Media powerhouses team up to launch ESG positive impact consortium

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Asian media houses Star Media Group (SMG), Media Group of Kompas Gramedia (KG Media) and the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC) have partnered up to launch Asia’s first ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC).

A-EPIC’s launch marks a watershed moment for the three media partners which are taking on a shared mission to drive influence of ESG principles in facilitating the region’s green economic growth, it said in a statement.

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Global warming, social inequalities and governance issues are becoming global pressing issues. These challenges have further pinned down the importance of ESG principles in shaping a sustainable and secure future. The media industry plays a pivotal role in raising awareness, fostering collaboration and influencing positive change for a sustainable future it said.

The cross-border alliance aims to collectively impact 123 million people across the region. SMG, KG Media and IGC share a solidified partnership with a common goal to expedite the adoption of ESG – environmental, social and governance - in the mainstream media, to ensure public accountability and transparency.

As key influencers of the media landscape, the consortium recognises that its responsibility extends beyond news gathering and distribution on nation-building. The consortium aims to achieve this through the delivery of content that informs, inspires, and empowers audiences across the region.

“We must recognise that achieving net zero requires a collaborative effort involving all – the government, the private sector, and the people. This is where I believe the formation of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium is timely where it can leverage the prowess of three media groups to facilitate collaborative action between stakeholders, businesses and the public,” said Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim who was present at the launch ceremony at Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

The consortium strives to build a future where sustainability is at the core of its communities. This will be achieved through a three-pronged strategy focusing on education, engagement and community which will be led by each of the group’s brands - StarESG, KG Media Lestari and the Inquirer ESG Edge. Recognising the critical role of education, engagement and community in driving sustainable change, the consortium offers a multifaceted approach:

● Education: Integrating sustainability into the social consciousness through a comprehensive media strategy that will bridge the communication gap between policymakers, businesses, investors and the general public.

● Engagement: Creating opportunities for aspiring businesses, especially SMEs, to connect with experienced sustainability practitioners, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth.

● Community: Establishing a collaborative network by spotlighting the best-in-class in ESG as voices of authority and establishing them as a benchmark for others in the region to aspire towards.

Each country will be launching its own local initiative, starting with the local ESG Positive Impact Awards for Malaysia, the Annual Impact Awards for the Philippines, and the Lestari Awards for Indonesia.

Local winners from these events will compete at the regional level, building momentum towards the prestigious inaugural Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards and culminating in a regional summit in 2025.

Additionally, the consortium will capitalise on its platforms to launch workshops, local summits, and editorial content to raise awareness, educate on ESG principles, knowledge-sharing and highlight success stories, further amplifying the consortium's mission and activities.

With the global economy transitioning towards sustainability practices, ESG practices are becoming essential for businesses to thrive in the green economy.

"Through the collective power of our reach to over 123 million people, we envision a sustainable Asia where media collaborations promote progressive environmental, socio-economic and governance commitments for future prosperity across the region," said SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt.

"We are dedicated to promoting and supporting each member's ESG initiatives to educate, engage and foster a fraternity of like-minded ESG practitioners to hasten ESG adoption across the region. Together, we will tackle challenges and seize opportunities as we move towards a prosperous, resource-efficient and inclusive Asia," he added.

“KG Media proudly announces our partnership with the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium, a strategic collaboration that reinforces our belief that a sustainable future is our shared responsibility. This conviction drives our Lestari campaign, aimed at amplifying local sustainability initiatives for greater impact," said Andy Budiman, CEO of KG Media.

"By joining A-EPIC, we seek to further elevate these efforts and open more collaboration opportunities for greater impact. This alliance with top media powerhouses across Asia, positions us as catalysts for positive socio-economic development, propelling the region towards a sustainable future. Our commitment is resolute: to showcase and amplify impactful local efforts, champion sustainability as the new standard, and empower businesses and communities through bold media strategies," Budiman added.

"Today marks a significant milestone for the Inquirer Group of Companies as we proudly announce our partnership with Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium. This strategic alliance underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and social responsibility, reflecting our core values and commitment to positive change,” said Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Rudyard Arbolado.

He added that joining A-EPIC is not just an acknowledgement of their past advocacies, but a pledge to amplify collective impact through collaborative and innovative approaches.

As part of its mission, the consortium is looking to collaborate with businesses to amplify sustainable change across the region. In addition, the consortium is pleased to announce working with Sime Darby Property as the Urban Biodiversity Partner for its initiatives.

The Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium is also open to other media houses across Asia who would like to join the alliance's mission in igniting change and making an impact for a sustainable future.

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