CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“CGS MY”) today hosted its third annual ESG and Sustainability Conference 2025, themed “Malaysia’s Next Step.” The full-day event brought together policymakers, industry experts, and sustainability leaders to discuss actionable strategies that will accelerate Malaysia’s transition toward a net-zero economy by 2050. The conference was officiated by YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Malaysia, who also delivered the keynote address.
In his keynote speech titled “Malaysia’s Next Big Step?”, YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah highlighted the critical urgency for Malaysia to embrace a low-carbon future, calling it not only a policy objective but a moral responsibility. He noted that while Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s power generation is still predominantly reliant on fossil fuels (close to 80%), regional cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid recently played a vital role during Malaysia’s October blackout, when neighbouring countries like Singapore and Thailand stepped in to supply electricity. He emphasised that the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), launched in August 2023, provides a clear framework for achieving a just and inclusive transition—one that balances energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of a Thematic Report on Nuclear for Malaysia’s Energy Transition, jointly produced by CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (“CGS International”) and Panmure Liberum, a leading independent investment bank from the UK. The report, presented by Joachim Klement (Managing Director, Panmure Liberum), Kevin Lee (Group Head of Sustainability, CGS International), and Tabitha Hui (Associate Director, Sustainability Services, CGS International), explores nuclear energy’s potential role in Malaysia’s long-term energy mix.
The study reveals that introducing a 10% nuclear share could significantly reduce total power sector emissions compared to a non-nuclear pathway. It also identifies Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a practical solution to provide stable, low-carbon baseload power—especially critical as Malaysia’s data centre sector is projected to consume over half (52%) of Peninsular Malaysia’s electricity by 2035. The report estimates that a 10% nuclear energy expansion may require up to US$300 billion in investment but could strengthen Malaysia’s energy security while complementing renewable energy efforts. However, it emphasises the need for clear policy guidance under the ASEAN Taxonomy to enable access to green financing instruments such as sustainability-linked and transition bonds.
Puan Azizah Mohd Yatim, Chief Executive Officer of CGS MY, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to driving sustainability leadership in Corporate Malaysia. “As Malaysia charts its next step forward, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial to accelerate the national energy transition,” she said. “Through our Carbon and Sustainability Advisory Services, we help clients map decarbonisation pathways, integrate ESG into business strategy, and access green and transition financing to achieve Malaysia’s low-carbon goals.”
Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability at CGS International, added that the nuclear report aims to ignite meaningful dialogue on Malaysia’s energy future. “Beyond compliance, ESG must be seen as a catalyst for innovation. Whether through green finance, new energy technologies, or climate adaptation, the key is collaboration and long-term thinking,” he said.
The conference also featured expert panels and discussions on energy security, water infrastructure, labour reforms, carbon projects, and the economic risks of underinvestment. Key participants included the Malaysia Association of Energy Service Companies (MAESCO), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), IBM, and EY.
Through its annual ESG and Sustainability Conference, CGS MY continues to champion Malaysia’s sustainability agenda by fostering cross-sector collaboration, encouraging ESG integration in business and capital markets, and empowering organisations to invest in the nation’s sustainable and resilient future.
For more information about CGS MY’s ESG initiatives and to access the Thematic Report on Nuclear for Malaysia’s Energy Transition, visit www.cgsi.com.my.