This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 28, 2024 - November 3, 2024

For Media Chinese International Ltd (KL:MEDIAC), employee engagement, technical upgrades and resource optimisation are key to achieving sustainable operations. Thanks to this commitment, the company clinched the gold award at The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards 2024 in the telecommunications and media category.

“One of our proudest ESG achievements in the past year was reducing energy and water usage, achieving a 10% reduction in water consumption and intensity, and a 4% reduction in energy usage, which helped lower greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions,” says the company’s executive director and group CEO Francis Tiong Kiew Chiong.

According to its 2023/2024 annual report, the company aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach this target, its GHG reduction strategy primarily focuses on implementing energy-saving initiatives and raising employee awareness of saving energy in their daily work routines.

Although improvements were seen in certain areas, Tiong highlights challenges in waste management.

“Our most significant challenge was a 21% increase in hazardous waste generation, primarily due to the closure of two waste treatment plants, forcing us to use external waste collectors for non-halogenated organic solvent waste,” says Tiong.

“While this shift posed logistical and regulatory difficulties, we remained compliant with hazardous waste regulations and are actively exploring long-term solutions, such as reopening waste treatment facilities and implementing waste reduction strategies.”

This is done by storing hazardous waste separately in designated holding areas until it is collected and recycled by licensed waste collectors, in compliance with regulations in Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Non-hazardous waste is sold to recycling companies. The company strives to minimise general office waste by seeking ways to reuse electronic and office equipment through repair and refurbishment.

Media Chinese aspires to set itself apart through ethical business practices, says Tiong, by focusing on accurate reporting, unbiased content and responsible advertising. The company also wants to use its platform to promote social good, education and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Media Chinese wants to build strong relationships with the community through various engagement activities.

To improve ESG adoption in Malaysia, Tiong believes it is important to have a multipronged approach through government efforts and consumer-driven change.

“All stakeholders must take an active role. Government regulations and incentives are vital in promoting sustainable business practices, including clearer guidelines and financial incentives. Consumers can drive change by demanding sustainable products, while investors should prioritise ESG factors in their investment decisions, encouraging businesses to focus on sustainability,” he says.

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