USM PENANG, 30 April 2024 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) has partnered with Yayasan Tun Sardon to host a public lecture on the topic of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).

Titled ‘Sustainability Talks, ESG: The New Black in Industries and Businesses’, it is the latest in a long line of collaborations between USM and Yayasan Tun Sardon.

Board member of Yayasan Tun Sardon, Tahirudin Tun Haji Hamdan stated that the beginnings of today's public lecture can be traced back to more than 12 years ago, when the first event was conducted in this particular venue.

It became one of the activities which had suited the aims of Yayasan Tun Sardon, which is to address social rehabilitation in the community as a whole via intellectual conversation.

The distinguished guest speaker was Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, who has dedicated his life towards improving scientific understanding and supporting sustainable practices on a worldwide scale.

According to Zakri, sustainability is an appropriate subject since the world is facing significant problems in terms of material issues. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, water shortages, and other environmental issues are only a few examples. In addition, there are other issues too that must be addressed such as social justice, honesty and governance.

Difficulties from these issues are interrelated, affecting every part of our lives. By adopting these sustainability-related issues, also widely-referred to as ESG, we can reduce the negative effect of the aforementioned concerns and move toward a healthier and more liveable earth, he added.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed in his welcoming speech stated that as a university dedicated to excellence and innovation, USM is delighted to be at the forefront of sustainability research and education.

“I am eager for us to embark on today's discussions, which I trust will inspire and challenge us to integrate sustainable practices in all that we do.

“As we face environmental ethics and business innovation, it is our responsibility to integrate ESG principles into our strategies to ensure a more sustainable and equitable world,” he further said.

Also present were the Advisor of Advance Dispute Resolution Centre, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Hj. Mohd Yussof Latiff; Board Members of Yayasan Tun Sardon; USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran and USM CGSS Director, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei.

Text: Siti Fatimah Abu Mansor/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim