LANGKAWI, Design is not just about aesthetics but it envisions products, processes, and systems that promote longevity, efficiency, and resilience.

Malaysia Design Council (MRM) chairman Junady Nawawi, however, said it is also vital to explore the principles that can lead to reduced carbon footprints, enhanced product durability, and new opportunities for economic growth and social equity.

‘We recognise that the urgency of environmental challenges demands innovative solutions. In recent years, the imperative to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into business strategies has grown exponentially.

‘From reducing carbon footprints to enhancing social equity, organisations worldwide are embracing sustainable practices as both a moral obligation and a strategic advantage.

‘At the heart of this movement lies design, the art and science of creating solutions that meet human needs while respecting planetary boundaries,’ he said in his opening remarks and launching of Asia Design S
haring (ADS) Seminar 2024 here, today.

Junady said empowering ESG through design initiatives in Malaysia involves integrating sustainable practices into various facets of design, from architecture and urban planning to product design and corporate governance.

‘Some key initiatives and approaches that can contribute to this goal are green architecture and urban design, which encourage the adoption of green building practices such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Building Index (GBI) in Malaysia,’ he said.

Circular economy in design, which promotes a circular economy approach where products and materials are reused, repurposed, or recycled, can also contribute to this goal, he added.

Delegates from five countries – Malaysia, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia are part of the ADS this year, while new members are Vietnam and Singapore.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency