Category: Newsroom

There are two common misconceptions about SG, the movement towards increasing firms’ focus on sustainability, social responsibility and ethical governance. First, that ESG is merely a compliance issue, and second, that it primarily concerns what happens within the firm. 

Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by The Star.

The Green@Work Leadership Summit 2024, hosted by Asia School of Business (ASB), brought together global leaders, innovators, academia, and policymakers to discuss the crucial role of green technologies, green finance, and sustainable solutions in shaping ASEAN’s future.

The Summit provided a dynamic platform to address pressing issues across the business, energy, and finance sectors, sparking discussions on collaboration and ways to drive a more sustainable future for the region.

In his opening address, Encik Muhammad Hidayatullah Bin Nasrul, from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in sustainability. “Malaysia is at a critical juncture where sustainability is essential, not optional. Initiatives like the Bursa Carbon Exchange and rising renewable energy investments signal our commitment to lead in sustainable development. Collaboration across sectors is key to ensuring our nation achieves its green goals while inspiring ASEAN to prioritize environmental resilience,” he said.

Throughout the Summit, key discussions revolved around the transformative role of green technology in driving economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Professor Sanjay Sarma, CEO, President, and Dean of ASB, emphasized that green technology is no longer a trend but a vital solution to the existential challenges the world faces.

“The global green tech market is projected to reach USD 62.4 billion by 2030, with Southeast Asia leading the way. Embracing these innovations is essential for ASEAN’s economic and environmental future,” he said.

The importance of circular economy models in scaling sustainable solutions was a key theme, with Zain Almohdzar, Co-Founder of Klean, Sarah Cragg Head of APAC Partnerships at The Earthshot Prize and M. Huzaini Ghazali, Chief Strategy and Portfolio Officer at Gentari discussing how transformative green technologies can address waste challenges in ASEAN.

Zain noted, “Circular economy initiatives are crucial in addressing waste challenges in ASEAN, where the region generates over 150 million tons of waste annually. Innovative technologies, such as advanced recycling systems and digital waste management platforms, are key to scaling these solutions and could potentially reduce landfill contributions by 25% within the next decade.”

Blended finance also emerged as a vital mechanism in supporting the green transition. Professor Joseph Cherian, Deputy CEO of ASB and Practice Professor of Finance, emphasized how blended finance can bridge the funding gap by bringing governments, businesses, and investors together, hence accelerating the green transition. “Blended finance is not just a tool, it is a catalyst that can unlock trillions in investments for green initiatives. From accelerating carbon market development to funding renewable energy projects, it creates pathways for public-private partnerships that drive large-scale impact,” he explained.

The intersection of green finance and regulation was another focal point, featuring a panel discussion moderated by Johan Rozali-Wathooth, CEO of Bintang Capital Partners. The panel included Muhammad Rizal Azmi, AVP of Business Development & Sales at Bursa Carbon Exchange, Salmah Bee Mohd Mydin, Executive Director of Market Development at Securities Commission Malaysia and Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute. They explored how evolving regulatory frameworks can unlock new green financial solutions. Salmah Bee highlighted the rapid growth of Malaysia’s green bond market, noting a 50% increase in issuance over the past two years. “Regulatory frameworks must evolve to not only encourage but also scale these green financial solutions across ASEAN,” she emphasised.”

The Summit concluded with a call to action for participants to translate the insights shared into actionable solutions, reinforcing the collective responsibility to foster a sustainable future for ASEAN.

Originally published by Disruptr MY.

KUALA LUMPUR: The solar energy sector is poised for unprecedented growth. as solar power will provide SO% of the world’s electricity by 2030, said Asia School of Business IASB) CEO, president and dean Sanjay Sarma (pie). He said the shift is expected to not only revo­ lutionise the global energy landscape but also open up significant business oppor­tunities across industries.

Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by Then Sun.

Kebutuhan Indonesia akan pemimpin bisnis yang berkualitas makin mendesak. Asia School of Business (ASB) bekerja sama dengan MIT Sloan School of Management melihat potensi dan tantangan yang besar untuk menghadapi pertumbuhan dan transformasi bisnis di Asia Tenggara. 

CEO, Presiden, dan Dekan ASB Sanjay Sarma menyatakan di era di mana kebutuhan Indonesia akan pemimpin bisnis yang berkualitas makin mendesak, maka program MBA (Master of Business Administration) ASB menawarkan perpaduan langka antara pembelajaran teoretis dan praktis.

“Di era di mana kebutuhan Indonesia akan pemimpin bisnis yang berkualitas semakin mendesak, maka program MBA (Master of Business Administration) ASB menawarkan perpaduan langka antara pembelajaran teoretis dan praktis,” kata Sanjay Sarma, CEO, Presiden, dan Dekan ASB.

