 30 finalists, along with the winners and the distinguished Best of the Best Awards, across both private sector, governments and NGO categories," JCIM said in a statement today.

During the JCIM SDA Gala Dinner held in Setia Alam, Selangor yesterday, Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar encouraged participants to share insights to shape the forthcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, which would guide the nation toward 2030.

Hanifah said that such efforts were aligned with Malaysia MADANI's holistic initiatives, and the whole-of-nation approach was crucial for realising the country’s sustainability agenda and underscored the urgency of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve its goals.

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"Growth alone is insufficient. Achieving true sustainability requires transformative structural reforms, which are at the heart of the MADANI economic framework and designed to enhance efficiency, boost competitiveness, and promote inclusivity. 

"JCIM plays a vital role in this vision by recognising businesses that lead through innovation, sustainability, and ethical governance," Hanifah said.

Meanwhile, Edison Choon, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Unit Head said MATRADE’s involvement illustrated the growing synergy between businesses and the government in tackling sustainability challenges with innovative solutions.

“The JCIM SDA programme aligns seamlessly with those objectives, aiding local businesses in identifying export opportunities in collaboration with MATRADE, Malaysia’s trade promotion agency, and we are dedicated to fostering purposeful partnerships that promote sustainability and ESG adoption, essential for economic growth," he said.

During the dinner, 17 awards based on the UNSDG were presented, including the No Poverty category, which was won by Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad’s ‘Financial Resilience For All Malaysians’ project, while the National Cancer Society, with its ‘Bringing Education and Understanding To You and Health (Beauty & Health)’ project, won the Good Health and Well-Being category. 

Pusat Bimbingan Alternatif Grace (Give Every Child a Life Chance project) and the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD)-NASA Sarawak (NASA Space Apps Sarawak 2023 project) shared the Quality Education category award.

The Decent Work and Economic Growth category was won by Kelab Kiwanis Muar, Johor (My Grandpa Cafe project) while the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure category was won by Selangor Human Resource Development Centre’s 'Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0-Developing a Sustainable Digital Transformation for Industries and Communities in Malaysia' project. 

Timuran Kembangan Sdn Bhd’s Responsible ReSourceLution: Innovating for a Green Tomorrow project and South Kuching City Council’s "iBuyBack", Mega Fortris Berhad’s "Recycle Material Usage Program in Manufacturing Process" and KIAN Group of Companies’ "Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation and Partnerships for a Better World” project all received awards in the Responsible Consumption and Production category.

JCI Johor Bahru Entrepreneur (Waste To Green 4.0) won the Climate Action category, while JCI Sunway Damansara (One Ocean One World Flagship Project @ Aboriginal (Orang Asli) Beach Cleaning Initiatives 1.0 & 2.0) won the Life Below Water category. 

Rhino Group Sdn Bhd (Rhino 300) won the Life On Land category, and Hextar Global Berhad (Buddy Not Bully) won the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions category, while Best of the Best Award was won by Kelab Kiwanis Muar, Johor and KIAN Group of Companies.

-- BERNAMA