ESG Club and ESG Hub established at Curtin Malaysia to foster sustainable practices

Miri – 17 May 2023 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has announced the establishment of the Curtin ESG Club (CESG), a student-run academic club aimed at promoting sustainable practices among students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. The Club will serve as a catalyst for innovation and will work towards creating a sustainable future by promoting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.

The formation of the CESG was marked with the holding of its first general meeting at Kafé Kenyalang, Curtin Malaysia’s new café, which was well attended by its first members,  and senior management staff including Dean of Learning and Teaching Prof. Tang Fu Ee representing Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Prof. Simon Leunig, and Director of School of Pre-U and Continuing Education Associate Prof. Fidella Tiew.

Also present were ESG Malaysia council member Ts. Bryan Paul; Director of Barakah Reliability Sdn. Bhd., operator of Kafé Kenyalang, Andrew Lau; and representatives of the Curtin Malaysia Student Council.

In conjunction with the establishment of the CESG, Kafé Kenyalang was declared Curtin Malaysia’s ESG Hub due to its popularity with students, staff and visitors; its suitability for meetings and events; and the operator’s demonstrated support of ESG principles through sustainability practices in its daily operations.

In his speech during the meeting, CESG advisor Dr. Yong Leong Kong acknowledged Barakah Reliability’s support towards the ESG initiatives at Curtin Malaysia, the catering company’s waste and energy management practices, as well as its initiatives to minimise the use of single-use plastic and other non-sustainable materials, at the café.

Dr. Yong also thanked ESG Malaysia, a national body committed to supporting the ESG transformation in Malaysia, for its support towards the CESG and the University.

He said the creation of the CESG and the ESG Hub is a significant milestone in Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to creating a sustainable future. The ESG Hub will serve as a knowledge and meeting centre for the CESG and the ESG community in Miri, whilst the club will serve as a platform for co-curricular activities such as workshops, seminars, and guest lectures to engage and educate the community on sustainability issues.

The CESG will also ensure that sustainability is integrated into the University’s curriculum and operations. Collaborations with corporates, and both governmental and non-governmental organisations, will enable ESG practices to be aligned with industry best practices and government regulations.

In congratulating the CESG on its formation, Prof. Tang said, “We are proud to establish the CESG and ESG Hub at our University. Our focus is to develop responsible global citizens who are aware of their impact on the planet and society. The club and hub will provide a platform for our students, staff, and faculty to learn, research, and implement sustainable practices.”

He said the CESG will also work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will focus on specific SDGs, including zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life below water.

“The establishment of the CESG and ESG Hub reflects a growing need for organisations to embrace sustainability in their operations. Curtin Malaysia is taking an important step towards creating a more sustainable future by providing a platform to educate, promote and research sustainable practices,” Prof. Tang added.

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

Group photo of CESG members and guests following the launch of the club

First general meeting in session at Kenyalang Kafe, Curtin Malaysia’s ESG Hub.