This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on November 27, 2023 - December 3, 2023

At George Kent, we understand that ESG is not a mere checkbox but a fundamental part of our business ethos.” - Ooi

George Kent (Malaysia) Bhd has won gold at The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards 2023 in the construction sector category, thanks to the integration of ESG principles into its corporate strategy. The focus, says its executive director Bernie C K Ooi, is on environmental stewardship, social responsibility and sound governance.

“At George Kent, we understand that ESG is not a mere checkbox [exercise] but a fundamental part of our business ethos. We consistently invest in cutting-edge technology and research to develop sustainable solutions and promote initiatives that reduce environmental impact. Our environmental responsibility extends to minimising resource consumption, reducing waste and promoting energy efficiency in our operations,” he says.

“We maintain high standards of corporate governance, ensuring that ethical conduct is at the core of our decision-making processes. We actively engage with our stakeholders, including local communities, distributors, suppliers and customers to collaborate on solutions for mutual growth and value enhancement.”

The company has also cultivated a diverse and inclusive workplace that values differences to foster creativity, drive innovation and contribute to employee wellness and satisfaction, says Ooi.

The fact that the company was awarded the Best Employer Award 2022 by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for the Klang Valley region is a recognition of its unwavering commitment to employee engagement and well-being.

“We have collaborated closely with EPF to enhance income protection and welfare facilities for our employees, further strengthening their financial security,” he says.

Ooi acknowledged that maintaining its ESG performance over the past year was challenging in the face of navigating the uncertainties and disruptions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges in terms of health and safety, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties. To overcome these challenges, we implemented a multi-faceted approach, prioritising the health and safety of our employees and partners, instituting strict safety protocols and [making] remote working arrangements,” he says.

“We also intensified our efforts to support our local communities in their time of need through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. In terms of environmental performance, we ensured the continued implementation of sustainability measures, even in the face of constraints.”

For the coming year, Ooi hopes for more proactive engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders to facilitate the easier adoption of ESG practices.

The development of clear ESG regulations and incentives, including tax benefits, grants and policies that encourage businesses to invest in sustainability and report on their ESG efforts is welcomed.

“Regulatory clarity can provide a roadmap for companies to align with Malaysia’s national ESG goals. The development and accessibility of ESG data and tools that can assist businesses in measuring and improving their ESG performance is key for an easier adoption of ESG. Open access to reliable ESG metrics and reporting frameworks can simplify the process for companies,” says Ooi.

Increased collaboration within industries to set common ESG standards and benchmarks is also a step in the right direction, he says, adding that a culture of open dialogue among businesses, government agencies, investors and civil society is essential.

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