Certified ESG Professional Programme

Course Overview

In a world where sustainable practices are becoming paramount, your expertise in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters will set you apart, making you a valuable asset in the sustainability arena.

This Certified ESG Professional Programme will enhance your credentials and open doors to new opportunities in both established and emerging industries.

Learning Outcomes

With this course, you will:

• Become a qualified ESG professional.
• Understand the core principles of sustainability and their relevance in diverse industries.
• Apply ESG criteria to foster responsible decision-making.
• Master the art and the techniques of integrating sustainability into business strategies and finance decisions.
• Perform materiality assessments to identify key elements for ESG disclosures, ensuring transparent communication of your organisation’s sustainability performance to stakeholders.
• Define Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and explain their impact on business value 
• Utilise various tools and frameworks to support the implementation of ESG practices in businesses

Course Modules

Introduction to ESG

This module introduces you to the foundational concepts of ESG principles. It covers the definition and evolution of ESG, providing a comprehensive overview of why ESG matters in the modern business context. You will learn about the business case for ESG, understanding its importance and impact on business value.

ESG Landscape and Frameworks

You will explore the global and Malaysian ESG landscapes, examining key trends and regulatory developments that guide ESG practices. The module includes an overview of international social and climate-related developments, such as COP28, and discusses how these developments influence ESG strategies in businesses.

Incentives and Financing

You will understand the Malaysia government’s commitment to make sustainability more ‘Affordable’ for SMEs via various incentives and financing. Some topics include: Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS), Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE), MyHIJAU Mark, Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF), Business Recapitalisation Facility (BRF), Disaster Relief Facility 2022 (DRF 2022), Green Funds & Green Procurement, Electric Vehicle Incentives, Green Building Index (GBI), and CCPT - Malaysia’s Taxonomy Green Financing Options

Anti-Corruption and Ethics

Focusing on building a culture of transparency and accountability, this module covers anti-corruption measures and the different forms of corruption. Participants will learn about the impact of corruption on businesses, society, and the economy, and will review case studies to understand real-world applications.

Governance

You will explore the principles and practices of good governance within organisations and the business case for ethics and integrity. Topics include embedding governance principles in organisations, the impact of good governance on business, and practical steps for implementing effective governance practices.

Business and Human Rights

This module addresses the social component of ESG, emphasising the importance of human rights and labour rights. You will learn about the business case for respecting human rights and the implementation of human rights policies. The module also includes discussions on international labour standards, responsible labour practices, and the due diligence required for human rights and labour policies.

Environmental Sustainability

This module delves into the concept of environmental footprint and the business case for environmental practices. You will learn about greenhouse gas emissions, including the GHG Protocol and methods for calculating Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as other environmental factors such as water, ocean, biodiversity, waste. The module also covers drafting and implementing environmental policies, conducting environmental audits, and reviewing case studies of companies leading in environmental sustainability.

Sustainability Reporting

The final module introduces you to sustainability reporting, including an overview of the sustainability reporting landscape. You will learn how to conduct materiality assessments and identify key elements required for ESG disclosures. Practical tools and frameworks, such as the Materiality Matrix Toolkit and the SME ESG Disclosure Guide (SEDG), will be used to facilitate participants in effectively communicating their organisation's sustainability performance to stakeholders.

Assessment

To qualify for certification as a Sustainability Professional, you will undergo a knowledge-based assessment to evaluate your understanding and application of ESG principles. The assessment includes a case study on a specific ESG issue faced by a company. You will assume the role of a sustainability associate and devise a plan to address the issue using the insights gained from the course.