People, Planet, Profit

On People, Planet, Profit this week, we examine the growing problem of climate anxiety, particularly among young Malaysians worried about the future they will inherit. We speak to Dr Ooi Wee Liam, Lecturer in Environmental Humanities and Social Science at Monash University Malaysia, about where rational concern becomes harmful anxiety, the limits of individual action, and whether businesses and governments must recognise the psychological consequences of climate change as part of the “S” in ESG.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haze has returned to parts of Malaysia, reviving a problem that has persisted for decades despite repeated promises of action. But the bigger concern may be how easily societies learn to tolerate recurring problems once they become familiar, from environmental pollution and weak corporate accountability to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. As AI increasingly makes decisions on our behalf, are we at risk of gradually accepting the erosion of human agency in much the same way we have learned to live with the haze?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainability and climate change reporting has become a mainstream element of doing business, but how prepared is our workforce to carry out these responsibilities? We discuss the skills and expertise required to ensure businesses are prepared for ESG monitoring with Reenie Koh of KPMG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were launched in 2015 as a master blueprint of shared ambition for the international community covering 17 broad themes. However global progress on the SDGs has fallen woefully short of targets with only 4 years left to the deadline. What needs to be done to build momentum for the SDGs beyond 2030? We discuss this with Guillaume LaFortune, Vice President and Head of Asia at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Read the Sustainable Development Report 2026 here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is blessed with abundant rainfall, but this could change amid shifting weather patterns induced by a warming climate. How prepared are businesses and households to deal with potential water scarcity? We explore rainwater harvesting as a preemptive strategy for water security with Dr. Chee Chung Yee, Technical Director, BACFREE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Social Enterprise Education Lab (SEED.Lab) was set up in 2020 by Petronas and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to build foundational skills for social entrepreneurship in Malaysia. We discuss the recipe for thriving social enterprises with Mahen Balakrishnan of SEED.Lab and a succesful graduate of the programme, Nadzrul Hanif Ahmad Nazer, co-founder of the social enterprise SEMART.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How prepared are boards to deal with the hotter, dryer weather from the Super El Nino this year? We discuss climate governance in corporate Malaysia and get a preview of the National Climate Governance Summit (NCGS) 2026 with Dr. Gary Theseira, Chair of the Council at Climate Governance Malaysia. For more information on NCGS 2026, visit cgmalaysia.com.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has issued a red alert in its 2026 Haze Outlook report, indicating a high risk of transboundary haze this year exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon. How prepared are ASEAN countries for the haze stress test? I discuss the findings of the report with Khor Yu Leng, Senior Fellow at the SIIA. Read the full report here.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is bracing for a period of dryer, hotter weather as the El Nino cycle kicks in, but this doesn’t negate the annual flood risks that the country faces. What can be done to improve the country’s flood mitigation and adaptation responses in the face of climate uncertainty? We discuss this with Dr. Hezri Adnan, Fellow with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Read more of his work at hezriadnan.com/blog.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is bracing for a super cycle of the El Nino climate phenomenon this year that will bring hotter, dryer weather to Southeast Asia. What are the implications of El Nino conditions for Malaysia’s water systems, and what can be done to mitigate the negative effects that could ensue? We discuss this with S. Piarapakaran, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia and CEO of the Centre for Water and Energy Sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do the sky-high prices of jet fuel strengthen the economic case for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has long been touted as one of the main keys to decarbonizing air travel? We discuss the state of play with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Principal Consultant at Frost and Sullivan.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How prepared are Malaysian businesses to take on the obligation of carbon emissions reporting and reduction? I’ll be getting insights from Prof. Dr. Dominic Foo of University of Nottingham Malaysia on what businesses can do to get started and also how useful Carbon Emissions Pinch Analysis is as a tool for decarbonisation.This episode of People, Planet, Profit is brought to you by Bacfree. Shaping tomorrow's water.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strait of Hormuz blockade and the ensuing supply shortages of fossil fuels have renewed interest in electric vehicles, especially in Southeast Asia. But is the EV agenda truly green and what structural economic changes are needed to reap the full benefits of decarbonisation through electrification? We discuss this with Akshay Prasad, Principal at the consultancy firm Arthur D. Little Southeast Asia.This episode of People, Planet, Profit is brought to you by Bacfree. Shaping tomorrow's water.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia aims to reach high income status by 2030, but the development pathway needs to take into account the mitigation and adaptation needs of climate change. We speak to Muthukumara S. Mani, Lead Environmental Economist with the World Bank about how Malaysia can balance these interests in the short and long term. Read the World Bank's Country Climate and Development Report for Malaysia here.This episode of People, Planet, Profit is brought to you by Bacfree. Shaping tomorrow's water.