Sustainability
Advancing Asia as the Next Generation Digital Champion — Axiata aspires to deliver sustainable value for all.
Advancing Asia as the Next Generation Digital Champion — Axiata aspires to deliver sustainable value for all.
Our Approach to Sustainability
We are committed to upholding sustainable and responsible business practices across our business, with a focus on key environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
In doing so, we ensure that our efforts align with global standards and stakeholder expectations, generating positive impact on our business, the environment and society.
"Our Sustainability Framework provides the foundation for Axiata’s long-term strategy and supports our mission of Advancing Asia. It empowers us to create value, foster innovation and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the communities we serve."
Vivek Sood
Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director
Axiata
Since our founding, we have progressively strengthened our commitment to sustainability, implementing frameworks, commitments and initiatives to create long-term value and support the resilience of our business.
We create sustainable value through four pillars and 16 material matters, supported by strong governance, regular reviews, and stakeholder engagement to align with global ESG standards.
ESG Ratings
Axiata Group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures are assessed by various independent external ESG rating and benchmarking agencies, each applying its own methodologies and evaluation criteria. These assessments are typically summarised through proprietary scores, ratings or rankings.
The chart showcases Axiata Group's latest ESG ratings. In 2025, Axiata Group has recorded historical high achievements across its ESG ratings.
No assessment was available for WBA's Digital Inclusion Benchmark (DIB) for 2024, owing to methodology update. Hence, rank of #22 depicts that for FY2023.
SUSTAINABILITY YEAR IN REVIEW
Advancing Digital Societies
- Meeting Essential Needs
Improved the lives of approximately 29.3 million people through targeted education, connectivity and essential services initiatives delivered under our commitment to the World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance
- Advancing Next Generation Connectivity
Accelerated commercial 5G rollouts across our markets, delivering enhanced digital experiences for individuals and businesses
- Enhancing the Customer Experience with AI
Introduced AI chatbots and assistants across products and markets to improve customer service and support issue resolution at scale
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Protecting Children in the Digital Environment
Strengthened child online protection through awareness programmes, safety campaigns and reporting mechanisms, alongside digital skills training and partnerships with child protection authorities across operating markets
Advancing Green Economy
- Compliance with NSRF through First‑time IFRS S2 Reporting
Undertook a comprehensive climate scenario analysis covering our principal business segments and prepared our 2025 disclosures in line with IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures
- Enhancing Energy Efficiency
Achieved a 7.7% reduction in energy intensity compared to 2024, driven by key initiatives such as solarisation and fiberisation
- Leveraging Decarbonisation Opportunities
Developed a Group-wide decarbonisation model anchored on six levers and invested approximately RM170 million across our operating markets to deploy energy efficiency and green initiatives
- Recycling for a Sustainable Future
Recorded 2,859.1 tonnes of total waste in 2025, including 1,005.5 tonnes diverted from disposal and 1,853.6 tonnes directed to disposal
Advancing Our People & Communities
- Strengthening Leadership Diversity
Achieved 34% women representation in Senior Management across the Group, exceeding our target of 30% by 2028
- Creating a Foundation for Advancement
Directed RM13.6 million in community investments that impacted 8.6 million lives, including RM8.2 million through Axiata Foundation
- Deepening Our Winning Culture
Embedded our core values more deeply across the organisation through leadership role-modelling and culture building initiatives, supported by structured measurement to drive progress
- Building Future-Ready Capabilities
Enhanced OpCo-level development initiatives to support digital and AI-enabled transformation, while rolling out targeted programmes to strengthen our leadership pipeline
Driving Governance & Risk
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Implementing AI-Enabled Threat Management
Deployed the AI-powered HELIOS platform to strengthen visibility of our digital assets and enable rapid threat attribution and remediation
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Operationalising Zero Trust
Fully operationalised Zero Trust Architecture across applications, data, identity, endpoints and APIs, achieving an improved cyber maturity score of 3.52 out of 5 -
Embedding a Culture of Compliance
Achieved a 98.2% completion rate for mandatory ABAC training and implemented a Group-wide Conflict of Interest Ethical Decision-Making Framework to ensure a consistent and transparent approach to managing COI across all divisions - Strengthening Anti-Bribery and Corruption
Axiata Corporate Centre attained ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System certification at Group level, reinforcing our overarching commitment to strong governance, consistent enforcement, and an effective corporate compliance framework across all OpCos
ESG Performance
Coming soon
GRI Index & UNGC Principles
Advancing The UN SDGs
We support the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with nine priorities that closely align with our sustainability agenda and key impact areas. While these are our primary focus, we also contribute to other goals indirectly through our Triple Core Business and our role as a responsible corporate citizen.
Our Prioritised UN SDGs
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.
For more information on our memberships and associations, please read page 50 of our Integrated Annual Report 2025.
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA)
We drive collaboration within the mobile ecosystem as an active member of the GSMA, while also participating in key initiatives including the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, Climate Action Taskforce and Connected Women Commitment Initiative.
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) & UNGCMYB
In 2025, we participated in the UNGC's Climate Ambition Accelerator and continued to drive OpCo's alignment with its Ten Principles. Meanwhile, at country level, UNGCMYB recognised Axiata on its inaugural ESG Select List 2025 as a 1-Star ESG Trailblazer for achieving SBTi validation of both near-term and net-zero targets.
The CEO Action Network (CAN)
Axiata is one of 78 members of CAN, a closed-door peer-to-peer informal network of CEOs and board members focused on shaping future-ready and ESG-integrated business models and ecosystems, and an active participant in its Policy Advocacy workstream.
