ESG Horizons Digest #3 (15 November 2024) BMCC Newsletter Issue #433
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In this edition of the ESG Digest, we're shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked 'S' segment in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values. The Social aspect encompasses everything from community welfare and employee well-being to inclusivity and human rights.
Companies that prioritise the social component are recognising that sustainable growth isn’t just about profits or the environment—it’s about uplifting people and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to everyone. |
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To alleviate any reservations about pursuing social responsibility in your organisation, consider joining our inaugural ESG Horizons Conference, taking place this Tuesday (19 November). With the Deputy Minister of MITI, YB Liew Chin Tong, and our panels of experts from BP, Sunway Group, Arup, HANDD Business Solutions, PwC, YTL, FIDE Forum and REDtone Digital, this conference will be the perfect platform to discover the economic benefits of engaging ESG principles in your business.
Register now and discover how a better world makes for better business. |
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Other measures that are promoting ESG include Purple Tuesday, a global initiative dedicated to improving accessibility for people with disabilities, aligns with the “S” in ESG. This year, BMCC’s DEI Network proudly supports Purple Tuesday! |
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By prioritising accessibility, companies take essential steps toward embedding social responsibility into their core values, fostering an environment where every individual can succeed. We invite you to join Standard Chartered's Purple Tuesday on 26 November - to engage with industry experts and advocates and gain actionable insights on inclusive practices.
Standard Chartered's involvement in Purple Tuesday is a powerful example of how financial institutions can lead the way in integrating inclusivity into business practices, supporting a future where every individual has equal access to opportunities. |
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Check Out What Our ESG Horizons Partners Are Doing To Promote 'S' Too: |
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bp is dedicated to social initiatives that enhance livelihoods and foster a culture of equity and respect. Through Race4Equity training and targeted scholarships, bp is working to advance inclusivity and career development, while programmes like Thrive@BP offer health and well-being resources to employees and local communities worldwide. Find out more about BP's efforts to improve people's lives here. |
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Sunway Group through their Desa Mentari Community Observatory, addresses health, education, and economic empowerment in underserved communities. Their urban farming programmes, educational support, and healthcare initiatives provide immediate assistance and foster sustainable growth, embodying Sunway's commitment to equitable community development.
Read more about Sunway's efforts in corporate social sustainability here. |
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We’re committed to fostering and promoting these values across our member network. By supporting initiatives like Purple Tuesday and spotlighting the social impacts of our member companies, we aim to drive the “S” in ESG and empower organisations to prioritise people-centric growth.
Let us together, build awareness for social inclusivity that stands at the heart of sustainable progress. |
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We're halfway through our exciting line-up of ESG Horizons events! If you haven't joined us yet, now's your chance to connect with industry professionals, government officials, and thought leaders and discover how to best do your part! - 19 November: ESG Horizons Conference with Keynote Speaker YB Liew Chin Tong
- 26 November: Scaling Up the Carbon Neutrality Efforts with BSI
Additionally, we are also delighted to support and include member events as part of BMCC ESG Horizons. - 23 and 24 November: Earth Symphony - Green Cirque Fest 2024
- 26 November: Purple Tuesday with Standard Chartered
- 3 December: GenConnect: Building Better Together
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| 19 November | ESG Horizons Conference: Towards a Better Tomorrow |
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THIS TUESDAY!
Discover how digital innovation enables organisations to lead with ESG principles at the flagship event of our 2nd ESG Horizons Campaign!
Be an integral part of Malaysia’s sustainability transformation! Engage industry leaders, government officials, and experts as they discuss strategies and success stories that drive sustainable urban development, energy transition, and economic growth.
Connect with influential figures across sectors to foster collaborations that advance Malaysia’s sustainability goals.
Date: 19 November 2024 Time: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm Venue: Conservatory, Level 3, EQ Kuala Lumpur
Target Audience: Senior leaders and business industry professionals; Top management; Sustainability managers; Health, Safety, and Environmental managers; Policymakers, and Government department
Reserve your spot today and help shape a greener future for Malaysia! |
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| 26 November | Scaling Up the Carbon Neutrality Efforts with BSI |
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Discover in this workshop led by BSI’s Head of Sustainability how your organisation can navigate and maximise its carbon neutrality efforts.
