The global repercussions of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, and Malaysia is no exception to this unsettling trend. The nation is grappling with amplified weather patterns, marked by more frequent and intense storms and a heightened risk of severe flooding. Concurrently, ecosystem degradation driven by illegal logging and habitat destruction has taken a toll on Malaysia's rich biodiversity, while the pervasive issue of plastic waste contaminates its waterways.

Additionally, nearly three billion people remain offline globally despite increased innovation and expanded connectivity. In Malaysia, there are gaps in digital access between wealthier, more connected groups and lower-income, often marginalised, communities.

Amidst these challenges, numerous companies, including tech giants in the country such as HP, have committed to improving environmental sustainability and digital equity through specific, measurable actions.

HP has set ambitious goals as it aspires to be the world's most Just and Sustainable tech company by 2030. From the establishment of a manufacturing plant in Perai, Penang, in 1972, the California-based tech giant has long had a committed presence in Malaysia. It has since spearheaded various local initiatives, uniting its workforce with the community, committed to creating the most sustainable portfolio of devices and services.

In Malaysia, HP has taken meaningful steps towards sustainability while also focusing on improving human rights and fostering digital equity within local communities. HP's recent release of its 22nd Annual Sustainable Impact Report highlights the ongoing efforts in these areas, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and digital equity.

Its collaboration with the Aspen Institute is chief among them, which helps nonprofits scale innovative approaches to meeting the needs of underserved communities affected by the digital divide. HP is powering the Digital Equity Accelerator with technology solutions for each participating organisation, progressing toward the HP commitment to advance digital equity for 150 million people worldwide by 2030.

Three NGOs were selected by HP and the Aspen Institute, Dignity For Children Foundation, which provides access, education, and support for students and teachers across Malaysia to bridge digital gaps in a changing world. Also, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, the first not-for-profit cancer organisation in Malaysia providing education, care and support services, aims to create an online database to enable early cancer detection. Finally, the Science of Life Studies 24/7 aims to develop new modules teaching digital skills, professional and personal development, English and life skills and run learning workshops in Orang Asli and urban poor communities.

Through the Digital Equity Accelerator, HP is providing access to state-of-the-art devices catered to each NGO's needs; curated resources include best practices and case studies, custom training programs for shortlisted participants on digital literacy and content creation, as well as a dedicated HP advisor who will offer guidance and expertise.

Additionally, through initiatives at the HP Malaysia Manufacturing plant, employees have collectively planted over 1,000 mangrove plants as part of its Wetland Restoration Program, improving HP’s net zero deforestation rate.

HP employees have also removed over 1,000 kg of trash and microplastics via its shoreline cleaning program – this, combined with HP using over 32,200 tonnes of post-consumer recycled plastic in their line of sustainably built portfolio, demonstrates its commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

HP's personal system and print devices are making strides in sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials. For instance, products like the HP OMEN 16 and HP Victus 16 have integrated ocean-bound plastics into their speaker enclosures. This sustainable approach isn't limited to these models alone; the ZBook Studio, ZBook Firefly, and HP Spectre x360 also follow suit, incorporating ocean-bound plastics into their speaker enclosures and utilising recycled aluminium. Furthermore, HP's commitment to environmental responsibility extends to its entire range of original ink and toner cartridges, all incorporating recycled materials.

In 2021, HP set aggressive Sustainable Impact goals in three areas where the company believes it can make the most difference – Climate Action, Human Rights and Digital Equity. The 2022 report details progress toward all three focus areas, including a net zero carbon value chain, giving back more to forests than we take, creating a more circular economy, building a culture of equality and empowerment, and accelerating digital equity around the world to enable traditionally excluded communities to thrive in a digital economy.

HP Inc. released its 2022 Sustainable Impact Report, marking the 22nd year of consecutive reporting on sustainable development progress in climate action, human rights, and digital equity, which you can find linked here: https://www.hp.com/my-en/sustainable-impact.html.

You can also find HP’s sustainably built portfolio here: https://www.hp.com/my-en/home.html.