The second edition of ESG & Brands Forum (EBF) 2025, presented by BitQuest Sdn Bhd in conjunction with the G100 Brand Leadership Summit, successfully convened at the AICB Centre of Excellence, Kuala Lumpur on Sept 25, 2025.
This year’s forum theme: “Smart Growth: Inclusive & Sustainable Branding”, gathered senior decision-makers, regulators, investors and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) professionals to explore strategies that balance profitability with purpose by embedding ESG principles into brand practices.
The event was officiated by Deputy National Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami, underscoring the Malaysian government’s commitment to sustainable economic and branding practices.
The presence of government representatives alongside private sector leaders and civil society reinforced the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing ESG-driven transformation.
Saraswathy said the ESG & Brands Forum 2025 reflected Malaysia’s commitment to fostering an economy that balances growth with responsibility.
“By embedding ESG principles into branding and business strategies, we are not only strengthening competitiveness but also ensuring that our progress is inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.
“Today’s conversations reinforce the importance of public-private collaboration in building trust, driving innovation, and creating long-term value for our people and our nation,” she said.
The one-day forum featured a dynamic programme of keynotes, fireside chats and panel sessions covering a wide range of ESG-driven branding topics.
EBF 2025 drew over 150 participants and speakers from across industries with participation from sponsors and partners. The programme created a platform for sharing best practices, case studies and innovations, while positioning Kuala Lumpur as a hub for sustainable business conversations and thought leadership.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between EBF and AICB Centre of Excellence, a Green Building Index-certified education hub, during the soft launch on August 27, 2025 marked an important milestone, reinforcing the commitments to capacity building, knowledge exchange, and embedding ESG into professional standards and practices.
Shikha Kedia Bharadwaj, organising chairperson of EBF 2025 said the success of this year’s forum reaffirmed the growing momentum for inclusive and sustainable branding.
“By bringing together diverse perspectives, we are shaping a future where brands not only deliver value but also drive positive impact for society and the environment,” she said.
EBF 2025 has set a strong foundation for continued dialogue and action, bridging policy, practice and strategy in ESG integration. Building on the success of this edition, the forum will continue to serve as a platform for brands, regulators, and practitioners to align on purpose-led strategies that deliver sustainable progress.
For more information, visit: https://www.esgbrandsforum.com/
