How to Become an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Consultant
An ESG Consultant advises organizations on sustainability strategies, social responsibility, and governance practices to align with global standards and improve their environmental and social impact. With the increasing focus on corporate sustainability in Malaysia, ESG consulting is a growing and rewarding career path. Here’s a comprehensive guide to becoming an ESG Consultant in Malaysia.
1. Understand the Role of an ESG Consultant
What Does an ESG Consultant Do?
- Develop and implement ESG strategies for businesses.
- Conduct ESG assessments and audits to identify areas for improvement.
- Help organizations comply with ESG reporting standards and frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD).
- Advise on sustainability initiatives, such as carbon reduction, diversity, and ethical governance.
- Work with stakeholders to enhance an organization’s ESG performance.
Key Skills Required:
- Sustainability Knowledge: Understanding of climate change, carbon management, and circular economy principles.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to assess data and metrics for ESG reporting.
- Communication Skills: Present complex ideas to stakeholders and write clear ESG reports.
- Project Management: Oversee sustainability projects and ensure deadlines are met.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with ESG laws, standards, and industry requirements.
2. Obtain the Required Education
Step 1: Complete Pre-University Education
- Achieve strong grades in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Economics in SPM or equivalent.
- Enroll in pre-university programs such as:
- Foundation in Science, Business, or Engineering
- A-Levels
- STPM
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Science
- Business Administration with a Sustainability Focus
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Corporate Governance
Top Malaysian Universities Offering Relevant Degrees:
- Universiti Malaya (UM): Environmental and Resource Economics.
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): Environmental Science and Management.
- Asia Pacific University (APU): Business and Sustainability.
- Taylor’s University: Corporate Governance and Sustainability.
3. Gain ESG Certifications
Certifications enhance your credibility and employability. Some recommended certifications include:
| Certification | Focus Area | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Sustainability Practitioner (CSP) | General ESG practices | Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) |
| Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards Certification | ESG reporting and compliance | GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) |
| Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) | ESG analysis and integration | European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) |
| ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification | Environmental management systems | IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) |
| Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) | Climate-related risk management | TCFD Knowledge Hub |
4. Gain Practical Experience
Step 1: Internships and Entry-Level Roles
- Gain experience by interning at sustainability consulting firms, environmental NGOs, or corporate ESG departments.
- Look for roles like Sustainability Analyst, Junior ESG Consultant, or Environmental Officer.
Step 2: Build a Portfolio
- Work on projects like conducting ESG audits, preparing sustainability reports, or designing corporate sustainability programs.
- Highlight your contributions in presentations or a digital portfolio to showcase your skills.
5. Learn ESG Tools and Frameworks
Familiarity with key ESG tools and frameworks will set you apart:
| Framework/Tool | Application |
|---|---|
| GRI Standards | Sustainability reporting |
| SASB Standards | Industry-specific ESG disclosure |
| CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) | Climate-related disclosures |
| TCFD Framework | Climate risk and financial reporting |
| EcoVadis | Supplier sustainability assessments |
| Enablon | ESG performance tracking |
6. Explore Career Pathways in ESG Consulting
| Job Title | Experience Level | Monthly Salary (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior ESG Consultant | Entry-Level (0–2 years) | RM 3,500 – RM 5,000 |
| ESG Analyst | 2–4 years | RM 5,000 – RM 8,000 |
| Senior ESG Consultant | 4–7 years | RM 8,000 – RM 12,000 |
| Sustainability Manager | 7–10 years | RM 12,000 – RM 18,000 |
| Director of ESG or Sustainability | 10+ years | RM 18,000 – RM 30,000+ |
7. Network and Stay Updated
- Join professional associations and networks like:
- Malaysian Green Building Confederation (MGBC)
- Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM)
- Malaysian Environmental NGO (MENGO)
- Attend sustainability and ESG conferences such as:
- International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition (IGEM)
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Forum
8. Pursue Continuous Learning
The ESG field evolves rapidly due to changing regulations and technologies. Stay ahead by:
- Enrolling in advanced courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning.
- Learning about emerging topics like carbon markets, biodiversity conservation, and social equity.
- Pursuing postgraduate degrees in ESG-related fields, such as Sustainability Management or Environmental Economics.
FAQ: How to Become an ESG Consultant in Malaysia
1. What qualifications are required to become an ESG Consultant?
You need a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. How long does it take to become an ESG Consultant?
It typically takes 4–6 years, including a 3–4 year degree program and 1–2 years of work experience.
3. Are certifications necessary for ESG Consultants?
Certifications like GRI Standards Certification or CESGA are not mandatory but are highly recommended to validate your skills.
4. What industries hire ESG Consultants in Malaysia?
Industries include:
- Banking and Financial Services
- Manufacturing and Supply Chain
- Real Estate and Infrastructure
- Energy and Utilities
5. What is the salary range for ESG Consultants in Malaysia?
- Entry-Level ESG Consultant: RM 3,500 – RM 5,000/month.
- Senior ESG Consultant: RM 8,000 – RM 12,000+/month.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an ESG Consultant in Malaysia offers a meaningful and rewarding career path, aligning financial performance with sustainability goals. By obtaining the right education, certifications, and practical experience, you can excel in this growing field and contribute to building a sustainable future.
