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In a move that underscores the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in business, Magnate Media Sdn Bhd, the publisher of The Exchange Asia, has announced a strategic collaboration with the ESG Association Malaysia (ESGAM) to launch the ESG PLUS Awards 2025.
The official signing ceremony, held on 16 April 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, marked the beginning of what is set to be one of the region’s most credible and transparent ESG recognition platforms. The event drew industry leaders, media representatives, and ESG advocates from across multiple sectors, reflecting the growing momentum behind sustainable business practices in Asia.
With ESGAM on board as the Strategic Advisory and Judging Partner, the ESG PLUS Awards 2025 is poised to become a benchmark for ESG excellence, offering a regionally respected platform to recognise leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in ESG initiatives.
“The ESG PLUS Awards is more than a celebration of corporate responsibility — it’s a call to leadership,” said Jasmine Cheung, Director of Magnate Media. “Our partnership with ESGAM is grounded in shared values — accountability, inclusion, and long-term impact. Together, we aim to set a new standard for ESG storytelling and recognition across Asia.”
Representing Magnate Media at the signing were Executive Chairman, Dato' Dr. Muhamad Iqbal Bin Mohamad, CEO Michelle Lee, and Cheung — the trio behind The Exchange Asia’s growing influence in business and lifestyle media throughout the region.
From ESGAM’s side, the organisation's President, Adjunct Practice Prof. Cheah Kok Hoong, underscored the significance of this collaboration:
“Being recognised for ESG today means more than a badge of honour — it reflects a mindset of continuous improvement. The ESG PLUS Awards offers a much-needed platform for benchmarking, knowledge sharing, and collective progress. ESGAM is proud to contribute our council’s expertise to ensure the process upholds the highest standards of integrity.”
ESGAM brings together a cross-industry council of ESG practitioners and business leaders who are actively shaping sustainability transformation across Malaysia and the wider region. The council’s multi-sectoral expertise adds a layer of credibility to the awards, ensuring transparency and rigour in the judging process.
Notable members of the ESGAM Council in attendance included:
Adjunct Practice Prof. Cheah Kok Hoong, President of ESGAM & Executive Chairman, SteerQuest Sdn Bhd
Mr Jeffrey Ooi, Deputy President & Founder/Director, Fintech Qriocity Sdn Bhd
Adjunct Prof. Rina Neoh, Secretary General & Managing Director, Ficus Group Capital
Mr Harry Tan Hui Ann, Treasurer & Managing Director, Pan Kinetics Group
Mr Tony Ooi Eng Hong, Vice President & Director, Greenpro Newfin Academy
Mr Danny Lee, Vice President & Executive Director, E Tech IT
Dato Eric Ku, Council Member & Executive Director, iTrain Asia Singapore
Dr Kevin Ho, Council Member & Business Development Manager, i-Chem Solution
Mr Eric Chong, Honorary Advisor & Chairman of the Board, Boost Connect
Mr Hong Kok Cheong, Vice President & Director, Strateq Group & Safeguards G4S
Mr Chan Voon Jhin, Council Member & COO, MMM Digital
Their combined representation — spanning fintech, green technologies, digital innovation, investment, and governance — reflects the awards' ambition to be inclusive and forward-looking.
The ESG PLUS Awards is open to a wide spectrum of participants — from public-listed companies and government-linked corporations (GLCs) to SMEs, startups, NGOs, and individual ESG advocates. With ESG fast becoming a business imperative rather than a differentiator, the awards present an opportunity for organisations to go beyond compliance and showcase real leadership.
Participants are encouraged to submit case studies and evidence of measurable ESG impact. Winners will not only gain regional recognition but also enhance investor confidence, stakeholder trust, and brand positioning in an increasingly sustainability-conscious marketplace.
“The awards aim to inspire a ripple effect,” said Cheung. “When one company leads with integrity, others take notice. ESG PLUS is here to amplify those voices and stories.”
Nominations for the ESG PLUS Awards 2025 are now open, with the awards gala scheduled for September 2025. As the organiser, Magnate Media — through The Exchange Asia — will continue to drive high-level conversations and purposeful recognition across industries.
With ESGAM’s strategic oversight and the media strength of The Exchange Asia, ESG PLUS is on course to become a premier platform that champions responsible growth, sustainable innovation, and collective impact across the region.