UTAR contributes to
MAPAN ESG Industry and Academic Summit 2026

UTAR demonstrated its commitment to advancing sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices through its active participation as a co-organiser of the MAPAN ESG Industry and Academic Summit 2026, held on 28 and 29 July 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

The summit served as a platform to strengthen collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers, and ESG practitioners in support of Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF).

The summit was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, who highlighted that ESG should become a national culture rather than merely a corporate reporting requirement.

He emphasised that sustainability is a strategic driver of economic resilience and national competitiveness, stating, “ESG should not be seen merely as a compliance burden or a requirement to satisfy investors. It is a development framework that strengthens national competitiveness, builds business resilience, and ensures today’s progress does not come at the expense of future generations.”

As a co-organiser, UTAR played an active role in supporting the summit through the participation of its academic staff from the Centre for Accounting, Banking and Finance (CABF), Centre for Entrepreneurial Sustainability, Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM), and Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES).

Representing UTAR were Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon, Assoc Prof Dr Sia Bik Kai, Assoc Prof Dr Low Mei Peng, Dr Maryam Kalhoro, and Dr Foo Chuan Chew, who contributed as moderators, panellists, presenters, and members of the organising team. Their participation highlighted UTAR’s commitment to advancing ESG research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with industry and government in driving sustainable development.

Through its strong academic participation and collaboration with industry and government stakeholders, UTAR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development, fostering impactful ESG research, and supporting Malaysia’s transition towards a resilient, low-carbon future.

This involvement also reflects UTAR’s continued dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while contributing to SDGs 11, 13, and 17 through education, innovation, and strategic partnerships.