
Image credit: MGTC
PETALING JAYA (June 30): The ESG Association Malaysia (ESGAM), in partnership with iForte, has launched ESGAMConnect, a sustainability compliance solution leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
ESGAMConnect will feature an AI-powered environmental, social and governance (ESG) assistant and serve as a platform for solution partners to integrate AI-driven sustainability tools.
These solutions will be made available for businesses to access and purchase through a digital marketplace.
The platform was created to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) comply with ESG requirements in order to compete in the global supply chain, especially for businesses involved in exports.
Some of the solutions available for environmental impact include energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, waste management and sustainable sourcing.
Businesses can access the assessment centre within the platform to understand their ESG readiness, performance benchmarks and reporting compliances and audits to stay aligned with ESG standards.
Additionally, the platform offers governance solutions that support transparency and accountability, board diversity, compliance and risk management, as well as stakeholder engagement.
The platform also has a financing and grants information segment for businesses, particularly SMEs, to access ESG-linked capital, incentives and green investment opportunities.
“SMEs do not have the resources that big corporations have access to, so who would they turn to for support in ESG? This is a major issue as 74% of Malaysian SMEs are not ESG ready … What needs to happen is there has to be a simplified pathway for the SMEs in terms of support and transparent options,” said Eric Chong, honorary advisor and strategic alliance chair of ESGAM during the platform’s launch.
ESGAMConnect currently has 25 solution providers in the launch of their first batch and is looking to connect with more in the pipeline.
ESGAM works with solution partners that have digital and AI tools that are able to benefit businesses and SMEs by improving ESG practices from being checkbox exercises. Chosen solution providers will have to undergo rigorous audits to ensure that the services are a fit for the platform, along with checks from CTOs and the vendor selection committee.
“AI can help you track and reduce your carbon footprint using smart energy and logistics management. AI can help monitor water, monitor waste usage with sensors and analytics. AI can also manage your human resources practices and workplace safety through predictive modelling. Such technology can produce automated ESG reports that are workable for banks, investors, and ultimately clients in days, if not months. The benefits of using such tools are real,” said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, who officiated the launch.
“[The features available on the ESGAMConnect platform] will certainly better equip users to understand and implement ESG principles effectively. I believe that such an initiative will help level the playing field with the right mindset and, of course, the right tools,” he added.
ESGAMConnect can be accessed by SMEs in any sector, but businesses that become ESGAM members will be able to enjoy discounted prices.
Solution providers are required to pay an annual listing fee of RM3,000 to be featured on ESGAMConnect, with a renewal fee of RM2,000. In addition, they must become members of the association, which carries an annual fee of RM3,000. As part of an ongoing campaign, ESGAM is offering a reduced fee of RM1,500 per year for the first 50 solution providers. The launch of ESGAMConnect marks the platform’s first phase. Enhancements planned for the second phase will be announced in the third or fourth quarter of the year, following feedback from users.
Source: https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/760790