ASEAN Moves from Ambition to Action at ICAEW Sustainability Summit
ASEAN’s journey toward net zero entered a decisive new chapter as policymakers, regulators, and finance leaders gathered at the inaugural ICAEW ASEAN Sustainability Summit 2025, held at the Securities Commission Malaysia.
Guided by the theme “ASEAN Rising: The Net Zero Playbook,” the one-day hybrid summit convened more than 600 in-person delegates and about 500 virtual participants from across the globe to translate sustainability pledges into actionable strategies that balance growth, inclusivity, and accountability.
Driving regional leadership and ethical transformation
Speaking at the Summit, Alan Vallance, Chief Executive of ICAEW, underlined that the accountancy profession sits at the heart of sustainability transformation, bridging ethics, transparency and financial integrity with real-world impact.
“Achieving a just and inclusive transition to net zero will require collaboration across borders, sectors and generations,” Vallance said. “The ASEAN region has a critical role to play in building the global baseline for sustainability reporting and assurance, and ICAEW is proud to help connect these conversations.”
Vallance highlighted how accountants and finance professionals can drive meaningful change through their role as trusted stewards of both financial and non-financial information.
“As finance professionals, we hold the data, insights and trust that underpin financial decisions,” he said. “To turn ambition into action, we must use that influence to shape ethical choices and create long-term value for people, business and the planet.”
He noted that ICAEW’s ongoing collaborations, including workshops with the Securities Commission Malaysia and the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum on the implementation of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 and S2), demonstrate how the profession can advance a shared regional framework for credible reporting and assurance.
Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of Treasury at the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, whose speech was delivered by Dato Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of Securities Commission Malaysia, reaffirmed that sustainability is central to Malaysia’s national economic vision under the Madani Economy Framework.
“For Malaysia, sustainability is not a separate policy pillar but the foundation of our economic strategy,” he said. “Through fiscal reforms, carbon pricing and green budgeting, we are aligning investment, innovation and inclusivity to create long-term resilience. Achieving net zero must go hand-in-hand with growth that uplifts every segment of society.”
He highlighted that Malaysia remains committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the forthcoming Climate Change Bill, and the introduction of a carbon tax next year targeting key emission-intensive sectors such as iron, steel and energy.
“ASEAN’s transition to net zero is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity,” he added. “By harmonising sustainability standards, mobilising capital and strengthening regional collaboration, we can position ASEAN as a competitive and credible player in the global value chain.”
Collaboration and capacity building for a shared future
Elaine Hong, ICAEW Director for Southeast Asia, said the Summit marked a milestone in connecting ASEAN’s sustainability priorities with global standards and networks.
“Southeast Asia is at the crossroads of sustainability transformation,” she said. “The conversations at this Summit show that our region’s transition to net zero cannot happen in silos. It demands alignment, trust and shared purpose. ICAEW will continue working closely with regulators, professional bodies and businesses to strengthen ASEAN’s voice on the global sustainability stage.”
Hong added that ICAEW’s initiatives such as the Sustainability Accelerator Programme and its Sustainability and Climate Change Community are helping to build capacity and accelerate regional adoption of best practice in carbon accounting, sustainability assurance, and scenario planning.
“By investing in people and practical skills, we can bridge the gap between global standards and local realities,” she said. “Our shared goal is not only compliance, but the capability to ensure that professionals across ASEAN have the expertise and confidence to lead this transition.”
Turning discussion into implementation
The Summit featured five thematic sessions including expert panellists from PETRONAS, HSBC Malaysia, KPMG Malaysia, PwC Malaysia, Deloitte Southeast Asia, City Developments Limited Singapore, Olam Agri, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, and the University of Oxford, UK.
Topics ranged from Ethics and Sustainability to Accelerating Sustainability Reporting and Assurance, Green Financing, Climate Scenario Analysis, and From Number Cruncher to Value Creator — reflecting the multifaceted role of finance in sustainability transformation.
A Student–Practitioner Debate brought together young professionals and industry leaders to explore whether “Sustainability Should Cost Less or More,” while the COFAR (Coastal Flooding Adaptation and Resilience) Challenge, co-hosted by ICAEW and the Securities Commission Malaysia, showcased youth-driven innovation in climate adaptation.
The discussions underscored the importance of equipping professionals with the tools, assurance frameworks and cross-sector collaboration needed to ensure the region’s sustainability transition is both inclusive and implementable.
Collaboration as the catalyst for progress
The Summit concluded with a joint call from speakers and participants, to embed ethics, data quality, and transparency at the core of ASEAN’s sustainability frameworks. Both public and private sector representatives and echoed by Jean Bouquot, the President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in his closing remarks, agreed that strong governance, consistent disclosure, and regional capacity building are essential to unlocking sustainable finance and long-term resilience.
Vallance rounded off the event by reaffirming ICAEW’s role as a convenor and partner in supporting ASEAN’s sustainability ambition.
“ICAEW stands ready as a trusted partner in shaping ethical, transparent and impactful responses to sustainability challenges,” he said. “We look forward to working with governments, regulators and business to advance a collective net-zero agenda for ASEAN and beyond.”
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Tune Talk Ignites Malaysia’s Youth Esports Revolution, Championing the Next Generation of Digital Dreamers
The energy is electric as CRIT & Tune Talk, Asia’s leading cloud-native telco, kicks off Season 4 of the ACS EDU TOUR — a nationwide esports phenomenon empowering young Malaysians to level up from players to professionals.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the ACS EDU TOUR has grown into one of Malaysia’s most dynamic youth empowerment movements, uniting students from universities and colleges across the nation through the shared passion of gaming, creativity, and community.
Organised by CRIT Malaysia, the fourth edition doesn’t just celebrate champions — it creates them. The 2025 season introduces participants to real-world career pathways across Malaysia’s thriving digital economy, from game development and event production to broadcasting, project management, and marketing.
And this year, the stakes got even higher. In addition to a RM200,000 prize pool, CRIT has added a next-level twist: the champion team will earn a professional contract with CRIT, taking their game global. It’s a defining step in esports, turning Malaysian student gamers into professional athletes and proving what “Zero to Hero” truly means.
“At Tune Talk, we’ve always believed that esports are more than just games — it’s a culture, a career, and a catalyst for self-expression,” said Jill Yeap, Head of Marketing at Tune Talk. “We’re here to fuel that fire with real speed and no limits. Tune Talk has always gone beyond data and connectivity — we’re powering dreams, breaking barriers, and giving youth the platform to express and excel.”
Yeap added that the initiative also marks the continuation of the Tune Talk Youth Esports Programme, a long-term commitment to build Malaysia’s esports talent pipeline and make digital empowerment accessible, inclusive, and aspirational for all.
Echoing the sentiment, Joshua Lew, Co-Founder of CRIT Esports Malaysia said, “With Tune Talk’s support, we’ve been able to take the ACS EDU TOUR Season 4 to new heights — reaching more campuses and inspiring more young Malaysians than ever before. Together, we’re not just running a tournament, we’re building a movement that connects passion with purpose and turns players into professionals.”
As Malaysia’s fastest growing Mobile Network Operator, Tune Talk is redefining what it means to be a telco for the digital generation. Being the nation’s only fully cloud-native operator, Tune Talk brings together speed, agility, and innovation to deliver more than connectivity — it delivers empowerment.
Beyond the screen, Tune Talk’s commitment to empowerment extends into real-life protection. Reinforcing its promise of enabling and safeguarding Malaysians, the telco recently enhanced its built-in Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage, offering up to RM150,000 protection at no extra cost for all Epik Plan users.
This initiative underscores Tune Talk’s belief that true connection goes beyond data — it’s about delivering real value, peace of mind, and protection to communities both online and offline.
Guided by its bold brand purpose, “Tune Up Your World,” Tune Talk is giving young Malaysians the freedom to express, create, and connect on their own terms. From cutting-edge 5G plans and gaming-centric rewards to purpose-driven initiatives like the ACS Edu Tour, Tune Talk is leading the charge in shaping a fast, fearless, and future-ready Malaysia.
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BYD, DENZA and Sime Motors Launch Malaysia’s First EV Technology Showcase Tour — Starting in KL!
BYD Tech Discovery offers a range of activities including test drives of the latest BYD and DENZA models, demonstrations of futuristic technologies, EV dialogues and much more
BYD Malaysia, DENZA—the luxury intelligent electric vehicle brand under BYD—together with BYD Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, is set to ignite excitement and elevate awareness of electric mobility at its first-ever BYD Tech Discovery Day. Running from 14 to 16 November 2025 at Carpark 3, Plaza Arkadia, Desa ParkCity, this immersive showcase invites Malaysians to experience the future of smart and sustainable driving.
Themed ‘BYD Intelligence. Powering Malaysia Forward’, the BYD Tech Discovery Day is more than a product showcase—it’s a Malaysia-first electric mobility technology tour designed to inspire drivers, EV enthusiasts and tech-savvy Malaysians to explore the next generation of smart technology and sustainable mobility. As the country’s leading battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand, BYD has earned the trust of Malaysians through its commitment to innovation, safety and accessibility. From pioneering technologies like the Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0 to intelligent systems that redefine performance and comfort, BYD continues to lead the way in shaping a cleaner, smarter future for all.
Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Malaysians to BYD Tech Discovery Day, an opportunity to experience and understand the passion and innovation behind our technology, which is built on a foundation of relentless innovation and long-term commitment, from the Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0 to the DiSus Intelligent Body Control System and other intelligent systems. We carry a profound responsibility to educate Malaysians about the future of mobility, giving everyone the chance to witness firsthand the excitement, potential and our global promise of cooling the Earth by 1 degree. The BYD Tech Discovery Tour is our way of sharing this journey with Malaysians. This is not just a showcase, a defining moment in Malaysia’s shift toward a cleaner and sustainable future”
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Motors, said, “This event is especially meaningful for us at Sime Motors. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, we’re proud to stand alongside seven global automotive partners, including BYD, the fastest-growing brand in our portfolio. And in just 25 days, we’ll mark three years since BYD’s debut in Malaysia.