Date: 26 November 2024 Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Venue: BSI Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Target Audience: Senior leaders and business industry professionals; sustainability managers; Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) managers; policymakers, and government officials |
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| 23 and 24 November | Earth Symphony - Green Cirque Fest 2024 with Milestone Production |
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Experience the First-Ever Green Cirque Fest in Southeast Asia Championing Sustainable Development Goals
Date: 23 & 24 November 2024
Time: Saturday | 4:30 pm Sunday | 5:30 pm
Venue: Sunway Amphitheater |
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ESG Horizons is a proud supporter of Earth Symphony – Green Cirque Fest 2024, a celebration and reminder of the importance of protecting our planet.
Be inspired by breathtaking performances and witness world-renowned performers like UniCircle Flow from Japan, the UK’s contortionist Senayt Asefa, and Cirque du Soleil alumni. Through acrobatics, aerial stunts, and more, we’ll highlight the urgency of climate change while celebrating nature’s beauty.
UOB Cardmembers Exclusive Offer: 20% off when purchasing 2 tickets, and 25% off when purchasing 4 tickets, using their UOB card *terms and conditions apply |
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| 26 November | Purple Tuesday with Standard Chartered |
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Join this observance of Purple Tuesday, organised by our ESG Horizons corporate sponsor, Standard Chartered.
Purple Tuesday is an initiative that focuses on raising awareness about the challenges faced by disabled consumers and the need for accessible shopping and service environments. |
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It aims to educate businesses, retailers, and the public about the importance of inclusivity and disability awareness.
Supported by our DEI Network, this event will clarify how accommodating for disability has more impact than you might expect by exploring the three core Purple Pillars: People, Policy, and Placement.
Date: 26 November 2024 Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Venue: Level 4, Wisma Standard Chartered, Bukit Jalil
Attire: Any shade of purple
Target audience: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I) advocates and professionals and policy-makers; Managers and team leaders; Business owners; and Anyone passionate about accessibility and inclusion. |
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| 3 December | GenConnect: Building Better Together Forum by YTL Construction |
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We are thrilled to invite you to YTL Construction’s GenConnect: Building Better Together Forum, part of YTL Group’s 70th anniversary celebration. This is a moment to reflect on their journey, legacy, and vision for building stronger connections across generations. GenConnect aims to explore inter-generational collaboration and reflects YTL's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). YTL's strength lies in the diverse experiences and contributions of every generation. As they celebrate their 70th year in 2025, YTL reflects on corporate values that guide them—honesty and togetherness. This forum will provide a space to blend diverse experiences, engage with thought leaders, and discover how we can navigate generational differences, embrace change, and build a more inclusive future. Let’s celebrate commitments to growth and explore how we can continue to lead in an evolving world. Event Details: Date: 3 December 2024 (Tuesday) Time: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Venue: Bayu Ballroom, Level 6, JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur
You are welcome to bring up to three colleagues. Kindly ensure they RSVP via the form below to confirm their attendance as well. YTL has an exciting lineup of panellists and speakers from different industries, providing us with valuable insights into how different companies are managing and collaborating across multiple generations.
Register TODAY while you stay tuned for the full agenda. We look forward to having you join us for this meaningful event! |
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| MOSTI and TNB Share Updates on HETR and NETR Roadmaps |
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Held on 12 November, representatives from organisations that work in oil and gas, renewable energy, construction, engineering, property development, manufacturing, and legal services gathered at our office to hear these updates from Y.Bhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Deputy Secretary General of MOSTI and Y.Bhg. Datin Ir. Ts. Nor Ziha Zainal Abidin, Head of Corporate Ventures from TNB, and later conducted the panel session as moderator.
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Starting the discussion off with opening remarks was Azman Nasir, Regional Director for APAC of The Energy Industries Council and Chair of the BMCC's Energy Committee. |
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He spoke on the vitality of renewable energy (RE) and the Government's critical role in supporting sustainable innovations that will continue to increase efficiency and draw investment while preserving our environmental ecosystem. |
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Datuk Azman Hassan started his presentation on the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap by highlighting the government's goal to strategically utilise hydrogen to transform Malaysia into a leading hydrogen economy. He emphasised the criticality of developing a robust and competitive ecosystem across the hydrogen value chain. |
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He shared and expounded on the HETR's cumulative goals over the next few decades in Malaysia's journey in renewable energy (RE), predicting that by 2050, Malaysia's RE projects would be: - reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15% in an emission-driven scenario
- generating business-as-usual income of up to 151.7 billion.
- employing green technology, like solar and hydroelectric farms, and biomass and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) facilities en masse.
