Question 1

What are the SDGs?

Accepted Answer

The Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, are 17 interconnected global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. They address economic, social and environmental priorities, including poverty, education, climate action, responsible consumption, decent work and strong institutions, with a target date of 2030

Question 2

Why do SDGs for Malaysian businesses matter?

Accepted Answer

SDGs for Malaysian businesses provide a recognised framework for connecting sustainability priorities with strategy, risk management and measurable outcomes. They can also help companies respond to investor expectations, customer requirements, supply-chain requests and emerging sustainability-reporting obligations.

Question 3

Are the SDGs mandatory for companies in Malaysia?

Accepted Answer

No. The SDGs are not a legal reporting standard, certification or regulatory requirement. However, Malaysian companies may use them to support sustainability strategy, ESG reporting and stakeholder communication. Separate obligations may apply under Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework and Bursa Malaysia requirements.

Question 4

What is the difference between the SDGs, ESG and the NSRF?

Accepted Answer

The SDGs describe global development outcomes to be achieved by 2030. ESG focuses on how an organisation manages environmental, social and governance impacts, risks and opportunities. Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework provides a structured basis for sustainability-related disclosures using IFRS S1 and IFRS S2.

Question 5

Do Malaysian SMEs need to report under the NSRF?

Accepted Answer

Most SMEs are not directly included in the initial phases of the NSRF. However, they may still receive sustainability-data requests from listed companies, multinational customers, banks, investors or supply-chain partners. Preparing basic governance, emissions and workforce data can help SMEs respond more efficiently.

Question 6

How can a company start aligning its strategy with the SDGs?

Accepted Answer

Begin by identifying the organisation’s most material environmental, social and governance impacts, risks and opportunities. Select the SDGs most relevant to the business, set measurable company-level targets, assign clear ownership, establish reliable data processes and report progress using an appropriate framework.

Business Guides in Malaysia

SDGs for Malaysian Businesses: A Practical ESG and NSRF Guide

Navigating the NSRF: 5 Key IFRS S1 & S2 Challenges for Malaysian Finance Leaders

Sustainability Reporting in Malaysia: Unlocking Profit in Planetary Action

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