FMM PRESS STATEMENT: FMM Becomes First Trade Organisation in Malaysia to Take Planetary Health Pledge

Kuala Lumpur, November 3, 2026 - The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) today became the first trade organisation in Malaysia to take the Planetary Health Pledge, marking a milestone in mobilising industry commitment to the wellbeing of people and the planet. Close to 30 member companies came together for the inaugural pledge-taking session, held alongside the launch of the FMM Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lapel Pin at the FMM Sustainability Conference 2026. These initiatives reinforce the manufacturing community’s collective commitment to responsible business practices and sustainable industrial growth.

The two initiatives were highlights of the conference, held on November 3 – 4, 2026 at M World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, under the theme “Building Industrial Resilience Through Sustainability in an Era of Global Uncertainty”.
First organised in 2023, the conference has become an annual flagship event of FMM, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, experts and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore practical solutions and strengthen collaboration on the manufacturing sector’s sustainability priorities.

Officiating at the conference, FMM President Mr Jacob Lee Chor Kok emphasised the connection between industrial resilience, environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of people.

“The long-term prosperity of industry is closely connected to the health of our people and the environment. This is why we are highlighting two important initiatives today: the FMM Planetary Health Pledge and the launch of the FMM SDG Lapel Pin,” he said.

Translating planetary health into business action

Developed in collaboration with the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH), the pledge recognises that the health of people, businesses and economies depends on the health of the planet. It encourages manufacturers to integrate environmental stewardship, human health and social wellbeing into their business decisions.

Through the pledge, participating companies commit to improving energy and resource efficiency, reducing waste and emissions, advancing low-carbon operations, minimising harm to ecosystems and promoting sustainable sourcing and production. It also encompasses safe, healthy, inclusive and resilient workplaces, positive contributions to communities, and the development of solutions and partnerships that advance sustainable manufacturing.

Mr Lee stressed that participation should be accessible to manufacturers at different stages of development, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“We recognise that companies, particularly SMEs, are at different stages of their sustainability journey. What matters is the willingness to begin, make progress and continuously improve,” he said.

FMM expressed appreciation to SCPH, for working with FMM to translate the planetary health concept into a commitment that businesses can embrace.

FMM will organise subsequent pledge-taking sessions to enable more companies to participate, broadening industry commitment to planetary health and encouraging continuous improvements across manufacturing operations and supply chains.
The FMM SDG Lapel Pin complements this initiative as a visible reminder of the manufacturing community’s shared responsibility towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It encourages business leaders and employees to reflect these goals in their everyday decisions and actions.

Connecting national priorities with manufacturing needs

The conference also highlights the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP), with a keynote address by Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, Chairperson of the NPHAP and Immediate Past President of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.

Built around six Key Result Areas, 53 strategies and 222 action plans, the NPHAP provides a national framework for addressing the interconnected challenges affecting human health, the environment and economic resilience.

FMM looks forward to working with SCPH and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia to broaden industry understanding of the Plan and encourage manufacturers to support its objectives through practical improvements in their operations and supply chains.

Mr Lee emphasised that businesses require access to cleaner technologies, technical expertise, skilled talent and financing to translate national sustainability priorities into action. Continued government–industry engagement is essential to ensure that initiatives respond to business realities, particularly the capabilities and constraints of SMEs.

Strengthening capabilities and collaboration

The two-day conference covers industrial decarbonisation, climate and carbon management, circular economy, sustainable supply chains, green logistics, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, standards and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Parallel sessions enable participants to explore topics relevant to their organisations’ priorities.

FMM is also strengthening industry–academia collaboration to support cleaner production, energy efficiency, resource recovery and circular manufacturing. Its partnerships with 13 universities provide a foundation for connecting manufacturers with research expertise, technologies and talent.

“Let us use this conference to strengthen partnerships, exchange practical solutions and advance a manufacturing sector that remains competitive while taking greater responsibility for people and the planet,” Mr Lee said.

DOWNLOAD FMM PRESS STATEMENT

Mr Jacob Lee Chor Kok
President, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing
FMM Advocates Transparency, Integrity, Accountability and No Corruption

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