Malaysia establishes sustainability body, backed by Securities Commission
The Association of Sustainability Professionals will launch by end 2026, aiming to standardise practices and support businesses in meeting reporting requirements.
Malaysia establishes new sustainability body
Malaysia is creating a dedicated professional organisation, the Association of Sustainability Professionals (ASP), expected to launch by the end of 2026. The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has incubated this new entity.
Its primary objectives include elevating standards, enhancing sustainability capabilities, and providing a unified voice for practitioners across various sectors. Raja Amir Shah Raja Azwa, chairperson of the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3), announced the initiative yesterday at the Journey to Zero Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
This body will address increasingly complex sustainability requirements, evolving regulations, and stakeholder demands on businesses.
Strategic backing and mandate
The ASP is a key component of the sustainability priorities outlined in Malaysia's Capital Market Masterplan 2026–2030. This plan sets the strategic direction for the nation's capital market over the next five years. The Capital Markets Development Fund, established by the SC to support capital market growth, provides funding for the association.
The need for a dedicated body became evident after an SC-convened dialogue in April 2025, which gathered over 50 sustainability professionals to discuss capacity gaps and collaboration platforms.
Professional standards and diverse membership
A central focus for the ASP will be to foster professionalism, uphold ethics, and promote excellence within the field. It aims to develop future-ready sustainability competencies and establish greater consistency in professional standards.
The association plans to recognise high-quality training and certification programmes, serving as a critical reference point for sustainability skills as the sector becomes more regulated. Membership will not be confined to individuals with specific sustainability job titles, extending to professionals in risk management, finance, and operations.
For Malaysian corporates, the ASP's establishment means clearer guidance and a more professionalised approach to meeting sustainability obligations. As expectations under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) evolve, businesses will need skilled practitioners to ensure compliance, manage risks, and translate requirements into credible strategies.
The association offers a trusted reference point for organisations seeking to build their sustainability capabilities and talent pipelines. This initiative provides a structured platform for businesses to integrate sustainability effectively into their core decision-making processes.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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