Leader Energy Group has secured Double Platinum at the 11th Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA), earning the highest honour in two categories — Asia’s Best Sustainability Report (Human Rights) and Asia’s Best Sustainability Report (Private Company). As Media Partner, ESG Post spoke exclusively with Dato Sean H’ng Chun Hsiang, Executive Deputy Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, to understand the leadership ethos behind the company’s achievement.
In a wide-ranging conversation, he discussed sustainability as the foundation of Leader Energy’s strategy, the importance of transparent reporting, the board’s role in driving ESG priorities, and why responsible leadership must move “from ambition to action” in this decisive decade for climate and sustainability.
Congratulations on your company’s success at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards. What does this achievement signify from a leadership perspective?
Winning Double Platinum at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards is a proud moment for all of us at Leader Energy. From a leadership standpoint, this recognition validates our commitment to embedding sustainability at the heart of how we grow and lead . It’s not just about recognition — it’s about accountability, transparency, and the trust we build with our stakeholders. It also reflects the collective effort of our teams across the region who live our values every day.
How does sustainability fit within your overall business strategy and long-term value-creation goals?
Sustainability is not a parallel track — it is the foundation of our business strategy. As a renewable energy company, our purpose is inherently aligned with the global energy transition. But beyond clean power generation, we see sustainability as a driver of operational excellence, risk management, and long-term value creation. Whether it’s through decarbonisation, inclusive growth, or responsible governance, sustainability is how we future-proof our business and deliver values to all stakeholders.
What role do you personally play in setting and steering the sustainability agenda within the company?
As Leader Energy’s Executive Deputy Chairman and Group CEO, I see it as my responsibility to champion sustainability from the top. I work closely with our Chief Sustainability & Strategy Officer and senior leadership to ensure ESG goals are integrated into our strategic planning, investment decisions, and performance reviews. I also engage regularly with stakeholders to understand their expectations and ensure our sustainability agenda remains ambitious and relevant.
Many CEOs now see sustainability as a competitive advantage. How has it shaped innovation, market growth, or stakeholder trust for your organisation?
Sustainability has been a catalyst for innovation at Leader Energy. Our Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) — Malaysia’s first grid-connected BESS — is a prime example of how we’re pushing boundaries to support grid stability and renewable integration. It has also opened new market opportunities and strengthened our reputation as a forward-thinking energy player. Stakeholder trust has grown as a result — because people see that we’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re delivering it.
Why do you believe sustainability reporting is vital for corporate leadership today?
In today’s world, leadership without transparency is no leadership at all. Sustainability reporting is how we demonstrate our impact, our progress, and our integrity. It’s also a tool for reflection — helping us identify gaps, set targets, and stay accountable. For corporate leaders, it’s no longer optional. It’s a strategic necessity that builds trust, attracts capital, and drives continuous improvement.
How do you ensure that sustainability performance remains a board-level priority amid other business pressures?
We’ve embedded sustainability into our board agenda through regular ESG updates, risk reviews, and strategic discussions. Our senior management team and board members are actively involved in setting sustainability targets and reviewing performance. We also link ESG outcomes to executive KPIs — ensuring that sustainability is not just a talking point, but a performance driver at the highest level.
Could you share an example of a major decision or investment where sustainability considerations played a decisive role?
Our entry into Sarawak with a 140 MWp solar project was a strategic move guided by sustainability. Beyond the commercial opportunity, we evaluated the project’s potential to support local development, biodiversity protection, and long-term energy resilience. The decision was shaped by a holistic view of impact — financial, environmental, and social — and it reflects how we approach growth in every market.
As regulatory frameworks such as ISSB gain traction, how do you view their impact on Asian businesses?
The ISSB standards are a game-changer. They bring much-needed consistency and comparability to sustainability disclosures, raising the bar for everyone. For Asian businesses, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. It levels the playing field globally. At Leader Energy, we welcome this shift. We’re already aligning with ISSB and see it as a chance to strengthen investor confidence and sharpen our ESG strategy
Looking ahead, what are your top three sustainability priorities for the next three years?
- Scaling Renewable Capacity — We aim to accelerate the growth of our clean energy portfolio, expanding our reach across Asia while reinforcing our core business. This includes advancing solar, wind, hydro, and energy storage projects that contribute directly to our 2030 targets.
- Advancing Net-Zero Pathways — We’re electrifying our operations, transitioning to electric vehicles, and actively reducing Scope 3 emissions through supply chain decarbonisation. These efforts are part of our broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Deepening Social Impact — We continue to invest in inclusive hiring, community partnerships, and gender equity initiatives — including the Leader Energy Women’s Network. These programmes foster empowerment, allyship, and long-term social value across the regions we serve.
What message would you like to send to your peers and the wider business community about responsible leadership in this decisive decade for climate and sustainability?
This is the decade that will define our legacy. As leaders, we must move from ambition to action — from pledges to proof. Responsible leadership means making bold decisions today that benefit generations tomorrow. It means listening, learning, and leading with purpose. My message to fellow leaders: sustainability is not a cost — it’s the currency of future relevance.
