Embodying sustainability from within
THE concept behind most business models is simple – to supply new products or services, make enough revenue to cover operational costs, ensure the welfare of all employees and suppliers, and generate a profit that will keep the business going.
Sunway believes there is an important added dimension that has been part of the company’s DNA since its founding that allows it to achieve success beyond market capitalisation and sales figures, and stand out in the marketplace.
This, of course, would not have taken place if it was not for Sunway Group’s founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, who holds the values of sustainability and philanthropy close to his heart.
It is under his influential leadership that these ideals become ingrained in every employee, who understands that sustainability is not mere company directive but part of the prevailing values embraced as natural lifestyle choices.
It is of no surprise then that Sunway would lead the way in pushing for sustainability, becoming a role model within the region for advancing the agenda and having the recognition to show forit.
In October, risk management, strategic business consultancy and project advisory services provider RAM Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd awarded its highest “Gold” Sustainability Rating to Sunway Berhad, based on a wide set of evaluation metrics encompassing climate change, natural capital, human resource, human rights, product and service responsibility, community, corporate governance, sustainability governance, positive impact and supply chain assessment.
Among the various factors that helped Sunway receive the rating are its strong governance and risk management structure as well as its adherence to the main tenets of the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance.
The award is also a nod to the way Sunway City has developed over the years, from a barren mining wasteland into a thriving township that has more than 200,000 residents, 30,000 trees, 150 species of flora and fauna, its own water treatment plant and more than 24% of the entire development reserved as green spaces.
I view education as a calling and I believe I have a higher purpose in life, which is to do good and give back to society. Education is a not a profitdriven business, but of course, we must ensure that this initiative is sustainable.
In addition, Sunway scored valuable points for its certified green buildings that mitigate climate change with energy-saving features such as LED lights, solar panels, lift enhancements and high-efficiency chillers.
As a result of these proactive steps, Sunway City has managed to reduce its carbon dioxideequivalent emissions by
12% between 2015 and last year.
It is the country’s first integrated green township and has the honour of being the winner of the Low Carbon City Award by the Malaysian Institute of Planners last year.
RAM Consultancy also acknowledged the man who orchestrated the entire movement, bestowing Dr Cheah with the inaugural Sustainability Icon Award earlier this year for his endless commitment, vision and dedication to the cause that has stretched over the last four decades.
According to Dr Cheah, “Sustainability is a long-term journey and lies at the heart of everything we do here at Sunway. It is not just an afterthought but a mindset deeply ingrained in the group.”
Promoting international partnerships
Sunway’s commitment to sustainability is not just limited to physical undertakings within the confines of Sunway City.
Last year, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF), which governs Sunway’s entire breadth of educational institutions, aligned itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and donated US$10mil (RM41.08mil) to establish the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development (JSC) at Sunway University.
This was the biggest contribution of its kind towards advancing the 17 SDGs adopted by the United Nations that aim to eradicate all forms of poverty, fight inequality and, among others, tackle climate change.
Under the supervision of leading international authority in sustainable development Prof Jeffrey Sachs – who is director of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network – the JSC is to be a hub of research and policy practice, creating worldclass programmes to train students, practitioners and policy leaders on sustainable initiatives while working in collaboration with industries, agencies and government bodies.
Sunway was also the founding supporter for The Economist Sustainability Summit Asia 2017, which took place in Sunway City last month.
The summit brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, regulators and leading researchers from around the world to discuss the numerous opportunities and challenges that exist in the continent in the quest for a truly sustainable future.
The discussions brought about a deeper understanding of the effects of global economic, social and geopolitical factors that influence the progress of sustainability as well as topics such as building the right policy frameworks, sustainability in uncertain times and Asia’s water imperative, and attracting capital to sustainable enterprises.