01 Jul Malaysian Businesses Rush to Master ESG Implementation as Regulatory Pressures Mount
Malaysian Businesses Rush to Master ESG Implementation as Regulatory Pressures Mount
Fuller Academy launches intensive 2-day masterclass to help Malaysian executives turn sustainability compliance into competitive advantage
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1, 2025 – With Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) now in effect as of January 1, 2025, requiring the largest 130 public-listed companies to begin comprehensive sustainability disclosures, Malaysian businesses are urgently building internal ESG capabilities that go beyond mere compliance. Fuller Academy is responding to this critical market need with an intensive ESG implementation masterclass designed specifically for Malaysian executives and senior managers.
The “ESG for Business: Turning Principles into Action” workshop, scheduled for July 22-23, 2025 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, addresses a critical skills gap that has emerged as companies struggle to translate global ESG frameworks into practical business strategies.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how Malaysian businesses approach sustainability,” said Bernadine Francis, MSc Sustainability Science and lead trainer for the program. “The question is no longer ‘Do we need ESG?’ but rather ‘How do we implement it effectively without disrupting core operations?’ This workshop provides the strategic roadmap executives need.”
Addressing Malaysia's ESG Skills Gap
There has been a dramatic surge in ESG awareness among Malaysian businesses recently, with awareness among SMEs increasing sixfold from 14% to 80% over the past two years. However, while general ESG adoption has grown from 28% to 60% during this period, significant implementation gaps remain, particularly in translating ESG frameworks into practical business strategies. The skills gap is particularly acute in middle management, where day-to-day operational decisions determine ESG success or failure.
The Fuller Academy masterclass directly addresses this challenge through eight focused modules that take participants from ESG fundamentals to advanced implementation strategies. This demand aligns with Malaysia’s ambitious target of creating 200,000 green jobs by 2030, as outlined in the government’s Green Jobs Portal initiative, backed by RM230 billion in sustainability-related development funding. Unlike theoretical seminars, the program emphasizes hands-on tools, stakeholder engagement techniques, and communication strategies that executives can implement immediately.
“The training taught me how to kickstart ESG initiatives and set goals in my company,” said a previous participant from the manufacturing sector. “The small group activities deepened my understanding of materiality assessment and goal setting.”
Growing Market Drives Urgent Skills Development
The Malaysia ESG Performance Management Solutions market, valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2033, reflecting the massive transformation underway in Malaysian business practices. With Other Main Market companies required to comply with NSRF by 2026, and ACE Market companies by 2027, the window for building internal ESG capabilities is rapidly closing.
The program’s unique value lies in its practical focus on turning ESG principles into measurable business outcomes. Participants learn to:
- Develop SMART sustainability goals aligned with business priorities
- Assess ESG risks and opportunities using proven frameworks
- Build stakeholder engagement strategies that drive buy-in
- Create transparent communication that builds trust and credibility
Navigate emerging regulatory requirements and global trends
Government Support Boosts Accessibility
The program qualifies for HRD Corp funding levy, making it accessible to Malaysian companies seeking to upskill their workforce in critical future-ready competencies. This government backing reflects the strategic importance of ESG capabilities in Malaysia’s economic development agenda.
The workshop is targeted at C-suite executives, sustainability officers, compliance professionals, and senior managers responsible for strategy implementation across all sectors of the Malaysian economy.
Expert-Led with Local Context
Led by Bernadine Francis, Knowledge Management & Innovation Lead at Fuller Impact, the program combines international ESG expertise with deep understanding of the Malaysian business environment. Francis brings extensive experience in developing tailored ESG strategies for regional businesses, ensuring content relevance for local market conditions.
The intensive format includes case studies from Malaysian and regional companies, providing participants with relatable examples of successful ESG implementation in familiar business contexts.
Registration and Details
The ESG for Business masterclass runs July 22-23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. Registration is RM 2,500 per participant, with group discounts available for multiple attendees from the same organization.
Companies interested in securing places can register through thefulleracademy.com/MasterESG or contact Fuller Academy directly at +6011 5638 7278.
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