KUALA LUMPUR, 12 August 2025 – At the Young Executives Sustainability Summit (YESS) 2025, more than 200 young professionals, advocates, and industry experts came together at MIDA Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, to chart a future where business success and sustainability go hand in hand.
Organised by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), this year’s summit carried the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Young Leaders Redefining Sustainability”. It served as a platform for emerging leaders to strengthen their skills, deepen their knowledge, and expand their networks—preparing them to champion ESG-driven change within their organisations and beyond.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, underscored the unique position of young leaders in translating national sustainability policies into action. “The young leaders gathered at YESS 2025 are the crucial link between these national policies and on-the-ground implementation,” he said, calling them the driving force that will turn Malaysia’s green economy ambitions into tangible results.
Empowering Young Changemakers
Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB, reminded attendees that young professionals are already influencing the direction of business. The newly launched Young Executive Sustainability Changemaker Recognition Badge was introduced to honour individuals making measurable impact through sustainability initiatives in their workplaces. “It represents their leadership, dedication, and commitment to accelerating the shift towards a sustainable future,” said Faroze.
Y.A.M. Tengku Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Y.A.M. Tengku Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of young voices in shaping a sustainable and inclusive economy. She officiated the launch of the Recognition Badge, marking a milestone in acknowledging youth-led corporate sustainability efforts.
From Grassroots Action to National Influence
The summit spotlighted stories of young professionals from Malaysia and Brunei who are embedding ESG principles into core business operations, proving that innovation and purpose can redefine industry norms. Discussions explored how values-driven strategies can coexist with commercial growth, highlighting youth-led initiatives that challenge the “business-as-usual” mindset.
Closing the event, a fireside chat with YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa and former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, traced his journey from youth activism to policymaking. His message was clear: purposeful leadership at any stage—whether in the boardroom, the community, or Parliament—can shape long-term, systemic change.
A Collective Step Towards 2030
With support from Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad as Event Patron; Malaysia Aviation Group, Poni Group Sendirian Berhad and Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad as Event Partners; and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) as Strategic Partner, YESS 2025 reinforced the role of young professionals as a driving force for achieving the region’s sustainability targets by 2030.
With #YESS2025, UNGCMYB reaffirms its commitment to advancing business sustainability in Malaysia and Brunei, supporting the region’s efforts to deliver significant, measurable impact by 2030.
