OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
How we create long-term value for our business, people, communities and the environment.
As a leading digital and telecommunications conglomerate across nine countries in ASEAN and South Asia, we aspire towards advancing a digital future where people, planet and our business can collectively thrive.
By harnessing the immense capabilities of digital technology to connect, empower and drive positive change, we continue to move closer to realising our vision.
Championing Sustainability
Since our founding, we have progressively strengthened our commitment to sustainability, taking a leadership role across the ESG spectrum while aligning our actions to international standards and approaches.
Axiata Is Founded
Published our 1st Sustainability and National Contribution Report
Launched our 4P Sustainability Framework
Beyond Short-Term Profits
Nurturing People
Process Excellence & Governance
Planet & Society
Adopting Advancing To Zero
Strengthened Our ESG Efforts
Furthering Our Sustainability Journey
Commenced adoption of all four Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) recommendations
Launched our refreshed Axiata Sustainability Framework
Launched the Axiata Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy
Laying a Stronger Groundwork
Refreshed our Winning Culture framework
Joined the Internet Watch Foundation to contribute to a safer internet environment for all, especially children
Championing Sustainability
Since our founding, we have progressively strengthened our commitment to sustainability, taking a leadership role across the ESG spectrum while aligning our actions to international standards and approaches.
Axiata Is Founded
Published our 1st Sustainability and National Contribution Report
Launched our 4P Sustainability Framework
Beyond Short-Term Profits
Nurturing People
Process Excellence & Governance
Planet & Society
Adopting Advancing To Zero
Strengthened Our ESG Efforts
Furthering Our Sustainability Journey
Commenced adoption of all four Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) recommendations
Launched our refreshed Axiata Sustainability Framework
Launched the Axiata Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy
Laying a Stronger Groundwork
Refreshed our Winning Culture framework
Joined the Internet Watch Foundation to contribute to a safer internet environment for all, especially children
SUSTAINABILITY YEAR IN REVIEW
- Ranked #22 among technology and communications companies worldwide in the Digital Inclusion Benchmark
- Joined the Internet Watch Foundation to ensure a safer internet environment for all, especially children
- #1 telco in 3 markets based on Net Promoter Score (NPS)
- Developed Group- level AI Governance & Ethics Standards
- Submitted near-term and net-zero targets to SBTi based on a 2022 baseline for validation
- Climate Action Winner for Large Corporations by UNGC Malaysia & Brunei
- Integrated climate risk into our ERM Policy and conducted preliminary quantification of climate-related opportunities
- Rolled out People Quality Framework Group-wide
- Logged in 238,578^ training hours in 2023
- More than 28 million beneficiaries for investments made across communities we operate in
- 11 volunteers trained under Axiata Foundation for disaster preparedness with the Malaysia Relief Agency
- Successfully completed all activities identified in the 3-year ABAC Plan FY2021- 2023 and achieved a strong maturity and effectiveness in its compliance programme
- Axiata Cyber Fusion Centre recognised as Cybersecurity Project of the Year Award by Cybersecurity Malaysia
- 69%^ proportion of spending on local suppliers Group-wide
- Total GDP contribution USD8.7 billion
- Supported 0.6 million jobs across our markets
- Invested a total of USD4.8 billion in capex + opex
- Total taxes and fees paid to governments USD1.3 billion
1 National contribution figures include:
(i) Our six OpCos (XL, Link Net, Dialog, Robi, Smart, EDOTCO (excluding EDOTCO Myanmar));
(ii) Our operations in Malaysia for seven entities within the Malaysia Digital Ecosystem (Axiata Group Berhad, ADA Malaysia, Axiata Digital Labs Malaysia, Boost Malaysia, EDOTCO Malaysia, Axiata Foundation and Axiata Enterprise); and
(iii) CelcomDigi, which is a material Key Associate Company of Axiata, proportioned to our share of CelcomDigi, which is 33.1%
Our Sustainability Framework
The Axiata Sustainability Framework ensures that our approach remains aligned to current sustainability developments and stakeholder expectations.Â
Pillared on four key imperatives and underpinned by our core values, the framework guides the continued integration of ESG considerations within our operations, empowering us to advance a better and more sustainable future for all through technology and innovation, in line with the UN SDGs.
Our Sustainability Targets
As part of our sustainability framework, we adopted a set of targets across key material matters to drive progress against our sustainability commitments. Download the full report to see our progress against these targets in 2023.
