Despite a significant 83% of Malaysian organisations acknowledging the strategic importance of technology in their sustainability strategies, only a mere 35% are reported to be fully harnessing it.
Effendi Azmi Hashim, country managing director of Kyndryl Malaysia and Indonesia, said, "While challenges persist, there is a growing momentum and opportunity in embedding technology into sustainability strategies to turn abstract goals into actionable, data-driven plans."
Sustainability initiatives
The second edition of the Global Sustainability Barometer study revealed that leaders in Malaysia increasingly recognise the benefits of sustainability initiatives.
Difficulties reporting or demonstrating progress, lack of organisational or leadership buy-in, and high costs are the top barriers to adopting sustainability practices. Almost half (45%) consider collecting external data their biggest challenge.
While 92% of organisations collect sustainability-related data to varying degrees, only 20% effectively use it to track, analyse, and optimise performance.
AI and sustainability
The report also revealed that 60% of organisations use AI or automation to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and build sustainable operations. 68% do not consider AI's environmental footprint, and 56% believe AI increases the cost of sustainability initiatives.
Ullrich Loeffler, CEO & co-founder of Ecosystm. "AI can be a game-changer in these efforts, helping businesses optimise resource use, minimise waste, and enhance environmental impact. As AI adoption matures, its influence will ripple across the ASEAN market, fostering collaboration and driving a more sustainable and equitable future for generations ahead."
Global Sustainability Barometer
The second edition of the Global Sustainability Barometer study, conducted by Ecosystm and commissioned by Kyndryl and Microsoft, provides valuable insights from 1,355 global sustainability leaders spanning 20 countries and nine industry groups.
