Deputy minister says Malaysia must use digitalisation to enhance ESG data transparency and strengthen governance to boost investor confidence.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must leverage digitalisation to enhance data transparency in environmental, social and governance reporting.
Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the country must also strengthen governance mechanisms to boost investor confidence.
He added that Malaysia needs to invest in human capital for a workforce ready for tomorrow’s energy technologies.
Akmal Nasrullah stated that the ESG transition is not merely an environmental agenda but an economic redefinition determining Malaysia’s competitive global position.
“For Malaysia, the next big step lies in aligning national transformation with global opportunity,” he said.
He emphasised that this will require continued collaboration among policymakers, regulators, financiers, and industry players.
Akmal Nasrullah delivered these remarks in his keynote speech titled “Malaysia’s Next Big Step?” at the ESG and Sustainability Conference 2025.
He explained that Malaysia’s next major step must be grounded in understanding the “energy trilemma” guiding principle.
This trilemma defines the balancing act between three equally critical priorities of energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
He opined that achieving this balance is the essence of Malaysia’s energy transition strategy.
“This equilibrium will determine the credibility and durability of the country’s next big step forward,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah highlighted the government’s National Energy Transition Roadmap charting a decisive course.
The roadmap targets achieving 70% renewable energy in Malaysia’s installed capacity by 2050.
He described this as not merely a numeric goal but a transformation blueprint harmonising three guiding principles.
CGS International Singapore group head of sustainability Kevin Lee said the conference explored five crucial areas.
These areas include green energy and nuclear opportunities, carbon tax, equality, cybersecurity, and water.
Lee noted that Malaysia is considering nuclear power as part of its clean energy transition.
“Together, we can help Malaysia and the ASEAN region transition towards a cleaner energy mix,” he said.
He added that this collaboration can provide more equitable workspaces and safeguard digital and natural ecosystems.
The ESG and Sustainability Conference 2025 was hosted by CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
It gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss accelerating Malaysia’s net-zero transition.
The event also saw the official launch of the Thematic Report on Nuclear for Malaysia’s Energy Transition.
This report was jointly developed by CGS International Securities Pte Ltd and UK-based investment bank Panmure Liberum.
In a separate statement, CGS International said the thematic report examines nuclear energy’s potential role.
It specifically looks at nuclear’s place in Malaysia’s long-term energy transition, security, and climate strategy. – Bernama
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