Material Matter
Digital Inclusion
Target
Improve the lives of around 23 million people between 2022 to 2025 in the areas of healthcare, education and financial inclusion (inclusive of digital skills)
Material Matter
Climate Change
Target
Become net-zero no later than 2050
- Reduce our operational network emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 45% from a 2020 baseline by 2030. However, this baseline has been revised to 2022. The baseline and near-term target is pending SBTi validation.Â
- Set baseline and target for Scope 3 by end 2023
Material Matter
Fair, Diverse & Inclusive Employment
Target
30% women in Axiata Group Berhad (Holding Company) senior leadership team by 2025
Material Matter
Digital Integrity
Target
Build Digital Trust & Resilience to ensure the protection of customer information and the security of critical infrastructure
- Rank among the top 25% in the ASEAN region on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) maturity industry benchmark by 2025
Material Matter
Business Ethics & Governance
Target
Create long term value by fostering a winning culture based on integrity, ethics and compliance achieved through mandatory training and awareness programmes for people and broader stakeholders
- 90% training completion for Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC), Whistleblowing, Data Privacy & Cyber Security yearly
30% women’s representation in Axiata Group Berhad (Holding Company) Board of Directors (BOD) by 2025
Strengthening Sustainability Governance
We consistently review and refresh our sustainability governance to improve our sustainability management and approach. Through this, we aim to strengthen Group oversight of our OpCos and guide them towards achieving our shared strategic objectives.
Determining What Matters
We conduct a detailed materiality assessment every two years, with a yearly review in between, to ensure that our focus on ESG matters aligns with our impact on society. The process includes consideration of the perspectives of our stakeholders, current sustainability issues, changes to our industry and regulatory changes.
Engaging Our Stakeholders
We maintain open and continuous dialogue with our valued stakeholders to better understand their evolving concerns. The insights we gain enable us to stay abreast of emerging issues across our regional footprint, driving the creation of targeted initiatives and sustainability strategies.
Society Organisations
Investors & Analysts
& Government
Management & Board
Why They Are Important
Our customers encompass both individual and enterprise customers. We value each of our customers and prioritise their experience on our network, as well as the impact of our solutions and services. We are committed to delivering optimal performance to meet our customers’ expectations and enhance their user experience.
How We Engage
We undertake a range of surveys across our markets to understand customer satisfaction and expectations. Scores are benchmarked against our peers and data analyses, among other factors, driving operational excellence.
- Customer surveys (Throughout the year)
- Engagements and activities (Throughout the year)
Why They Are Important
Our customers encompass both individual and enterprise customers. We value each of our customers and prioritise their experience on our network, as well as the impact of our solutions and services. We are committed to delivering optimal performance to meet our customers’ expectations and enhance their user experience.
How We Engage
We undertake a range of surveys across our markets to understand customer satisfaction and expectations. Scores are benchmarked against our peers and data analyses, among other factors, driving operational excellence.
- Customer surveys (Throughout the year)
- Engagements and activities (Throughout the year)
Why They Are Important
How We Engage
We engage with key suppliers to understand the solutions and services that can enhance operational excellence. We collaborate with our business partners and suppliers to address improvement opportunities during performance management meetings and the Annual Supplier Forum.
- Direct engagements and meetings (Throughout the year)
- Tenders and bidding (Throughout the year)
Why They Are Important
We operate within a diverse and rapidly developing economic region. We acknowledge that active community participation and engagement are essential components of our social licence to operate.
How We Engage
We build relationships with the community through partnerships with local NGOs to promote digital inclusion initiatives, corporate responsibility programmes and assess the needs of local stakeholders. We communicate our initiatives through digital and print media.
- Continuous communication through email and
multi-platform messaging applications (Throughout the year) - Ad-hoc meetings (As needed)
- Annual meetings (Annually)
Why They Are Important
As owners of Axiata, shareholders and analysts provide us with the financial capital needed to sustain our growth. They are entitled to receive a return on their investment and to be apprised of developments within the Group.
How We Engage
We hold Annual General Meetings (AGM) to meet and be accountable to shareholders. We also regularly partake in investor roadshows/ conferences to continuously engage with shareholders, analysts and prospective investors on matter relating to strategy, financials and corporate developments, including ESG-related matters.
- Quarterly results calls with analysts (Quarterly)
- Investor conferences (Throughout the year)
- Annual General Meetings (Annually)
- Analyst and Investor Day (Annually)
- Shareholder and investor engagements (Throughout the year)
- Analyst engagements (Throughout the year)
- ESG questionnaires (As needed)
Why They Are Important
The media provides a platform to communicate with our key stakeholders and local communities. Media channels allow us to promote new products and services, make corporate announcements and share thought leadership ideas, opinions and insights.
How We Engage
We engage with the media through interviews, press releases, conferences and other engagement activities.
