Taylor’s Education Group (TEG) strengthened its commitment to sustainability by hosting ESG Festival 6.0, an event designed to encourage meaningful discussions on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues through immersive experiences, collaborative dialogue and community engagement.
Held at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus and organised in partnership with Gamuda Berhad, the festival adopted the theme ‘Food for Thought’, inviting participants to examine whether current sustainability efforts are addressing the most pressing challenges facing society.
Moving beyond conventional panel discussions, the event incorporated a multi-sensory dining experience that encouraged participants to explore ESG-related issues through conversation and shared experiences. The initiative sought to highlight how sustainability can be integrated into everyday decision-making and organisational practices.
Among the speakers were Gamuda Berhad Group Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer Ong Jee Lian; Climate Governance Malaysia Founder and Chairperson Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar; Yayasan MySDG Chief Executive Officer Anita Ahmad and IDEO Consulting Southeast Asia Director Bea Camacho. The session was moderated by Taylor’s University adjunct professor Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming.
Discussions focused on the effectiveness of ESG implementation across industries, including the role of corporate governance, sustainable urban development and leadership accountability in delivering tangible environmental and social outcomes.
The festival also featured an upcycled dining initiative in collaboration with social enterprise Saving Graze, showcasing the value of food rescue and waste reduction efforts. Participants were introduced to sustainability practices centred on responsible consumption and resource preservation.
In addition, a youth dialogue examined concerns surrounding climate anxiety, economic uncertainty and future career opportunities. Creative performances involving refugee participants, including storytelling, music and a waste-to-fashion showcase under the Denim Project, further underscored the links between sustainability, social inclusion and empowerment.
TEG Chairman, Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan said sustainability must be embedded across leadership, governance and operational practices rather than treated as a standalone initiative.
He said the group continues to advance ESG integration across its education and property operations in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, while strengthening governance and reporting capabilities in preparation for evolving sustainability reporting requirements.
Meanwhile, Ong said the partnership between TEG and Gamuda reflects a shared commitment to aligning education, sustainable communities and responsible development to create long-term societal impact.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA