Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Joins United Nations Global Compact to Advance Sustainability Efforts

KLIA, 17 January 2023: In pursuit of its aspiration to advance sustainability efforts across its organisation, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a global initiative that promotes responsible business practices and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

As the first aviation company in Malaysia to join this initiative, MAG is committed to aligning its operations and strategies to the UNGC Ten Principles, which outline the business’ core human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption principles. 

Through this global initiative, MAG will benefit from accessing local and global sustainability tools and resources; and implementation of culture and talent development programmes, including the incorporation of the UN Global Compact Academy into the learning syllabus to increase awareness and deepen Group-wide engagements in sustainability. 

Captain Izham Ismail, Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG commented, "We are pleased to join the United Nations Global Compact to strengthen our commitment in adopting sustainable business practices, joining a growing list of more than 20,000 companies in over 160 countries who have committed to the UNGC's Ten Principles and share the same values and goals for a sustainable future. Beyond achieving our net-zero goal, we believe that partnerships and collaborations will be essential to propelling our efforts holistically and delivering a positive impact on the environment, society, and governance, and chart our way forward for long-term success." 

Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) said “We are delighted to welcome Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to the United Nations Global Compact. As a sector that plays a critical role in connecting people and driving economic growth, the aviation industry has a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable business practices. We look forward to working together to create a more sustainable future for all."

Since the launch of MAG Sustainability Blueprint in April 2021, the Group has continued to accelerate its Sustainability Blueprint agenda in all sectors, inspiring positive change through various initiatives. In addition to supporting the United Nations’ 13th SDG (Climate Action), these initiatives target three other SDGs: Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). 

In the near term, the Group will focus on four (4) priorities to achieve net-zero from the ground up through measures taken within all its operations, including implementing fuel efficiency programmes such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Other initiatives include the Carbon Accounting project, which tracks the Group's GHG emissions to help develop a decarbonisation strategy and mitigation plan; the fuel efficiency plan, fleet renewal programme, the installation of solar panels; waste management programme and utilisation of Electrical Vehicles to reduce ground carbon emission in near future. 

The Group is also committed to increasing female employees in technical roles and reducing income inequality in line with its commitment to IATA’s 25by2025 initiative to strengthen and improve female representation within its organization and the wider aviation industry. As a responsible business, the Group has also incorporated sustainable practices into its day-to-day operations and collaborated with stakeholders and partners from the ecosystems to address long-term business challenges in the future as part of its commitment to promoting socioeconomic development underpinned by strong good governance.