SME Sustainability E-Learning Course Graduation Ceremony On September 27, 2022
Kuala Lumpur, 30 September 2022 – The first batch of SMEs graduated and received certificates for their completion of the SME Sustainability eLearning course. The program was designed by UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) in collaboration with Taylor’s University to educate SMEs on how to integrate sustainability into business modules by learning how to assess, evaluate, monitor and communicate their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data into best practices.
Business is constantly evolving, and this program equips participants with an understanding of sustainability in the business context while exploring the relation between business, environment and the community at large. The learning modules provided frameworks that can be adopted and adapted into strategies and action plans.
As Malaysia’s first sustainability course for SMEs, this graduation ceremony not only signifies the completion of the SME Sustainability eLearning course but marks an important milestone in the sustainability journey for the country.
SME participants came from a variety of industry backgrounds, such as engineering, contracting, IT and services. In the opening remarks at the graduation ceremony, Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB congratulated all the SMEs for their commitment to learn and grow their business sustainably.
“To thrive in the business landscape of tomorrow, businesses today need to pivot towards more sustainable business models. And the first step in this transition is education, to help gain a better understanding of sustainability. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate this first group of SMEs learners here today, who have successfully completed the SME Sustainability eLearning course. Thank you for your commitment to the program.” said Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB
He also took a moment to thank Taylor’s University, for being collaborators in making this program possible. “Together with Taylor’s University, we are excited to see the positive impacts you will have in your sectors. While defined as small to medium sized businesses, collectively, you can make a significant difference towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” he added.
When faced with the reality that sustainability adoption is still slow amongst businesses in Malaysia, what needed to be addressed first was education. Therefore, this course was co-created by UNGCMYB and Taylor’s University to provide SMEs with foundational knowledge on sustainability in the business context and to illuminate its link to business resilience.
“Taylor’s is pleased to collaborate with UNGCMYB to build and equip SMEs with the knowledge and understanding surrounding sustainability. The issue of developing a sustainable supply chain is a fast-developing area that carries significant impact in the business, environmental, and social aspect of SMEs. The SME Sustainability eLearning course is meant to fill the knowledge gaps that are required to facilitate a sustainable practice. Today, Taylor’s Business School is ranked No.97 in the world, and the top private business school in Southeast Asia for Business and Management Studies based on the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. As we continue to pave the way in rankings, we aspire to continuously work with like-minded partners such as UNGCMYB to contribute to the development and application of business knowledge. Our premier business school is research-led and internationally focused, serving communities, professional bodies, and the corporate world at large.” said Professor Khong Kok Wei, Executive Dean, Faculty of Business & Law, Taylor’s University.
The course has 6 modules consisting of pre-recorded videos and reading materials that introduces participants to strategic sustainability tools and frameworks such as the SDGs, materiality assessment methods, setting ESG targets and data collection. Each module is up to an hour long of learning and is available in two languages: Bahasa Malaysia and English. To ensure participants’ understanding as they progress, knowledge is assessed through multiple choice questions along with activities. These need to be completed before participants can move on to the next module.
The SME Sustainability eLearning course is open for registration now, sign up by clicking on the link below: