The Global ESG Monitor (GEM), a research initiative that examines ESG transparency in non-financial reporting of the largest companies in the world, revealed that Malaysian companies used internationally recognised frameworks, standards, and strategic tools in their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting but lacked the appropriate content and level of detail needed for optimal transparency, thus ranking in the midfield amongst global and regional peers.
The GEM 2022 analysed the transparency of non-financial ESG data of 625 ESG reports from 350 companies listed on 10 of the world’s largest stock market indices on four (4) continents. The ranking is based on the degree of transparency in reporting on ESG strategy, materiality, and disclosure of indicators and not their overall performance on such metrics. The GEM Malaysia Regional Report 2022 marks the first time Malaysia was included in the benchmarking report, assessing the 30 companies listed on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBMKLCI).
“Malaysia’s FBMKLCI inclusion in GEM 2022 reflects the country’s commitment to transparency and sustainable business practices. With an average score of 54 out of 100 points, the Malaysian index ranks joint fifth place alongside the Dow Jones among the ten indices surveyed. This positions the FBMKLCI ahead of the S&P 50 USA (53 points), ASX 50 (53 points), WIG 20 (51 points), and BET 20 (41 points). Above FBMKLCI rank S&P Asia (56 points), Hang Seng (57 points), EUROSTOXX (66 points) and DAX (68 points),” said Michael Diegelmann, Co-founder of the GEM.
“The FBMKLCI’s ranking showcases progress in sustainability, but also highlights the need for deeper, more detailed ESG reporting in Malaysia,” he added.
The Report’s findings were revealed today at a thought leadership event, ‘Sustainability Perspectives’, hosted by Perspective Strategies, the Malaysian Regional Partner of the Global ESG Monitor. The discussion highlighted areas where the index is already performing well, identified opportunities for improvement, discussed ESG transparency issues in Malaysia, and showcased best practices in ESG reporting.
The transparency scores of the top 10 FBMKLCI companies based on the Global ESG Monitor are:
Rank Company GEM ASSAYTMSCORE 1 PRESS METAL ALUMINIUM HOLDINGS BERHAD 72 TENAGA NASIONAL BHD 72 3 PETRONAS CHEMICALS GROUP BHD 71 4 RHB BANK BERHAD 66 5 DIGI.COM BHD 65 6 SIME DARBY PLANTATION BERHAD 63 7 AXIATA GROUP BERHAD 59 CIMB GROUP HOLDINGS BERHAD 59 PETRONAS DAGANGAN BHD 59 PPB GROUP BHD 59
Other key findings of the Global ESG Monitor Malaysia Regional Report include:
Ariane Hofstetter, the GEM’s Co-Founder and Head of Research added, “While Malaysian companies excel in adhering to international frameworks, it’s crucial they provide more comprehensive information on environmental, social, and governance aspects to truly embrace sustainability.”
“We must realise that the transparency of our ESG reporting is critical to inform and engage stakeholders. After all, sustainability reporting has been mandatory for all Malaysian public-listed companies since 2016. Whilst there are still many hurdles for Malaysian companies to overcome when it comes to transparency, overall, this is good news for investors and other stakeholders as we are moving towards the right direction,” concluded Andy See, Managing Director of Perspective Strategies.