- utilised in the mobility, non-energy and heat industries, and commercial and domestic sectors
- creating up to 168,000 jobs
Datuk Azman also shared updates on multiple hydrogen projects in East Malaysia, most notably the development of the Kuching Urban Transporation System (KUTS). The development of this trackless electric vehicle equipped with hydrogen fuel cells is designed to reduce traffic congestion in Sarawak's more densely populated areas. |
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During her presentation, Datin Nor Ziha shared TNB's commitment to bringing about a responsible and effective energy transition in Malaysia. She set the stage for TNB's 2050 aspirations: achieving Net Zero and becoming coal-free by investing in and upgrading green technologies such as hydrogen and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). |
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With TNB spearheading Malaysia's energy transition efforts, Datin Nor Ziha highlighted three strategic areas in clean technology that they are focusing on which promote cross-sector and cross-border partnerships. - Accelerating decarbonisation efforts: Flagship projects that TNB is working on include large-scale renewable energy plants like the 2.5GW hydro floating solar hybrid (HHFS) and clean tech (hydrogen, ammonia co-firing, and CCUS) projects.
- Developing a flexible, cross-border grid: Already playing a pivotal role by strengthening our economy through linking Malaysia's power grid with both Thailand and Singapore, TNB also delivers renewable energy through their expansion into solar parks. These large-scale photovoltaic (PV) installations take measures to preserve biodiversity while also meeting the nation's energy needs. This is further supported by the Malaysian Government's instruction of the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS).
- Empowering cross-sector electrification and prosumers: TNB is dedicated to electrifying the transport sector, which holds great potential in reducing pollutants in air and water, protecting public health, and protecting vulnerable communities.
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Following the riveting and informative presentations were a panel session and networking lunch, allowing our other attendees to mingle with the speakers and gain first-hand insights from Malaysia's sustainability pioneers
We owe the success of this event to Datuk Azman Hassan and Datin Nor Ziha. We thank them for their time in sharing their expertise and emphasising how Malaysia's energy transition goals are measurable and achievable. We also extend our appreciation to Azman Nasir for his time and for joining us for this unique opportunity. |
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| DEI Champions - Showcasing Workplace Heroes |
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This November, we will also be featuring individuals who have been championing DEI in their own capacity in their workplaces.
What makes a DEI Champion? An individual within an organisation who actively promotes and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They advocate for creating a more inclusive and open working environment, often by: - Raising awareness by educating others about the importance of DEI and helping to address biases.
- Implementing initiatives that lead or support DEI-related programmes, policies, and practices within the organisation.
- Fostering an inclusive culture that encourages behaviours and practices that promote a sense of belonging for all employees.
- Advocating for change and working to remove barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented or marginalised groups.
- Serving as role models demonstrating inclusive behaviour and influencing others to do the same.
These efforts will be featured in videos that will circulate on our social media during ESG Horizons!
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On top of organising valuable networking and knowledge-sharing events, we are also proud to showcase the efforts of our members who have pledged to make strides in climate action and DEI. |
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| Climate Action Pledges | YTL Construction |
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In January 2024, YTL PowerSeraya won the first request-for-proposal under the Energy Market Authority (EMA)’s new Centralised Process framework to develop a 600 MW hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at its Pulau Seraya Power Station site. The hydrogen-ready CCGT will be at least 30% volume hydrogen-ready, with the ability to be retrofitted to become operationally 100% hydrogen-ready in the future, aiding in emissions reduction. |
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YTL is also constantly investing in clean energy alternatives, product ranges that reduce the environmental footprint of construction, concrete decarbonization, microalgae cultivation, carbon consultancy acquisitions, and more.
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We're proud to share ESG-related initiatives and achievements that our members have undertaken, including sustainability reports.
This commitment to generating positive outcomes is both inspiring and crucial to bettering all aspects of our daily lives and the world we live in. |
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| Standard Chartered's Tackles Inequality with Futuremakers Initiative |
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In 2023, Standard Chartered, with the Standard Chartered Foundation, continued to engage with NGOs, charities and other organisations to empower the next generation to learn, earn and grow through Futuremakers by Standard Chartered. |
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This is their global community initiative to tackle inequality by promoting greater economic inclusion. They provide education, employability and entrepreneurship support to more than one million young people, with 62 per cent of those engaged being women. |
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| Sunway Berhad's Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility |
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In their Sustainability Report, Sunway Group has clarified their commitment to strong corporate social responsibility, aiming to make lasting positive impacts that enrich communities over time. |
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Their programs and #SunwayforGood initiatives focus on empowering underprivileged and marginalised groups to foster inclusivity. These community initiatives are driven by three core pillars of #SunwayforGood: Healthcare, Education, and Community Enrichment. |
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| GSK | Diversity in Clinical Trials and Investments |
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GSK is committed to ensuring all their people can thrive, foster diversity in our clinical trials and support diverse communities, as becoming a more inclusive business is central to their purpose.