Dia memperkirakan, 80% perusahaan di Indonesia yang kini mendukung karyawan mereka untuk melanjutkan studi ke jenjang yang lebih tinggi.

“Bagi lulusan MBA, hal ini menjadi keuntungan besar karena gaji rata-rata setelah lulus MBA di Indonesia dilaporkan meningkat sebesar 25-40%, salah satu yang tertinggi di kawasan ini,” tuturnya.

Sanjay memahami adanya peningkatan permintaan regional untuk keterampilan dalam mengelola bisnis ini. Sebagai contoh,  pada 2024, rata-rata kenaikan gaji di Indonesia mencapai 6,5%, dengan kenaikan serupa diperkirakan akan terjadi pada 2025, didorong oleh kekurangan talenta dan tekanan inflasi. 

“Hal ini menempatkan lulusan MBA dalam posisi yang unggul untuk memanfaatkan tren tersebut, terutama di bidang-bidang dengan pertumbuhan tinggi seperti teknologi, keuangan, dan manajemen,” ujarnya.

Originally published by Liputan6.

JAKARTA — Asia School of Business (ASB) siap memberikan kesempatan kepada para profesional asal Indonesia untuk menjadi calon pemimpin bisnis masa depan di Asia Tenggara. Bekerjasama dengan MIT Sloan School of Management, ASB melihat potensi dan tantangan yang besar untuk menghadapi pertumbuhan dan transformasi bisnis di Asia Tenggara.

“Di era di mana kebutuhan Indonesia akan pemimpin bisnis yang berkualitas semakin mendesak, maka program MBA (Master of Business Administration) ASB menawarkan perpaduan langka antara pembelajaran teoretis dan praktis,” kata Sanjay Sarma, CEO, Presiden, dan Dekan ASB, dikutip pada Rabu (4/12/2024).

Originally published by Republika.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is solidifying its position as a regional leader in sustainability, with innovation and collaboration emerging as the twin engines of its green transformation.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry’s deputy secretary of the sustainable initiative policy section, Muhammad Hidayatullah Nasrul, said collaboration across sectors is essential to advancing Malaysia’s green goals.

“Collaborative efforts are already bearing fruit, with initiatives such as the Bursa Carbon Exchange paving the way for a robust carbon market that incentivises emission reductions. Simultaneously, partnerships with renewable energy pioneers like Jentari are accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions, positioning Malaysia as a hub for green technology.

“Community-driven conservation efforts are also making an impact, addressing deforestation and protecting endangered species such as the Malayan tiger and orangutan,” he said at the Green@Work Leadership Summit organised by Asia School of Business (ASB) today.

He stressed that efforts cannot rest solely on the shoulders of policymakers. “Active collaboration across all sectors is essential to ensure Malaysia not only meets its green targets but inspires others in the region to follow suit.”

Hidayatullah also underscored the urgency of tackling climate change.

“Climate change, resource depletion and biodiversity loss are no longer distant threats. These challenges directly affect Malaysia and the world. However, with these challenges comes the transformative opportunity to build a sustainable future.”

Innovation emerged as a theme throughout the summit.

Hidayatullah said clean technologies, circular economic practices, and creative solutions were identified as critical tools for overcoming environmental and socio-economic challenges.

“Innovation is the key to reimagining the status quo. Whether it is deploying green technologies, designing better systems, or mitigating the socio-economic impacts of climate change, we need creative solutions to tackle these complex issues.”

Education was another focus of the summit, with institutions such as ASB playing a vital role in preparing future leaders to tackle sustainability challenges.

Hidayatullah emphasised the importance of education in fostering critical thinking and empowering individuals to develop solutions that work for all. “ASB’s efforts to engage students and emerging leaders in discussions on green technology, sustainable financing, and energy transition were praised as essential to ensuring long-term success,” he noted.

He said Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability is not only a necessity for resilience but also a powerful opportunity to lead the region in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

Originally published by Then Sun.

KUALA LUMPUR: The solar energy sector is poised for unprecedented growth, as solar power will provide 50% of the world’s electricity by 2030, said Asia School of Business (ASB) CEO, president and dean Sanjay Sarma.

He said this shift is expected to not only revolutionise the global energy landscape but also open up significant business opportunities across industries.

“Solar is no longer a future prospect, it is happening now. From 2004 to 2024, the rate of solar adoption has surged from one gigawatt of installation per year to two gigawatts per day.

“This rapid acceleration is setting the stage for solar to supply half of the world’s electricity by 2030,” he said at the Green@Work Leadership summit at ASB today.

He noted that the solar energy market has seen massive growth, spurred by technological innovations, plummeting costs, and supportive government policies.

