WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? At UEM Edgenta, we uphold the fundamental principles of human rights, ensuring they apply universally, regardless of individual differences. As a responsible business, we are committed to adhering to human rights laws and standards across our operations, supply chains, and business partnerships. We strive to ensure that our external stakeholders share our dedication to fair labour practices, ethical treatment of communities, and respect for human dignity. This commitment is embedded in our core values and remains a fundamental aspect of our corporate identity. Failing to uphold human rights standards can have serious and far-reaching consequences for our organisation. Violating human rights can lead to legal repercussions, including fines and sanctions, and damage our reputation in the eyes of customers, partners, and the wider public. It can also result in the loss of business partnerships and disrupt supply chains if our stakeholders do not share our commitment to fair practices and ethical treatment. Additionally, failing to respect human dignity and fair labor practices can lead to unrest within our workforce and communities, undermining trust, employee morale, and overall productivity. A disregard for human rights would not only tarnish our corporate identity but could also threaten our long-term sustainability and growth. WHAT IS OUR APPROACH? HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACT ASSESSMENT UEM Edgenta has made human rights a priority across its operations, guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). In 2024, the company conducted a Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA), covering its employees, supply chain, and community investment initiatives. This assessment serves as a key step in identifying human rights impacts and shaping future policies, including the development of a Human Rights Policy expected in 2025. Additionally, we are committed to upholding our employees’ right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. The HRIA also involved a gap assessment against the UNGPs, resulting in recommendations and a roadmap to address six salient issues for employees, five for suppliers, and three for community investments. To further embed human rights across its business, UEM Edgenta conducted human rights awareness sessions in 2024 and reinforced policies such as the Code of Conduct, Whistleblowing Policy, and Anti-Bribery and AntiCorruption (ABAC) Policy. Additionally, the HRIA aims to inform and guide UEM Edgenta’s subsidiaries and international operations on human rights due diligence (HRDD) processes, ensuring ongoing assessment of human rights impacts as part of its core business practices. UEM Edgenta maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards all forms of exploitation, including child and forced labour. The company’s approach is guided by the Employment Act, with the latest amendments effective from 1 January 2023, which prohibit forced labour practices, in alignment with International Labour Standards. With respect to fair wages, UEM Edgenta’s HR practices adhere to the Employment Act, ensuring compliance with the minimum wage requirements and other relevant regulations. The company also aspires to meet the national living wage standard as part of its long-term commitment to fair compensation. To uphold human rights and labour standards, UEM Edgenta has established several key policies and frameworks, including the Code of Conduct, Code of Conduct for Business Partners, Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy, Whistleblowing Policy, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement, Gender Diversity Policy, and the Notice on Sexual Harassment. The company safeguards whistleblower confidentiality to foster a safe and secure working environment. On a day-to-day basis, human rights-related responsibilities are integrated into the company’s HR operations. Human Resource Business Partners (HRBPs) work closely with the Industrial Relations (IR) team to address any potential human rights violations. To prevent, mitigate, and address human rights concerns, UEM Edgenta conducts ongoing human rights awareness sessions, emphasising management’s zero-tolerance position on any violations. HUMAN RIGHTS ASSESSMENT In 2024, UEM Edgenta recorded zero incidents of human rights violations. 195 ENHANCING VALUE THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY
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