Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – PUMM, a development platform for entrepreneurs in Malaysia, has recently developed the ‘Forward Asia Strategic Transformation (FAST)’ movement aimed at supporting innovative business model transformation across ASEAN.
Under this initiative, the organisation seeks to inspire entrepreneurs and businesses to adopt ESG and artificial intelligence for innovation, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness. This will be launched through a 15-stop roadshow and a landmark summit in November 2025.
According to the organisation, this move was driven by the rapid rise of AI, climate instability, social disparity, and declining public trust in technology as key drivers behind the move.
The first leg of the roadshow took place on April 17, 2025, with the theme ‘How ESG and AI Integration Can Help You Avoid Losing Market Share & Unlock Profits’. This was led by Edison Choong, deputy director of strategic planning and deputy sustainability lead at MATRADE.
In his talk, Choong discussed actionable insights on how the fusion of ESG values and AI solutions can unlock business opportunities, mitigate risks, and ensure market resilience.
He specifically noted, “Integrating ESG with AI is not just about compliance; it’s about leveraging technology to drive responsible growth and innovation. Businesses that embrace this integration are not only protecting their market share but also pioneering new models for sustainable success.”
Dato’ Dr. Teh Tai Yong, president at PUMM, also said, “While ESG is often associated with large corporations, SMEs have the agility and innovation to lead in this space too. At PUMM, we encourage our members to start early and start small. Meaningful steps such as improving energy efficiency, promoting fair employment practices, or ensuring transparent governance will build their resilience and long-term value.”
“At its core, ESG isn’t just an option—it’s an imperative strategy. And at PUMM, we’re committed to helping our members future-proof businesses. Companies need to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles that attract investments that can expand their ventures into new markets. This is one of the best ways they can earn the trust of today’s consumers and stakeholders,” he further explained.
More than just a series of events, the organisation further pointed out that FAST serves as a regional initiative designed to address the convergence of tech innovation, human progress, and the urgent need for planetary action. It also provides a platform to connect minds, share insights, and co-create solutions for sustainable growth.
The next roadshow series will be conducted at KL Wellness City, Bukit Jalil, on May 8, 2025. This event will feature Dato Sri Dr Vincent Tiew and Cris Angel as speakers to share insights on ‘How aligning mind, body and soul can improve employee productivity & business profit’.
“Our mission through FAST is to foster a dynamic ecosystem of visionary leaders who will build thriving, responsible businesses that serve society and safeguard the planet,” said the organising chairman, Yens.
“We must combine the principles of ESG with the transformative power of AI to unlock new business models—ones that drive profit and create positive impact for society. Together, we must move FAST—for the climate, for business transformation, and for the future of humanity,” he added.
