OBJECTIVE:

Panel 1: Greenwashing or Genuine? Holding Brands Accountable in the Digital Era

Held on 9–10 June 2026 at St. Giles Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur, Digital Media Communication Week Kuala Lumpur (DMCKL) 2026 featured Panel 1 titled “Greenwashing or Genuine? Holding Brands Accountable in the Digital Era”. The session brought together industry experts including Arina Kok (EY), Leong Sat Sing (UCSI Group), Dr. Allinnettes Adigue (Global Reporting Initiative), and Syed Mohammed Idid (West Coast Expressway) to discuss the importance of credible sustainability communication in an increasingly transparent digital landscape.

During the discussion, Leong Sat Sing highlighted the growing need for sustainability literacy among younger generations, particularly in recognising and questioning potential greenwashing practices. He shared that students should be equipped with the knowledge to differentiate between genuine sustainability efforts and unsupported environmental claims, enabling them to make more informed decisions as consumers and future professionals. He also introduced key concepts such as the 3Ps—People, Planet, and Profit—alongside ESG reporting and the circular economy, which provide important foundations for understanding sustainable business practices.

Drawing from UCSI’s experience in sustainability reporting and international rankings submissions, he emphasised that organisations must ensure that all sustainability claims are backed by clear evidence and measurable outcomes. He noted that transparency and accountability are essential in preventing greenwashing, as stakeholders increasingly expect organisations to substantiate their commitments through credible reporting and disclosures. By fostering a culture of openness and responsible communication, organisations can build trust while demonstrating genuine progress towards sustainability goals.