FIRST CITY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES ESG DAY 2025

First City University College recently hosted its annual ESG Day 2025 under the theme “From Campus to Community: Empowering Students Through ESG Action” on 20 August 2025. The event united students, academics, and industry leaders to demonstrate how sustainability can move from classroom learning into real-world practice.

Opening the programme, Head of the Student Services Department, Mr Weladavi Acharige Rahula, said “ESG Day 2025 was about turning awareness into action. From the industry forum to the pledge wall and student-led projects, this was a chance for our community to see how ESG principles can be lived out not only in industry but also in daily life. Even small efforts, whether reducing waste, conserving resources or creating innovative solutions, can collectively make a real difference.”

A key highlight was the ESG Industry Forum, with active participation from industry partners Mr. Bryan Paul, Founding Member and East Malaysia Director of ESG Malaysia; Ms. Nisha Jayagopal, Founder & CEO of Savor Upp; and Ms. Juliana Nordin, Project Manager of the Animal Neighbours Project. The forum focused on urban conservation, food-waste reduction, and practical ESG strategies shaping Malaysian communities, giving students and attendees direct insights from leading sustainability practitioners.

Following the forum, First City University College hosted an Industry–University dialogue with the same partners to strengthen collaboration in sustainability, education, and student engagement. The session explored opportunities for joint publications, ESG-focused short courses and micro-credentials, student ambassador programmes, volunteering initiatives, and research collaborations, creating pathways for students to apply ESG principles in practical, real-world projects.

Across campus, booths showcased innovation and creativity. Technology students presented fall detection systems and energy-harvesting models; Design students explored sustainable fashion; Business students encouraged green living through seed-planting; and Mass Communication students ran recycling awareness games. External organisations added further depth with exhibitions on conservation, renewable energy, and food-waste reduction.

Students operating the booths found the experience impactful. Ho Khai Feng, from the Foundation in Business Administration programme, shared “At our booth we taught people how to plant flowers. It was a simple but meaningful way to encourage green living.” Mass Communication student Raufa Majid added “We designed activities to show how countries approach sustainability and recycling. Winners received wooden cutlery to remind them that everyday choices can be eco-friendly.”

Through ESG Day 2025, First City University College reaffirmed its commitment to shaping graduates who are not only industry-ready but also socially responsible and sustainability-driven.