Regional media powerhouses form Asia’s first sustainability impact consortium

Rudyard Arbolado

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia — Star Media Group (SMG) of Malaysia, Media Group of Kompas Gramedia (KG Media) of Indonesia, and the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC) of the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form the Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium, with a shared mission to foster influence that promotes sustainability principles as the main driver of green economic growth across the region.

The first cross-border alliance of its kind, the consortium will strategically leverage the prowess of the three media powerhouses to facilitate collaborative action between stakeholders, businesses, and the general public, collectively reaching 123 million people across the region.

SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang, who was instrumental in the establishment of the consortium, emphasized the need for a strategic collaboration to help accelerate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda not only within each country but also across the continent.

“There is a pressing need for clarity and support to facilitate a smoother transition towards ESG alignment in business practices. This in addition to the regulatory barriers from various international regulations, as well as reporting standards that businesses are expected to adhere to and prioritize as these will impact them.”

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“By forging this strategic alliance, we aim to amplify our impact on various fronts and make a difference through our shared objectives across the diverse platforms owned by our esteemed partners and Star Media Group,” she said.

3-pronged strategy

The Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium strives to build a future where sustainability is at the core of communities. This will be achieved through a three-pronged strategy — education, engagement, and community — that will be led by each of the group’s brands — StarESG, KG Media Lestari, and the Inquirer ESG Edge.

Andy Budiman

The consortium’s approach to education involves integrating sustainability into the social consciousness through a comprehensive media strategy that spans print, digital, and social media platforms.

Under the engagement aspect, the alliance aims to bridge the gap between newcomers and experienced sustainability practitioners by creating opportunities and fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth.

To strengthen its impact, the consortium will establish a like-minded fraternity that will serve as a voice of authority on sustainability matters. This community of experts and enthusiasts will provide insights and guidance, shaping discussions and advising key stakeholders that will contribute to the development of impactful and lasting solutions.

Right ecosystem

SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said that by creating the right ecosystem, this consortium could be a driving force in fueling momentum, uniting diverse stakeholders, and shaping a sustainable future for our region.

“Through this, we hope that we will be able to encourage greater adoption among companies and inspire them to be part of this movement. It is a journey that must be embarked on collectively, turning aspirations into actions to effectively advance the transition to net zero and shape a sustainable future for our region.”

Chan Seng Fatt

CEO of KG Media Andy Budiman also said that this alliance will be able to bridge the communication gap between stakeholders, businesses, and the general public. It can advocate for policies and initiatives prioritizing humanity, socioeconomic equality and environmental sustainability.

“This alliance is a prime opportunity for regional leaders to promote policies and initiatives that prioritize humanity, socioeconomic equality, and the environment,” said Budiman.

Best practices

IGC chief executive officer Sandy Prieto Romualdez said, “Initiatives by the Consortium include the sharing of webinar topics and speakers, seminars, knowledge discussions and other events which will encourage the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices, accelerating the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions for sustainability.”

Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO, lawyer Rudyard Arbolado, added, “These combined efforts amplify the collective voice of partner corporations and institutions, enabling them to play a more influential role in shaping industry standards, policies and practices related to ESG for the benefit of the attendees and other stakeholders.”

As part of its mission, the consortium is looking to collaborate with businesses to amplify sustainable change across the region. To learn more about the consortium and its mission, visit sustainabilityimpactconsortium.asia.

The Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium is also open to other media houses across Asia who would like to join the alliance’s mission of igniting change and making an impact for a sustainable future.