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In response to soaring petroleum diesel prices, Southeast Asian governments including Malaysia are looking to increase biofuel blends. We discuss the economics of biodiesel production and its link to energy security with economist Khor Yu Leng of Segi Enam Advisors.This episode of People, Planet, Profit is brought to you by Bacfree. Shaping tomorrow's water.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The oil supply disruptions resulting from blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has sent the cost of electricity soaring in Southeast Asia. Even Malaysia’s Energy Commission has warned that consumers should be prepared for higher electricity tariffs this year. How can businesses mitigate the impact of future higher costs? We discuss this with Darren Tan, CEO of EFS Group, a renewable energy and energy efficiency service provider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global energy crisis stemming from the escalation of conflict in the Middle East is exposing gaps in ASEAN energy supply chains and infrastructure. How might the crisis shape the future trajectory of energy development in the region, including renewable energy adoption? We discuss the trends with Trung Ghi, Partner at Arthur D. Little.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RHB recently issued the 11th edition of its ESG Diamonds in the Rough report, highlighting sustainable investment opportunities in key ASEAN markets. We discuss the ESG investing trends and top picks from the report with Alex Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology has been touted as an important decarbonisation strategy as part of national net zero emission plans. But what does it take for CCUS projects to be commercially viable? We discuss this with Chris Thackeray, CCUS Lead at the international consultancy Baringa.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 allocates RM28.6 million ringgit for nuclear energy, focusing on small modular reactors to provide a reliable and low-carbon complement to renewable sources. On today’s People, Planet, Profit, Elaine Boey speaks with Kevin Lee, CGS International’s Group Head of Sustainability, on the benefits, challenges, and potential of nuclear energy in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With RM3.8 billion set aside in Budget 2026 for flood-prevention and early-warning systems, Avtandil, APAC Regional Leader at PlanRadar, shares how these investments, paired with digital solutions and smart urban planning, can strengthen resilience against natural disasters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yap Mun Ching, Chief Sustainability Officer at AirAsia, shares how the airline is working to reduce its carbon emissions, why sustainable aviation fuel is not a straightforward solution, and the reasons behind its plan to introduce a passenger carbon fee in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How resilient is Malaysia's water supply and infrastructure amid growing climate change pressures? BIMB Securities explored this in a recent thematic paper, "The Price of Every Drop: Water Risk, Climate Resilience, and Industrial Sustainability in Malaysia." We discuss how water security and ESG imperatives intersect from Mohd Redza Abdul Rahman, Director of Research at BIMB Securities.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How resilient is Malaysia's water supply and infrastructure amid growing climate change pressures? BIMB Securities explored this in a recent thematic paper, "The Price of Every Drop: Water Risk, Climate Resilience, and Industrial Sustainability in Malaysia." We discuss how water security and ESG imperatives intersect from Mohd Redza Abdul Rahman, Director of Research at BIMB Securities.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years after the launch of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), questions remain over whether its benefits have truly reached smaller players in the clean energy sector. On today’s People Planet Profit, Elaine Boey speaks with Datuk Muhamad Guntor Mansor Tobeng, Managing Director at Gading Kencana, about the progress and gaps in its implementation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DXN Holdings’ Chief Operating Officer, Mahmood Hisham, tells us why the direct selling and network marketing company has chosen to prioritise human rights in its ESG journey. He also addresses questions surrounding DXN’s private jet purchase, explains how the company plans to reduce its Scope 1 emissions and respond to concerns raised by the Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 offered few details on the much-anticipated carbon tax. Dr. Renard Siew, Climate Change and Sustainability Expert, discusses possible models and pricing for the tax, as well as other initiatives aimed at steering the country toward its stated goals of net-zero emissions and 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 offered few details on the much-anticipated carbon tax. Dr. Renard Siew, Climate Change and Sustainability Expert, discusses possible models and pricing for the tax, as well as other initiatives aimed at steering the country toward its stated goals of net-zero emissions and 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early September, China made a landmark pledge to cut its climate emissions by up to 10% by 2030. Belinda Schape, China Policy Analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), tells us what this means for the country’s climate ambitions and how it could reshape its role in global climate leadership.