Curtin Malaysia guest lecture explores ESG, SDGs, and the future of sustainable start-ups

Miri, Sarawak – 17 October 2025 – How can start-ups drive profit and positive change? That was the central question posed during a recent guest lecture hosted by the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), where students explored the powerful intersection of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, and entrepreneurship.

The hybrid session, held in the Engineering Studio 2 at the campus and online, featured a thought-provoking talk by Ahmad Azrai, Chief Quality Officer and Business Development Lead at Toclan Agrotech, a Sarawak-based agritech company championing sustainable innovation.

Drawing on real-world experience, Azrai challenged the students to view ESG and SDGs not as corporate buzzwords, but as core strategies for building future-proof businesses.

“For young entrepreneurs, understanding SDG and ESG is no longer optional – it is essential,” said Azrai. “These principles lay the foundation for resilient, responsible ventures that can thrive in today’s global economy.”

He also touched on the rising influence of the gig economy, green economy, and social entrepreneurship, highlighting that start-ups today are uniquely positioned to be both agile and impactful.

Farahezza Hairon Nizar, lecturer and event coordinator, said the session reflected Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to embedding real-world relevance in its academic approach.

“Entrepreneurship is no longer just about ideas. It is about adaptability, responsibility, and long-term impact. Sessions like this help our students connect theory with practice across business, science, or engineering,” she said.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the session as both inspiring and practical.

 Daniel Lado Swaka Sule, a student participant, said: “It was an eye-opener. ESG and SDG are not just academic concepts; they are practical tools to solve real challenges.”

Another student, Anastasia Ongkok added, “It showed me that profitability and purpose can go hand-in-hand. That mindset is valuable in any career.”

The event is one of many initiatives by Curtin Malaysia to equip its students with the skills, values, and global perspective needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.