“For businesses, this is a golden opportunity to tap into a thriving market that has gained momentum across both developed and emerging economies.

“The commercial potential of solar energy is staggering. Companies in the solar sector are reaping the benefits of economies of scale, and global demand for solar installations is expected to skyrocket.

“With solar becoming more affordable than ever, both large corporations and startups are capitalising on its expansion,” he remarked.

Sanjay noted that companies specialising in solar panel production, energy storage and grid integration are attracting substantial investment.

“The ongoing technological advancements, such as more efficient photovoltaic cells and improved battery storage solutions, are paving the way for even faster adoption.

“Solar technology is becoming more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. As a result, it is attracting record investment across the world.

“Businesses will have an incredible opportunity to be part of the energy transition that is reshaping the global economy,” said Sanjay.

Additionally, he noted that the rise of solar energy also has geopolitical and business implications. As the demand for solar power increases, countries with robust solar industries are positioning themselves as global energy leaders.

“The United States, China and India, in particular, are expected to dominate the market as they scale up solar infrastructure.

“Solar energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions, it is becoming a key strategic asset for nations looking to strengthen their energy independence.

“For companies, this means navigating not just a competitive market, but also a geopolitically charged landscape,” he said.

Sanjay said the shift to solar is expected to trigger long-term changes in the global economy, especially for companies in the energy, manufacturing, and tech sectors.

“With businesses increasingly prioritising sustainable solutions, solar power is seen as a critical driver of the future economy.

“In the next decade, we will see solar energy driving a major chunk of global electricity markets. Companies across industries, from tech to manufacturing, are already shifting their focus to solar, creating new market opportunities, jobs and growth,” he said.

Sanjay noted that as solar energy becomes a cornerstone of the global economy, its potential for growth presents both challenges and rewards for businesses ready to capitalise on this energy revolution.

Originally published by Then Sun.

Cultivating Digital Champions: ELDP is More Than Just a Training Programme

In a landmark moment for Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, the Ministry of Digital, MyDIGITAL Corporation, and the Asia School of Business (ASB) celebrated the graduation of 205 visionary leaders from the inaugural Executive Digital Leadership Programme (EDLP).

This isn’t just another training initiative—it’s a strategic blueprint for national digital transformation.

Breaking Barriers: A Holistic Approach to Digital Leadership

The EDLP stands out by offering a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond traditional leadership training.

Participants were immersed in a cutting-edge programme covering emerging technologies, digital leadership, cybersecurity, and critical ethical considerations.

What sets this programme apart is its star-studded lineup of technology partners, including global giants like Microsoft, Google, IBM, Amazon Web Services, Shopee, and Cisco Systems.

Voices of Transformation: Participants Share Their Insights

The programme’s impact resonates across diverse sectors.

Foo Keat Hoe from Sarawak Shell Bhd described the experience as providing “a glimpse of everything, helping you view different perspectives on how things work across industries.”

This sentiment echoes the programme’s core mission of broadening technological perspectives and fostering cross-industry innovation.

A Strategic Investment in Leadership Excellence

Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, highlighted the programme’s significance: “These 205 exceptional individuals represent more than just graduates—they are architects of Malaysia’s digital future.”

This sentiment is backed by tangible outcomes, with participants developing actionable digital transformation roadmaps and building a robust network of innovation-driven leaders.

Beyond Training: Building a Digital Ecosystem

Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation, stressed on the programme’s transformative potential.

“We’re not just training leaders; we’re creating an ecosystem of digitally empowered organisations,” he said.

The programme promises to drive better decision-making, create more agile operations, and accelerate market responsiveness.

Network and Collaboration: The Hidden Curriculum

Professor Sanjay Sarma, ASB’s President and Dean, underscored the importance of networking.

“The lifelong connections formed during EDLP will be crucial in continuously driving innovation and addressing real-world challenges,” he noted.

This emphasis on collaborative learning sets the program apart from traditional executive education models.

A Glimpse into the Future

The programme represents more than a training initiative—it’s a strategic investment in Malaysia’s digital sovereignty.

As Malaysia continues to position itself as a regional digital hub, the Executive Digital Leadership Programme stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership.

Originally published by Marketing Magazine Malaysia.

Jakarta, Jurnas.com- Asia School of Business (ASB) siap memberikan kesempatan kepada para profesional asal Indonesia untuk menjadi calon pemimpin bisnis masa depan di Asia Tenggara. Bekerjasama dengan MIT Sloan School of Management, ASB melihat potensi dan tantangan yang besar untuk menghadapi pertumbuhan dan transformasi bisnis di Asia Tenggara.

Originally published by Jurnas.