On the environmental management front, I am proud to share that we operationalised our maiden Asphalt Plant with Recycling Facility in Tapah, Malaysia in 2024 utilising recycled premix pavement materials for the repair and maintenance of the PLUS highway that we manage. This plant will enable us and our clients to reduce milling waste that will otherwise ordinarily get sent to landfills. I am also equally excited to share that we collaborated with our sister company CIMA and client PLUS to develop GreenGuard, a precast concrete New Jersey Barrier produced from green concrete to separate lanes of traffics on PLUS highways. This initiative, which meets stringent safety requirements and benefits the environment, is another project that reflects our commitment to better manage waste in our operations while protecting the safety of our workers and road users. Looking ahead, we are assessing the feasibility of building more asphalt plants with recycling facility in other parts of Malaysia for better milling waste management. We are also taking active steps to consolidate data on waste in our operations and at sites we manage to produce a comprehensive waste footprint and thereafter design plans to better manage waste and promote recycling initiatives. BUILDING OUR SOCIAL VALUE AND SUSTAINABILITY CULTURE In 2024, UEM Edgenta continued its strong commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our employees through a series of targeted initiatives. Our focus areas included employee wellness, road safety, and performance monitoring, all aimed at fostering a healthier workforce and reinforcing a safety culture across the organisation. We placed particular emphasis on enhancing well-being through initiatives designed to prevent non-communicable diseases, reduce absenteeism, and promote both physical and mental health. We also prioritised road safety, with programmes like the ‘Selamat Destinasi’ initiative and defensive driving courses. I’m pleased to share that 8,718 employees successfully completed these trainings in 2024, an 80% increase from the previous year. These efforts have not only contributed to a healthier and safer workforce but have also strengthened our safety culture, creating lasting value for both our people and the company ESG principles are also deeply ingrained in our culture. We believe that nurturing the right mindset, skills, and culture is key to driving our sustainability journey and achieving our long-term objectives. In 2024, our focus remained on empowering our employees through continuous learning and development to keep pace with emerging challenges. This commitment is evident in the progress of the Individual Development Programme (IDP), which allows us to assess competencies, identify areas for growth, and provide tailored learning opportunities. Through this initiative, we ensure that our employees are well-equipped to support our operational efficiency and sustainability goals. This year, I am pleased to note that our staff collectively accumulated more than 330,000 learning hours as part of their ongoing development. As part of our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, we recognize the importance of workplace flexibility, by offering Flexible Work Arrangements including working from home option, which enhance employee satisfaction and well-being but also strengthens our ability to build a diverse and highperforming workforce. This initiative reflects our commitment to protecting employee welfare and creating a positive working environment, while aligning with global shifts towards greater workplace flexibility. Guided by our Sustainability Roadmap, we undertook our first Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) study in 2024 to better understand how our operations affect the rights of our employees, suppliers, and broader stakeholder groups. The study provided valuable insights into potential human rights risks across our business activities, including labour practices, workplace conditions, and supply chain operations. These findings will serve as the foundation for developing our Human Rights Policy in the year ahead, strengthening our commitment to upholding fair, safe, and dignified working conditions throughout our value chain. FORGING AHEAD AND CALL TO ACTION Looking ahead, UEM Edgenta is focused on driving sustainable growth by strengthening its core business in domestic markets and expanding into high-growth regions like the Middle East. Building on the successful acquisition of KAIZEN Group in UAE and the further integration of MEEM in Saudi Arabia, the company will leverage its expertise in integrated facilities management, energy efficiency, and green building services to add value to the real estate and healthcare sectors. Innovation and sustainability will remain central to its strategy, with a focus on enhancing digital capabilities, improving energy performance, and advancing net zero emissions goals. My call to action is clear and impactful: let us collectively embrace collaboration and accountability to drive meaningful change. Whether you are an employee, supplier, investor, business partner, or policymaker, your role is integral to shaping our sustainability future. For employees, this means embedding ESG principles into every action and actively seeking innovative solutions that align with our sustainability objectives. As we gear up to align with the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) requirements, each contribution strengthens our readiness to uphold transparency and accountability in our sustainability journey. Suppliers and business partners are encouraged to adopt responsible practices throughout their operations, as your efforts directly influence our shared value chain. Investors play a crucial role in supporting organisations that prioritise long-term sustainability over short term profits. Policymakers and regulators, meanwhile, have the opportunity to create an environment that rewards sustainable practices and fosters innovation. By working together, with a shared commitment to sustainability, we can maximise our collective impact and build a future that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social well-being. Syahrunizam Samsudin Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer 111 ENHANCING VALUE THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY
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