A friend of mine, a senior UN representative in the Philippines, asked me to help him with a tree-planting programme at his school in Labis, Johor.

I looked online at the Labis Municipal Council (MDL). However, neither was reachable despite providing a landline number and feedback email address.

I was then provided with the contact number of a Yang Berhormat (YB) in Labis, to whom I spoke to regarding the tree-planting programme, and was informed that the school could plant any trees they preferred.

He then provided me with the contact number of the MDL landscape officer for more details. Once contacted, the officer informed me that the MDL did not provide any form of assistance to schools regarding this programme; the school would have to bear all costs for the programme, including renting a backhoe to prepare the soil for tree planting.

Upon discovering these issues, I was struck by the urgent need for action.

It made me question the roles of local authorities and elected parliament members in addressing the pressing climate challenges we all face.

Their apparent lack of knowledge or urgency towards climate change, and their choice to prioritise other matters, is a cause for concern.

The lack of Environment, Social and Governance, was apparent and shocking.

It’s clear that the only way to control climate change is through education and enforcement. Once we start educating ourselves and others about the issue, we can then enact laws to enforce governing rules.

This is where the role of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in educational institutions becomes crucial.

In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, the need to integrate ESG principles into our education curricula has never been more pressing.

These principles are not just a part of our education, but are the key to shaping a sustainable future.

This feature explores the significance of ESG and climate change education in Malaysian schools, colleges and universities; identifies existing gaps and challenges, and proposes actionable solutions to foster a sustainable future.

The urgency of ESG and climate change education

Like many nations, Malaysia faces multifaceted environmental issues exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable practices.

The nation grapples with challenges from deforestation to plastic pollution that demand immediate attention and informed action.

However, integrating ESG principles into educational frameworks remains sporadic and insufficient.

Ignorance and challenges in Malaysia

Malaysia’s status as a significant consumer of microplastics in food underscores a critical lack of awareness and proactive measures regarding environmental sustainability.

The prevalence of single-use plastics and inadequate waste management systems contribute to this alarming issue, impacting human health and ecological balance.

Despite these challenges, educational institutions often fail to prioritise comprehensive ESG and climate change education.

Current landscape and gaps

■ Educational institutions: a missed opportunity

The teaching of environmental science and sustainability in Malaysian schools, universities and colleges often lacks depth and practical application, as this is a measurement index for every publicly listed company and even government bodies.

While some institutions may include basic environmental studies, integrating ESG principles across disciplines remains inadequate.

Students graduate without a thorough understanding of sustainable practices, leaving them ill-equipped to tackle environmental challenges professionally and personally.

■ Policy and curriculum deficiencies

The Malaysian education system’s curriculum guidelines prioritise traditional subjects over contemporary issues like climate change and sustainable development.

There is a notable absence of standardised frameworks mandating ESG education at all levels.

This disjointed approach perpetuates a cycle of ignorance and undermines efforts to achieve national sustainability goals.

■ Societal perceptions and industry influence

In Malaysian society, misconceptions about environmental issues and their relevance prevail.

Public discourse on climate change often takes a backseat to economic priorities, reflecting a lack of urgency in addressing environmental degradation.

Moreover, industry influence, particularly from sectors reliant on unsustainable practices, can hinder policy reforms and educational initiatives promoting ESG awareness.

Pathways to change

■ Integrating ESG into curricula

To address these challenges effectively, Malaysian educational institutions must prioritise integrating ESG principles into their curricula.

This entails revising existing frameworks to include interdisciplinary sustainability, environmental ethics, and corporate responsibility courses.

By embedding ESG education across disciplines, institutions can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious leaders equipped to drive sustainable development.

■ Collaborative initiatives and partnerships

Collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises is crucial in advancing ESG and climate change education.

Partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, funding opportunities for sustainability projects, and the development of educational resources tailored to local contexts.

Initiatives such as sustainability workshops, community outreach programmes, and industry-academic partnerships can enhance student engagement and foster a culture of sustainability.

■ Empowering educators and students

Empowering educators with professional development opportunities in ESG and sustainability pedagogy is essential for curriculum implementation.

Institutions can enhance the quality and relevance of ESG education by equipping teachers with updated resources, training workshops, and interdisciplinary teaching strategies.

Similarly, promoting student-led sustainability initiatives, clubs, and research projects empowers learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering innovation and advocacy.

Case studies and success stories

■ Best practices from global models

Drawing inspiration from global models of ESG integration in education, Malaysian institutions can adapt successful strategies to local contexts.

Countries like Sweden, where sustainability education is mandatory across all subjects, demonstrate the efficacy of comprehensive ESG frameworks in fostering environmental stewardship from a young age.

By studying such models, Malaysian educators can glean insights into effective curriculum design, policy advocacy, and community engagement strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating ESG and climate change education into Malaysian schools, universities and colleges is not merely an educational enhancement but a societal imperative.

Addressing ignorance and apathy towards sustainability requires concerted efforts across educational, governmental, and industrial sectors.

By prioritising ESG principles in curricula, fostering collaborative partnerships, and empowering stakeholders, Malaysia can nurture a generation of environmentally literate citizens capable of driving positive change.

Embracing this transformative journey towards sustainability ensures a resilient future for generations, where environmental stewardship is ingrained in every facet of Malaysian society.

As Malaysia navigates its role in the global fight against climate change and environmental degradation, integrating ESG principles into education is a definite step towards achieving national sustainability goals and safeguarding the planet for future generations.

(Ravindran Raman Kutty, Fellow and Council Member of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia, IPRM, to commemorate July 16 International Public Relations Day.)