Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, 24 June 2024 – Sunway Group (“Sunway”) and the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia (“EUD”) entered into a strategic partnership to advance a broad range of joint sustainability initiatives.

This landmark collaboration between the diplomatic mission of the world’s largest trading bloc and one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates marks another significant milestone in both entities’ commitment towards a net zero future.

The existential threats posed by climate change require greater ambition and increased action on sustainability.

Through this partnership, Sunway and the EUD are committed to fostering a more sustainable and greener future by leveraging mutual strengths, shared knowledge and funding, capacity building, and joint initiatives.

Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia Chargé d’affaires a.i Timo Goosmann said, “The European Union is glad to partner with Sunway Group to raise awareness on sustainable practices in Malaysia.

The EU has worked diligently to ensure that environmental sustainability becomes a common vision. At home, EU has adopted the European Climate Law, which defines that Europe’s economy and society must become climate neutral by 2050.”

Sunway Group executive director of chairman's office Ong Pang Yen added, “The partnership between the EU and Sunway reflects the spirit and importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG), in particular UN-SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals.

We look forward to working with the EU and its Member States to do as much as we can in making meaningful and purposeful progress towards achieving as many of the UN-SDGs as possible here in Malaysia and throughout the region.”

Goosmann and Ong signed a Letter of Intent to formalise this partnership at a signing ceremony in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, which was witnessed by Sunway Group CEO of Digital and Strategic Investments Evan Cheah and Embassy of Belgium in Malaysia Deputy Head of Mission Pierrick Massaux.

In Malaysia, the EU works together with various Malaysian organisations to combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Among others, the EU supports wildlife conservation, smart cities and sustainable business practices and continues to explore new critical areas of collaboration.

At Sunway, since making a pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 three years ago, the diverse conglomerate has implemented several carbon reduction initiatives.

These include introducing an internal carbon pricing strategy into all its business divisions, among the first in Asia to do so, as well as a first-of-its-kind green lease partnership programme among tenants and lessors through its Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) arm.

This year, Sunway is pioneering a unique initiative to address urban poverty through the Desa Mentari Community Observatory project.

A multi-sector team comprising the private sector, civil society and educational institutions will design a holistic and data-driven approach to resolving quality-of-life issues in Desa Mentari, a public housing scheme in Subang Jaya with a community of close to 30,000 residents.

About Sunway Group

Established in 1974, Sunway Group is one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates with 13 business divisions across more than 50 locations primarily in Asia. Our 16,000-strong team is committed to sustainable development and socio-economic progress through our diverse businesses including core interests in real estate, construction, education, healthcare, retail and hospitality.

Sunway is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and continues to align them with our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets as part of our corporate strategy and social responsibility towards driving the group's long-term success and deepening our commitment to nation-building. 

Our three public-listed companies — Sunway Berhad, Sunway Construction Group Berhad, and Sunway REIT — form a real-estate value chain that exemplifies socially responsible business practices.  For more information, visit www.sunway.com.my

About European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.

The Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia works together with Malaysian authorities, businesses, education institutions, cultural institutions and civil society to promote closer ties and cooperation. EU in Malaysia also supports and collaborates with Malaysian and regional non-governmental organisations working towards achieving Malaysia’s development goals and UN SDGs.