They recognise that clinical trials need to reflect the populations affected by the diseases that they are aiming to address. Backed by the latest scientific research, they are working to make sure they recruit participants to their clinical trials in line with epidemiology of the diseases in question. |
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By engaging with and mentoring small and diverse-owned businesses in their supply chain, GSK is also able to help identify potential areas for growth. In 2023, they increased investments with select suppliers in marketing, sales and technology. In addition, they significantly increased partnerships with external advocacy groups, deepened relationships with key existing diverse suppliers, and onboarded new diverse suppliers. |
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| AstraZeneca's Sustainability Report |
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In their ninth annual sustainability report, AstraZeneca has shared their focus in creating a resilient healthcare system that provides equitable care for all.
Through their Healthy Heart Africa (HHA), Young Health Programme (YHP), and Healthy Lung programmes, they have exceeded their goal of reaching their target of 50 million and reached 66.4 million people.
Access the full report here. |
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| YTL Group's Commitment to Enriching Communities |
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Uplifting communities from marginalisation is part of YTL Group’s goal of empowering and enriching local communities and we aim to ease the burden of those in need. |
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Providing such people with instruments to improve their quality of life and develop socio-economically will ultimately benefit both the company and the communities. Additionally, some of our business operations may bring indirect impacts to local communities that inhabit the surrounding environment. |
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| Samadhi Retreats | Providing Opportunities for Orang Asli Communities |
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Samadhi Retreats weaves together dreamscapes that awaken the senses. The company’s advocacy in being at one with Mother Nature extends to treading gently upon the Earth and preserving the beauty we borrow.
Samadhi builds each property entirely using only second-hand old wood sourced from all over Malaysia. The natural landscape of the property’s surroundings is never disturbed; not one tree is felled and not a single boulder removed. |
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One of Samadhi’s favourite materials for both interior and exterior durability is bamboo. A powerful symbol of resilience, strength, flexibility & endurance, bamboo signifies harmony with nature and balance because of its rapid growth rate and renewability. It perfectly embodies the ideas of sustainable living and environmental responsibility. |
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That said, the providers of this raw material are the Orang Asli, the community they have chosen to support, who provide all the bamboo the company uses across their properties, as well as the thatched roofing and housekeeping baskets. |
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Furniture, like the bamboo-textured table tops, countertops, and walls—made with cement-infusion techniques—bamboo beds, casings for AC units, bins and tube lamps, and partitions which are used across Japamala Resort, Villa Samadhi, Tamarind Springs' lounge bar, and FOOK & Tamarind Hill, were made in-house.
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Each item is crafted for durability & timelessness, promoting a low-waste philosophy that aligns with our eco-conscious principles.
Visit Samadhi Retreats' properties and remember to pay a little attention to all the stunning effects created by the natural beauty of bamboo and old wood. |
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The British and Malaysian governments have shown great commitment to taking action on ESG-related issues. As crises in climate and society continue to become a prevalent threat, it is comforting to know that all organisations have the support of the government and the public sector in making positive change. |
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| IPCC Symposium in Kuala Lumpur: Bridging Climate Science and Policy to Accelerate Action |
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On behalf of the British High Commission of Kuala Lumpur, we're delighted to share the news of an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). |
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This one-day symposium, organised by the UK in Malaysia, in support of Malaysia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, will feature discussions on empowering the next generation of Climate Leaders, bridging science and policy, and key sectors for climate action.
Date: 14 December 2024 (Saturday) Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur Time: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm |
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| MGTC | Join Training Sessions on Green Practices for the Industry |
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The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) is hosting a series of training sessions on Green Practices for the Industry |
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These are aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local manufacturers, producers, suppliers, distributors, and service providers to meet the demands of both local and international markets in alignment with the National Green Technology Policy.
BMCC Members are invited to the following training sessions. Brochures for each sector in the links provided:
Venue: Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) Office Tentative Programme: Here
For more information, please contact Mr. Faiz at 019-311 7295 or muhammad.faiz@mgtc.gov.my. |
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We want to hear from you!
If you are a member organisation and have anything to share on how you're making a positive impact in ESG-related spaces, reach out!
Send an email to Chad@bmcc.org.my and let our network know that you are doing your part! |
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British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Berhad 201801018075 (1280091-P) No 02-B, Menara IQ, Lot C7.11, Lingkaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur Copyright © BMCC 2024 |
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