Business action must generate and stimulate inclusive growth

Companies need to respect human rights and shape the future of work in an era of digitalization and automation.  In 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) establishing a global standard on the roles of businesses and governments in ensuring companies respect human rights. We at BCSD Malaysia advocate for companies within our membership and beyond, to embed the UNGPs into their operations.

Many migrants from other countries in Southeast and South Asia reach Malaysian cities and plantations to work in the construction, electronics, manufacturing and palm oil sectors.  There is a very high number of undocumented workers in Malaysia, very often a hidden and neglected workforce.

Malaysia is the world’s second-largest palm oil producer supplying to many global brands around the world. Palm oil companies and other companies in Malaysia are bound by the global market and local regulatory requirements to disclose their commitment to addressing human rights issues. While human rights are becoming a common feature in some companies’ public disclosure, there may be a lack of further elaboration and substance.

​BCSD Malaysia supports companies in ensuring that they remain in tune with the needs, rights, goals and aspirations of society against the backdrop of this rapidly evolving landscape. This includes efforts to promote sustainable lifestyles and the adoption of innovative solutions at a systemic level, considering products, infrastructure, technology, business models, behaviours and aspirations.

BCSD Malaysia, through its Social Impact Project, offers as a safe pre-competitive space in which the leading companies can gather and initiate collaborative action, spearhead new methodologies and advocate for progressive policies to the government of Malaysia and other relevant authorities.

If you wish to know more about the activities of the Social Impact Project or if you wish to join BCSD Malaysia please:

Our initiatives: Business for Human Rights and Environment Malaysia (BHRE-M) Platform 

BCSD Malaysia’s Business for Human Rights and Environment in Malaysia (BHREM) platform is a safe, pre-competitive space for members of the business community to convene and educate themselves on the significance of human rights. We provide capacity building and promote the adoption of global compliance standards and sustainable practices in an organization’s operations and supply chains.

We believe that there is an imminent need for a better understanding of human rights compliance in the context of company risk management, especially in relation to supply chains, key export markets, and global standards. Responsible business conduct is ever more important, particularly when it comes to mitigating risks as a result of non-compliance.

Forward thinking CEOs are sending clear messages to raise the bar for human rights performance, embed human rights in corporate culture, set clear expectations of suppliers and business partners, and drive innovative collaborations with peers, government and civil society.

Their companies stand to enhance their business performance by reducing legal and regulatory risk, strengthening reputation, protecting their license to operate, acquiring and retaining talent, winning customers and earning their trust and loyalty. As a result, investors increasingly care, affecting companies’valuation and cost of capital.

Most importantly, these leaders drive their companies to go beyond risk and compliance and bring transformative, positive change to the lives of people who are affected by business operations.

​