AWARDS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why is ESG important for businesses?

As countries and businesses worldwide shift focus towards their sustainability goals, the adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles has become vital for companies to remain competitive regionally and globally.

In addition to regulatory and stakeholder demands, investors are increasingly using ESG – alongside traditional financial metrics – to evaluate potential investments.

Practising ESG principles allows companies to motivate their peers, reassure consumers and investors, while also being recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading companies championing ESG.

Read more about ESG: https://staresgawards.com.my/news.aspx

2. What is the objective of the awards?
The ESG Positive Impact Awards aims to recognise and showcase Malaysian companies whose ESG practices have made a demonstratively positive impact on the community.
3. How many categories are there?
There are a total of sixteen (16) categories. Six (6) under Environment, five (5) under Social, one (1) under Governance and four (4) under Others.
4. When is the deadline?

The final submission date is 16 April 2026.

5. Is my company eligible to participate in the awards?

To qualify for the awards, your company must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be duly incorporated in Malaysia in accordance with the Companies Act 2016. [Companies registered under the Companies Act 1965 are deemed to have been registered under the Companies Act 2016]
  2. For groups of companies, only those companies incorporated in Malaysia in accordance with the Companies Act 2016 are eligible to apply either individually or as a group.
  3. Submit audited financial statements for the past three (3) consecutive financial years.
  4. Entries can be for projects that are ongoing or completed between July 2025-December 2025. However, the project will only be judged based on impact made between January 2025-December 2025.
  5. The organisation must not be bankrupt, and does not have any legal suit / reputation that impairs the image of this award program.
  6. The organisation must provide regulatory or acknowledgement documentation for presented initiatives (i.e., government engagement and acknowledgement letters, news clippings, media articles, etc.)
6. Are the awards on a company or project basis?
The awards are on a project basis, so if you are running multiple projects within your company or group, you can choose to submit more than one project.
7. Do only projects from a certain time period qualify for the awards?
Only ESG projects from 2021 onwards are allowed to be submitted for the awards.
8. If my company’s financial year end is on 31 December, can we upload audited financial documents from 2022, 2023 and 2024 instead?
No, audited financial reports from 2023, 2024 and 2025 will need to be submitted. A Company Management Report is also accepted.
9. Who will be judging the awards?
Introducing our esteemed panel of ESG judges – a diverse and accomplished group drawn from a spectrum of renowned institutions. These institutions contain independent bodies specialising in governance and risk management, a prominent multinational financial services corporation, government agencies with a vested interest in sustainable development, innovation and growth, as well as reputable non-profit organisations actively engaged in economic, financial and business research, both in Malaysia and across the global landscape. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and a broad perspective to the evaluation and recognition of excellence in the realms of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.
10. Will we be presenting our submission to the judges?
There will be no presentations during the initial judging process. Once this stage is complete, the top two (2) winners from each category will be invited to present their submissions to the judges for The Most Outstanding ESG Project award.
11. How much is the submission fee?

There is a non-refundable processing fee of RM1,300 per category per submission for SME to Mid-Tier Companies and Large Companies.

Bank details:

Account name: STAR MEDIA GROUP BERHAD

Account number: 312143597238

Bank name: Standard Chartered Bank

Email: esg@thestar.com.my

12. When will the results be announced?
The results will be announced during the awards night held on July 2026
13. What will the winners receive?

For all WINNERS

  1. Coveted trophy at the Awards Night Use of ESG logo / monogram on corporate and A&P collaterals
  2. Exposure through publicity (print and online)
  3. Opportunity to attend and speak at special workshops/clinics/webinars aimed at helping companies grow and move forward

For all PARTICIPANTS

  1. Complimentary seat (for company CEO/Managing Director/Head of Company) at the Awards Night
  2. Opportunity to self-check, network with key business professionals and the business fraternity
14. Is my information confidential?
Yes, all submissions are confidential and will only be used during judging sessions.
15. I still have more questions.
Contact us at esg@thestar.com.my for more information.