• Sunway embraces the principle that true progress in sustainability is achieved through collective and collaborative action, leveraging a robust network of business partners and sustainability-focused organisations to unite diverse stakeholders in driving strategic, impactful solutions to critical challenges.  

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN) lay down a clear proposition: that the most daunting challenges of our time, like climate change, inequality, and resource depletion, cannot be solved in silos.  

They demand collaboration on a grander scale, transcending geographies, industries, and mindsets. Partnerships have always been the backbone of advancing the SDGs. Such collaborative partnerships are key to creating value and unearthing new opportunities for sustainable innovation and growth. 

The pursuit of sustainability is not a zero-sum game. Instead, it creates a future far greater than the sum of its parts.  

“Achieving the SDGs is not the responsibility of governments alone. It requires the collective effort of all sectors—business, academia, civil society, and every single individual. We are all in this together, and together, we can create a future that goes beyond what any one entity can accomplish alone.” ~ Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Sunway Group Founder and Chairman. 

Allies in sustainability

As one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates, we recognise and leverage the unique position that Sunway has across 13 industries. 

Our robust network of business partners and long-standing relationship with sustainability-focused organisations has enabled us to form meaningful partnerships to engaging strategically and effectively. 

Crossing sectors, borders and ideologies, diverse stakeholders—banks, governments, small businesses, and transnational organisations—have convened in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur as a collective unit to confront critical challenges. 

Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is home to several institutions and centres that lead continent-wide sustainable initiatives such as the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Asia headquarters.

Based at Sunway University, these leading institutions facilitate collaboration between local and global organisations to advance the sustainability agenda through initiatives such as the ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Development, the Asia-Pacific Solutions Forum and the Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting.

Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is home to several institutions and centres that lead continent-wide sustainable initiatives such as the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Asia headquarters.  

Based at Sunway University, these leading institutions facilitate collaboration between local and global organisations to advance the sustainability agenda through initiatives such as the ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Development, the Asia-Pacific Solutions Forum and the Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting.  

Across borders for a sustainable future

At Sunway, we recognise that strategic partnerships are crucial in the face of insurmountable challenges to sustainable development such as climate change and poverty. 

To amplify the impact of initiatives and advocacy for the sustainability agenda, we formed a strategic partnership with the European Union (EU) to leverage mutual strengths, shared knowledge and funding, capacity building and joint initiatives. 

In 2024, the fourth global coral bleaching event unfolded as the world’s three largest ocean basins; the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian; experienced record-shattering marine heatwaves – a stark indication of climate change. 

To raise awareness about the coral crisis, a vibrant exhibition was held at Sunway Pyramid to feature the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems, while communicating the urgency of conservation. 

Mall-goers also enjoyed a fundraising game of “Hoops for Reefs” that translated into donations from the EU to support Reef Check Malaysia’s marine conservation and restoration efforts. 

The campaign was a microcosm of Sunway’s ethos: small, everyday actions amplified through collaboration to create meaningful impact. 

Local Actions for Global Goals 

In Malaysia, more than 405,000 people live in absolute poverty, facing challenges like poor living conditions, limited education, and unemployment. Located just two kilometres from Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, the Desa Mentari public housing project is one such community. 

The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Development Programme initiated by our education arm Sunway University as well as the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation aims to tackle urban poverty through education, community engagement and sustainable solutions. 

This research-driven programme adopts a multisectoral team of experts and is a collaborative effort between JCF, Sunway University, NGOs, local councils, government agencies, educational institutions, industry partners, civil society groups and the Desa Mentari community.  

Various community transformation projects have been led by more than 1,200 Sunway University students who are working hand-in-hand with residents to bring lasting change.  

To ensure the sustainability of these initiatives, 48 community leaders and representatives from Desa Mentari have pledged to form an activation task force, ensuring these initiatives continue to grow and thrive. 

Through research and cross-sector collaboration, it is our hope to design a long-term solution that effectively addresses urban poverty worldwide. 

 Building Green Knowledge Through Conversations  

As a firm believer of “progress over perfection”, Sunway embraces open dialogues with business partners and industry peers to lead impactful and meaningful communication towards shared environmental, social and economic goals. 

By creating deeper dialogue that engenders understanding and learning, we can learn from one another and work together in advancing our sustainability goals drive.

This philosophy extends to Malaysia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and future business leaders, which we aim to future-proof through education.  

• At Public Bank’s Embracing Sustainable Development programme for over 200 SME property developers, Sunway Group executive director of chairman’s office Mr. Ong Pang Yen posed a thought-provoking question, “Why Should You Care about Sustainability?” and highlighted how integrating sustainable practices is not just an ethical imperative but a smart business move that will equip SMEs to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  
• At the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce’s ESG Horizons 2024 Conference, panellists came together to explore the intersection of sustainability, economic growth and technological innovation. Sunway University’s head of Jeffrey Sachs Center of Sustainable Development and associate professor in the School of Biological Studies at Sunway University, Dr. Chen Jit Ern emphasised the critical role of research in anchoring Malaysia’s sustainability goals. 
• Raising changemakers in sustainability, OCBC Bank’s Graduate Talent Immersion Programme gathered over 100 young budding leaders from across Asia in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, to experience firsthand what it means to balance growth with social and environmental responsibility, and how ambitious goals are backed with actionable strategies. 

Staying true to our vision  

As we look towards Sunway’s next 50 years and beyond, we remain fully committed to the sustainability agenda and our belief that progress is possible when businesses, governments, and communities stand – not apart – but together. 

Climate action, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development are not standalone issues; they are threads in the same tapestry.