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the global geopolitical shift on the climate change agenda impacting ASEAN’s renewable energy progress? We get insights from Kavita Gandhi of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore based on their latest survey findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In July this year, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark advisory opinion regarding the obligation of states with regard to climate change protection. What are the implications of this decision for policymaking? We breakdown the case with sustainable development lawyer Kiu Jia Yaw on People, Planet, Profit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How has ESG permeated the property industry? Keith Ooi, Group Managing Director of Knight Frank Malaysia, discusses the major ESG trends in real estate, the firm’s own initiatives, and its newly established ESG business advisory unit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prasarana Malaysia is advancing several ESG initiatives, from electrifying its bus fleet to creating more opportunities for the differently-abled and strengthening ESG compliance across its 5,000 vendors. Idzqandar Abu Bakar, Group Chief Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Sustainable Development Officer, shares the company’s goals and the challenges ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RHB’s annual “ESG Diamonds in the Rough” report spotlights 10 undervalued ASEAN companies that pair strong financial performance with solid ESG practices. Alexander Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB Research, explains how these companies are identified, how they have performed, and what sets them apart.Image Credit: Shutterstock.coSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is positioning itself as a leading data center hub with significant investments from global tech players. On today’s People Planet Profit, Wong Shou Ning speaks with Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of Energy and Utilities Practice at Arthur D. Little Southeast Asia, on how the nation can balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yayasan Hasanah, the impact foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, focuses on small initiatives that create big impacts in support of Malaysia’s sustainable development goals. Managing Director, Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki shares how their unconventional approach to philanthropy has led to diverse projects, including a sex education programme in Kelantan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Internal auditors are stepping up by embedding ESG risks into their audit frameworks, scrutinising sustainability claims, verifying emissions data, and ensuring companies have the necessary systems in place to comply with Bursa Malaysia’s mandatory Scope 3 reporting requirements by 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah is capitalising on its unique status as a net carbon sink—absorbing more carbon than it emits—through its groundbreaking Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025. Climate Change and Sustainability expert Dr Renard Siew breaks down what this landmark law means for Sabah’s future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ismet Yusof, CEO of the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG), discusses the evolution of corporate governance in Malaysia, MSWG’s role in shareholder activism, and the challenges of ensuring transparency and fairness for minority shareholders amid growing privatization and ESG pressures.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The road to low carbon economies is reshaping markets, regulations, and investment strategies. Dr. Joanne Khew, Head of Sustainability at Eastspring Investments discusses how capital can drive an effective and equitable climate transition.Image Credit: shutterstock.cimSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk N.K. Tong, a advocate for nuclear energy, delves into its role in advancing Malaysia’s net-zero ambitions, examining its potential impact, benefits, challenges, and the crucial question of public acceptance.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While there has been extensive discussion on the economic impact of the booming data center industry in Southeast Asia, what are the social risks that should also be considered? Rutuja Tendolkar of ERM weighs in on how businesses should navigate both economic and social risks in data center development.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The evolution of the energy landscape in response to the low-carbon economy momentum will require new skills in the workforce. How can the industry better prepare the workforce of today for the future environment? We discuss this with Alex Spencer, COO of OPITO.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the challenges in achieving a just transition as countries and industries seek to achieve net zero goals with Rutuja Tendolkar of the sustainability consultancy ERM.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China accounts for some 70% of global electric vehicle production and also moved 11 million EVs in 2024. How did China manage to carve out a first mover advantage in the global EV sector? We discuss the policies behind China’s EV dominance with Kyle Chan of Princeton University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) was first mooted in 1997 to establish regional energy security and connectivity. Recent years have seen greater traction for the initiative in tandem with the growth of renewable energy and decarbonisation strategies. We discuss the development of the APG and the latest announcements stemming from the 46th ASEAN Summit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At COP 29 in Azerbaijan, UN member states agreed to increase cooperation to scale climate financing up to $1.3 trillion US dollars annually by 2035. What is the pathway to achieving this exponential growth in investment, especially for the Southeast Asian region? We get perspectives from Lisa Sachs, Director of the Columbia Centre on Sustainable Investment. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainable fashion is a contradiction, given that the fashion industry is one of the key drivers of consumption - but there are movements looking to make systemic changes in the sector to better protect people and planet. We deconstruct what sustainable fashion means and how the trend is taking shape in Malaysia with Najah Onn, founder of FashinFidelity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Energy Agency estimates that ASEAN's energy transition requires annual investment of USD190 billion until 2030. Could China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provide a channel to accelerate investment in ASEAN green energy? We discuss the trends with Prof. Christoph Nedopil Wang, Director of the Griffith Asia Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shangri-La Rasa Ria recently became the first hotel in Malaysia to secure ISO 20121 certification in sustainable event management. We discuss the thought process driving sustainability action in the hospitality sector with Fiona Hagan, General Manager of Shangri-La Rasa Ria.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.