Regional media powerhouses form Asia’s first Sustainability Impact Consortium

Star Media Group, Kompas Gramedia and the Inquirer Group of Companies form a strategic alliance to accelerate ESG awareness and empower the business landscape in Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: Three Asean media powerhouses have come together to form the Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium, with a shared mission to foster influence that promotes sustainability principles as the main driver of green economic growth across the region.

Star Media Group (SMG), Media Group of Kompas Gramedia (KG Media) of Indonesia, and the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC) of the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding to form this first cross-border alliance of its kind.

The consortium will strategically leverage the prowess of the three media powerhouses to facilitate collaborative action between stakeholders, businesses and the public – collectively reaching 123 million people across the region.

SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang, who was instrumental in the establishment of the consortium, emphasised the need for a strategic collaboration to help accelerate the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda not only within each country, but also across the continent.

“There is a pressing need for clarity and support to facilitate a smoother transition towards ESG alignment in business practices. This, in addition to the regulatory barriers from various international regulations, as well as reporting standards that businesses are expected to adhere to and prioritise as these will impact them.

“By forging this strategic alliance, we aim to amplify our impact on various fronts and make a difference through our shared objectives across the diverse platforms owned by our esteemed partners and Star Media Group,” she said.

The Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium strives to build a future where sustainability is at the core of our communities. This will be achieved through a three-pronged strategy – education, engagement and community – that will be led by each of the media partners’ brands: StarESG, KG Media Lestari and the Inquirer ESG Edge.

The consortium’s approach to education involves integrating sustainability into the social consciousness through a comprehensive media strategy that spans across print, digital and social media platforms.

Under the engagement aspect, the alliance aims to bridge the gap between newcomers and experienced sustainability practitioners by creating opportunities and fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth.

To strengthen its impact, the consortium will establish a like-minded fraternity that will serve as a voice of authority on sustainability matters. This community of experts and enthusiasts will provide insights and guidance – shaping discussions and advising key stakeholders that will contribute to the development of impactful and lasting solutions.

‘It is a journey that must be embarked on collectively, turning aspirations into actions,’ said Chan.SMG chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said that by creating the right ecosystem, this consortium can be a driving force in fuelling momentum, uniting diverse stakeholders, and shaping a sustainable future for our region.

“Through this, we hope that we will be able to encourage greater adoption among companies and inspire them to be part of this movement.

“It is a journey that must be embarked on collectively, turning aspirations into actions to effectively advance the transition to net zero and shape a sustainable future for our region,” he said.

‘This alliance will be able to bridge the communication gap between stakeholders, businesses, and the public,’ said Andy.

KG Media chief executive officer Andy Budiman said this alliance will be able to bridge the communication gap between stakeholders, businesses, and the general public, as well as advocate for policies and initiatives prioritising humanity, socio-economic equality, and environmental sustainability.

“This alliance is a prime opportunity for regional leaders to promote policies and initiatives that prioritise humanity, socio-economic equality, and the environment,” said Andy.

IGC chief executive officer Sandy Prieto Romualdez said: “Initiatives by the consortium includes the sharing of webinar topics and speakers, seminars, knowledge discussions, and other events which will encourage the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices – accelerating the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions for sustainability.”

‘These combined efforts amplify the collective voice of partner corporations and institutions,’ said Arbolado.

Philippine Daily Inquirer president and chief executive officer Rudyard Arbolado added: “These combined efforts amplify the collective voice of partner corporations and institutions, enabling them to play a more influential role in shaping industry standards, policies and practices related to ESG for the benefit of the attendees and other stakeholders.”

As part of its mission, the consortium is looking to collaborate with businesses to amplify sustainable change across the region.

The Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium is also open to other media houses across Asia who wish to join the alliance’s mission in igniting change and making an impact for a sustainable future.

To learn more about the Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium and its mission, go to sustainabilityimpactconsortium.asia.