KIWACERT and TAR UMT Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance ESG and Sustainability Education in Malaysia

MoA signing ceremony signals a bold step forward for ESG capacity building.

KIWA International Certifications (M) Sdn Bhd (KIWACERT) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to collaborate on advancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability education in Malaysia.

The MoA, signed at TAR UMT’s main campus, signifies a strategic partnership that combines academic excellence with industry leadership. This collaboration aims to equip professionals, students, and business leaders with the knowledge and certification needed to implement responsible and sustainable practices across industries.

Through this partnership, KIWACERT and TAR UMT will co-develop and deliver the Exemplar Global Certified ESG & Sustainability Practitioner (CESP) Programme, designed to elevate Malaysia’s ESG literacy and professional standards. This certification programme—endorsed by industry experts and aligned with international frameworks—will be open to working professionals, graduates, and corporate teams looking to strengthen their ESG competencies.

“We believe this collaboration is a timely response to the rising demand for ESG-integrated decision-making. With TAR UMT’s academic strength and KIWACERT’s certification expertise, we aim to nurture a new generation of ESG practitioners who will lead the way in responsible business transformation,” said Dr Kenny Chan Teik Ken, Managing Director of KIWACERT. 

Echoing this sentiment, President of TAR UMT, Prof. Datuk Indera Ir. Dr. Lee Sze Wei and Vice president Prof. Dr. Loke Chui Fong expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “TAR UMT is proud to play a role in building national ESG capacity. Our goal is to empower our students and professionals with the tools and knowledge to drive long-term sustainability in both the public and private sectors.”

The collaboration also includes industry engagement sessions, public ESG webinars, and a pathway for students and professionals to pursue certifications that enhance career readiness and corporate governance alignment.

This MoA aligns with Malaysia’s broader national sustainability goals, including the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) and commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It further supports government and industry efforts to embed ESG principles into everyday operations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

The ceremony was witnessed by senior leaders from both organisations, faculty members, and invited guests from various sectors. The event concluded with a joint commitment to expand future initiatives under the ESG banner—ensuring that Malaysian institutions remain competitive and values-driven in a global landscape.

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