- Media releases and interviews (On-going)
- Regular updates to key regional and international
editorial contacts (On-going) - Advertorial placements (As needed)
- Media-hosted panel events (As needed)
- Media enquiries (As needed)
- Quarterly media engagement during the release of financial results (As needed)
- Media briefings and press kits (Quarterly)
- Internal events (Annually)
- AGM media briefing session (Annually)
Why They Are Important
Our regulators and authorities specify the national laws and regulations that determine the licence and scope of our activities in our respective markets of operation. They provide our OpCos access to operating licences, and impose regulatory measures which have potential cost implications for the Group.
How We Engage
We proactively engage with country regulators and authorities through industry meetings, leadership platforms and capacity building works to support and enable the digital ecosystem.
- National Regulatory Authority (On-going)
- Top leadership, e.g. Prime Minister-level,
President-level (As needed) - Heads of regulatory agencies (Monthly)
- Ministers responsible for ICT and digital sectors
- Ministers related to investments, trade, foreign
affairs and finance (Annually)
Why They Are Important
How We Engage
We engage with relevant industry bodies through regular discussions and business roundtables to continuously improve the telecommunications industry.
- Meetings, discussions and roundtables with
industry bodies such as United Nations Global
Compact Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) and
GSMA (As needed)
Why They Are Important
Our innovative and diverse workforce is essential for delivering the best digital experience to our customers. We cultivate a culture of high performance and accountability, which attracts, develops and retains the best talent to execute our business strategy.
How We Engage
Axiata conducts an annual Employee Engagement Survey and regular townhalls, and utilises a range of digital platforms to stay engaged with employees across the Group.
- Updates are broadcasted on television channels (On-going)
- Updates via Scoop (our intranet platform) and
ad hoc information (As needed) - Townhalls (Quarterly)
- Employee engagement survey (Annually)
Advancing The UN SDGs
In support of the global sustainable development agenda, we have aligned our sustainability framework with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals established by the UN General Assembly to make the world a better place by 2030.
For 2022, we have identified nine UN SDGs that align with our sustainability agenda, and which we shall aim to advance through our initiatives.
Amplifying Our Impact
Through our memberships and participation in key local and global organisations, we gain access to insights, skills and networks that enable us to deliver greater impact.
GSMA
We drive collaboration within the mobile ecosystem as a member of the Board and working team of GSMA, while also participating in key initiatives under GSMA including the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, Climate Action Taskforce and Connected Women Commitment Initiative.
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
We joined the UNGC in November 2022, pledging to incorporate the compact’s Ten Principles that enshrine ethical business practices concerning human rights, labour, environment and corruption.
CEO Action Network (CAN) Malaysia
As a member of this network and co-lead/secretariat of its Policy Advocacy Workstream, we work collaboratively with CEOs and Board members from other leading companies to shape future-ready and ESG-integrated business models and ecosystems.
TM Forum
Since 2010, we have been a member of this 850+ alliance of global companies working together to break down technology and cultural barriers between digital service providers, technology suppliers, consultancies and systems integrators.
30% Club
As a member of the 30% Club, we advocate for the achievement of minimum 30% women representation at all senior decision-making tables – including Boards and C-Suites – across Malaysia.
UN WEP
Reaffirming our dedication to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment within the Group, we became a signatory to the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP) in 2023.
Business Integrity Alliance
As a member of the Business Integrity Alliance, we are actively engaged in collaborative efforts aimed at combating corruption and promoting business integrity.
FIRST
(Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams)
We strengthened our incident response and cybersecurity resilience by becoming a member of FIRST in 2019. As a member, we are connected to incident response teams worldwide, enabling us to benefit from knowledge sharing, global collaboration and timely threat alerts.
Internet Watch Foundation
We became a member of IWF in December 2023, committing to increasing public awareness of the impact of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), helping prevent its spread through URL blocking and ensuring a safer internet environment for all, especially children.
CREST
We became a member of CREST and attained CREST accreditation in 2023. CREST is an international not-for-profit membership body representing the global cyber security industry, and CREST accreditation is awarded to companies that are recognised as offering the highest quality and most professional cyber security services.
Our Performance In Numbers
Read about the impact we made in 2022.
Our Sustainability Reports
Sustainability Reports
Reporting Suite
Download past reports produced by the Axiata Group, including Integrated Annual Reports, Governance & Audited Financial Statements and Sustainability Reports.
2023 Reports
2022 Reports
2021 Reports
2019 Reports
2018 Reports
2017 Reports
2012 Reports
Reporting Suite
Download past reports produced by the Axiata Group, including Integrated Annual Reports, Governance & Audited Financial Statements and Sustainability Reports.
2023 Reports
2022 Reports
2021 Reports
2019 Reports
2018 Reports
2017 Reports
2012 Reports
Sustainability Reports
OpCo Website and Sustainability Reports
