Content area
Full text
Introduction
During a time when Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are gaining importance, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays a crucial role in influencing corporate behaviour and its impact on society and the environment. This is especially important in the dynamic and continuously changing areas of telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and courier services, which are crucial to the socio-economic structure of Malaysia. These industries, known for their wide influence and significant impact on everyday life, are in a prime position to lead significant efforts towards sustainable development and environmental preservation. CSR initiatives in these industries, especially among corporations licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), have not been thoroughly investigated. The decision to examine telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and courier services companies in Malaysia for a CSR study is based on key factors highlighting the sectors’ significant influence on economic, social and environmental aspects.
According to projections, BRICS will emerge as the main economic engine, and ASEAN would rank as the world’s fifth-largest trading area (Moudud-Ul-Huq, 2019). However, in addition to facilitating commercial and economic exchanges, the presence of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements between ASEAN and BRICS member nations will pave the way for cooperative investment projects. For the majority of nations, technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure are the main areas that require cooperation. Collaborative innovation initiatives that promote technology development and information exchange may lessen poverty, enhance healthcare and education, and overall support sustainable development (Porca-Konjikusic et al., 2024). For other countries, foreign direct investment (FDI) helps the country achieve the SDGs by improving the environmental and social performance of institutions, raising correct attention, and encouraging regulation (Porca-Konjikusic et al., 2024). Hieu and Hai (2023) asserted that ASEAN and BRICS nations can begin environmental cooperation by working together on conservation projects, exchanging technologies and best practices to fight climate change, and advancing sustainable development. Additionally, this might increase travel between member nations and create ecotourism sites. Economic growth and development would also be supported by collaborating on cooperative projects for biodiversity preservation, renewable energy research, and disaster prevention (Hieu and Hai, 2023). Therefore, as one of the ASEAN member countries, Malaysia should take advantage of this cooperation for sustainable economic growth and at the same time not affect or even improve the quality...