EUROPA AWARDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY 2019 IS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY
The EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUMCCI) has announced its annual Europa Awards for Sustainability 2019.
Now in its third iteration, the Awards has set a standard for recognising excellence in sustainability with categories including Best Sustainability Reporting, Best Innovation in Sustainability, Best Social Impact, Best Environmental Impact and Best Sustainability Leader (awarded to an individual).
Climate change is a global concern of extra significance to ASEAN as an Asian Development Bank’s report suggested that it can cost the region 11 percent of its gross domestic product.
The private sector is a critical force in finding solutions to this growing concern and Malaysia has taken a leadership position, with 97 percent of its top 100 companies reporting their sustainability performance, as compared to the 72 percent average.
It was also reflected in the overwhelming responses the Awards received from previous years with over 140 nominations from 95 local and international businesses in 2018.
Roberto Benetello, Chief Executive Officer of EUMCCI said “This shows that the Awards programme has made a substantial mark in promoting sustainability. The secret of our success is educating businesses on sustainability by sharing best practices and real-life success stories”.
Benetello said: “Investors are increasingly pushing corporations to integrate sustainability into their core business strategy and it is crucial for companies in Malaysia to be at par with similar sectors in other economies”.
The Europa Awards has received the special patronage of EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Malaysia, H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez.
"EUMCCI’s efforts in addressing key sustainability issues have been instrumental in pushing for more corporate responsibilities through various sectors. It is heartening to witness more and more organisations in Malaysia, including small and medium-sized enterprises, share a common goal in managing sustainability and working together towards achieving United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals,” she said.
In view of its efforts in promoting the SDGs to the business community, EUMCCI has been recognised by the United Nations (UN) Malaysia as “Good Practice Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Award Provider”. The two parties also collaborate on a roundtable session named "Private Sector in Driving the SDGs".
Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam said, “It is encouraging that companies in Malaysia are at the forefront in sustainability reporting and we hope the number beyond the top 100 list will increase every year to 2030.
“Sustainability, leaving no one behind and good governance are key principles of the SDGs. Companies that align themselves to the SDGs are creating long-term business value and can measure their impact against SDG targets and indicators. The SDGs will not be achieved at the national or global levels without private sector playing their part.”
In order to execute the awards with credibility and to assure an independent and transparent award process, Deloitte is appointed as the technical partner to evaluate all nominations. Apart from Deloitte, the Awards is also supported by WWF Malaysia, Matrade, SME Corp, EU bilateral chambers, International SOS and Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.
The deadline to enter the Europa Awards is November 13. Each company can submit for a maximum of two award categories. For more information, visit www.europawardsmalaysia.eu.
Winners of the awards will be announced at the Europa Awards for Sustainability 2019 Gala Dinner, which will take place at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur on November 28.
Reflecting the prestige of the awards, previous winners include Infineon Technologies, KPJ Healthcare, Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, United Plantations Berhad, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