Today, BYD’s footprint spans sales and after-sales outlets across key regions, supported by a dedicated BYD Academy that empowers our teams with world-class electric mobility expertise and robust infrastructure—including 12 Body & Paint Authorized Centers and a centralised parts warehouse managing 4,610-line items with a 94% fill rate as of October 2025. With over 24,000 proud BYD and Denza owners, the BYD Tech Discovery Tour marks a bold step forward in bringing intelligent, sustainable mobility to more Malaysians.”
With over 40 BYD and DENZA outlets nationwide and a target of 50 BYD outlets by the end of 2026, BYD Sime Motors is driving Malaysia’s shift to electrified mobility with a growing retail and service footprint, trusted sales and after-sales care customer support and a clear commitment to a cleaner, smarter future.
What to Expect at BYD Tech Discovery
Visitors can expect an engaging line-up of activities and experiences designed to showcase BYD’s technological leadership:
Test Ride & Test Drive Zones
Experience the thrill of BYD and DENZA models equipped with the latest e-Platform 3.0. Highlights include:
EV Dialogue Corners
Explore the inner workings of BYD’s Blade Battery, smart charging systems, and advanced safety features with guidance from technical experts.
Promotions & Offers
Lifestyle Zone
Enjoy complimentary coffee, a children’s play area and exclusive BYD merchandise redemptions.
This 3-day event is a celebration of innovation, performance and intelligent design, giving Malaysians a chance to see, feel and experience the future of mobility with BYD. Head over to the BYD Tech Discovery Day from 10.00am to 8.00pm on 14 to 16 November at the Car Park 3, Plaza Arkadia, Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur.
For more information, visit https://byd.simemotors.my/ or follow BYD Sime Motors on https://www.facebook.com/BYDCarsMalaysia and https://www.instagram.com/bydcarsmalaysia/. For enquiries, please contact BYD Sime Motors at 1300-38-1888.
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Top Universities Triumph in Talentbank’s Inaugural National Graduate Employability Challenge
Through the Talentbank Boardroom Challenge, students present actionable ideas that inspire policy, industry, and educational transformation across Malaysia.
The inaugural Talentbank Boardroom Challenge has crowned its first champions, marking a pivotal step forward in Malaysia’s mission to close the education-to-employment gap. Three winning student teams presented forward-thinking solutions that could redefine how universities prepare graduates for the evolving world of work.
The Challenge has quickly become one of Malaysia’s most impactful student innovation platforms. Representing universities nationwide, each team was guided by an industry mentor to turn academic ideas into practical, scalable solutions addressing the country’s persistent skills mismatch.
The grand finale took place at the Talentbank Boardroom in Kuala Lumpur, where the Top 15 Finalists pitched to a panel of judges from Talentbank: Ben Ho, Chief Executive Officer; Muhammad Fadilah, Director of Government & University Liaison; and Li Kiat, Director of Employer Liaison.
Ben Ho emphasised the significance of the initiative in driving meaningful change to improve graduate employability.
“The Talentbank Boardroom Challenge is especially powerful because the solutions come directly from the students, the real ‘users’ of the education and employability ecosystem,” said Ho. “They understand the challenges first-hand and are unafraid to share honest, ground-level insights. By listening to their perspectives, we can inspire policymakers and industry leaders to create more relevant, future-ready pathways for Malaysia’s graduates.”
All finalists received certificates of achievement, and their CVs will be distributed to leading employers within Talentbank’s network. Teams demonstrating exceptional talent and a shared passion for driving positive change will be considered for career opportunities with Talentbank. Ideas with strong commercial potential will be evaluated for seed funding support or integration into Talentbank’s existing talent ecosystem.
The Top 3 teams will be specially invited to attend the 2025 Graduates’ Choice Award Gala — APAC’s Most Authoritative Graduate Employer Branding Award, a prestigious celebration attended by representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, alongside over 1,000 leaders from multinational corporations and university partners. This exclusive invitation offers them a rare opportunity to connect with top industry decision-makers and gain real-world exposure at one of Malaysia’s most influential employability events.
Building on its success, the Talentbank Boardroom Challenge 2.0 will return in 2026 with an expanded focus on education, employability, and university–industry collaboration.
Talentbank will soon begin engaging with the winning teams to incubate and refine their ideas, integrating them into the existing employability solutions to create tangible impact. Through this process, they aim to help these young innovators turn their ideas into ventures and take the next step towards realising their entrepreneurship dreams.
Ultimately, the initiative creates a win–win–win–win partnership — empowering students with entrepreneurial experience, strengthening universities through innovation, supporting Ministries in driving national talent development, and enabling Talentbank to further its mission of bridging education and employment.
Students interested in joining the next challenge can register their interest at boardroomchallenge.io.
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