TM Forum
Since 2010, we have been a member of TM Forum, building a sustainable future for the connectivity ecosystem in collaboration with over 800 organisations including the top 10 Communication Service Providers, the top three hyperscalers, leading Network Equipment Providers and a wide range of vendors, consultancies and system integrators.
30% Club
The 30% Club Malaysian Chapter, of which Axiata, ADA, EDOTCO and Boost are members, has successfully contributed to achieving 34.1% female representation on boards of the top 100 public-listed companies in Malaysia as of October 2025.
United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN WEP)
In 2022, Axiata became a signatory to the UN WEP, followed by Dialog in 2024. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes gender equality and empowers women, ensuring all employees have equal opportunities for growth and development.
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.
Overall strategic responsibility and oversight
The Board holds ultimate responsibility for our sustainability strategy, overseeing the integration of ESG matters into corporate strategy to ensure responsible growth and long-term value creation. The Board is supported in its responsibilities by the Board Sustainability Committee (BSC), which provides strategic guidance, resolves matters relating to sustainability practices and oversees sustainability-related disclosures, while also exercising oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities.
Overall management responsibility and alignment across the Group
The GCEO and Managing Director is responsible for overall management of sustainability-related matters and also oversees Group Sustainability, while being supported by other senior management members within their areas of responsibility.
Operational responsibility and strategic implementation
The Axiata Sustainability Steering Committee is responsible for supporting the management of ESG matters and driving collaboration to support the achievement of our sustainability agenda and promote knowledge sharing. It is chaired by the GCEO and Managing Director and consists of representatives from Group Sustainability, OpCo Sustainability teams and representatives, and selected Heads or nominees from key Group corporate functions.
Meanwhile, Group Sustainability drives the development and implementation of our overall sustainability strategy and framework, ensuring initiatives are structured and cohesive across the Group. It monitors sustainability practices and targets, evaluates ESG risks and opportunities, and provides advisory support and capacity building for OpCo sustainability teams. The team also ensures alignment across OpCos and tracks progress on sustainability efforts.
Axiata’s Directors or Senior Leaders sit on OpCo Boards and Committees
Each OpCo maintains its own sustainability governance structure, supporting the escalation of relevant issues appropriately within its management structure. OpCos are responsible for the governance, daily management and operations, programme implementation and data collection for the Group’s identified sustainability material matters, as well as their own sustainability matters or practices.
The Group continues to leverage on the Board Risk and Compliance Committee (BRCC) of each OpCo to enhance strategic alignment and accountability.
Determining What Matters
In FY2025, we completed our first Double Materiality Assessment (DMA), assessing sustainability and climate matters from both financial materiality (outside-in) and impact materiality (inside-out) perspectives.
- Impact materiality considers Axiata’s actual or potential impacts on the economy, environment and stakeholders across its value chain
- Financial materiality considers Sustainability-related Risks and Opportunities (SRROs) and Climate-related Risks and Opportunities (CRROs) that could reasonably be expected to influence the Group’s future cash flows and enterprise value, but may not yet be fully reflected in the current financial reporting period
The DMA approach was adapted from the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) double materiality concept, with topic coverage informed by the GRI Topic Standards and relevant industry benchmarks.
As a result of the assessment, our materiality matrix was updated as per below.
Engaging Our Stakeholders
Through focused engagement with our stakeholders, we gain a deeper understanding of their evolving needs and concerns. This enables us to develop initiatives and strategies that create shared value, strengthening these key relationships while supporting our objectives as a business.
Customers
Significance to Axiata
We serve individual and enterprise customers by providing reliable networks, digital solutions and services that support daily connectivity and business operations. We focus on performance, value and experience to meet and exceed customer expectations across all markets.
Engagement Mode
We gather customer insights and track performance to strengthen service quality and experience through:
- Structured customer surveys including independent brand and perception studies, Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT)
- Customer engagement across physical and digital touchpoints, including retail, customer care centres, contact channels, digital/self-service platforms, mobile applications etc.
- Customer relationship management initiatives, such as loyalty and reward programmes
Suppliers & Business Partners
Significance to Axiata
Suppliers and business partners enable our operational continuity, network reliability, enterprise solutions and digital transformation across Axiata’s markets. Long-term partnerships support innovation, service quality, supply resilience and responsible business practices across the value chain.
Engagement Mode
We work closely with suppliers and business partners to enhance performance, collaboration and long-term value through:
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Direct engagements and meetings
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Tenders and bidding processes
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Performance management meetings
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Axiata Corporate Centre forums with key and local suppliers
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Digital collaboration via a common procurement platform for data submission and compliance monitoring
Local Community & Civil Society Organisations (CSO)
Local Community
Significance to Axiata
Communities in areas where we operate influence and are affected by our presence, including access, livelihoods and environmental impacts. Ongoing engagement helps us manage impacts, strengthen trust and support social outcomes through our operations and Axiata Foundation.
Engagement Mode
We partner with communities to co-create relevant, impactful and scalable programmes through:
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Co-creative partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social enterprises
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Regular meetings
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Progress reporting
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Impact assessments
Civil Society Organisations (CSO)
Significance to Axiata
CSOs provide independent perspectives and local knowledge on ESG priorities. Working with credible CSOs strengthens programme design and delivery, improves transparency and helps Axiata address priority needs with better outcomes.
Engagement Mode
We collaborate with CSOs to better understand social priorities and deliver inclusive programmes through:
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Engagement with community leaders and relevant government representatives
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Regular meetings and dialogue sessions
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Strategic partnerships in community development and digital inclusion programmes
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Donation drives and targeted support initiatives
Shareholders, Investors & Analysts
Significance to Axiata
Shareholders and investors provide financial capital to sustain growth, while analysts support access to broader investor networks. They expect timely information, transparency and sustainable returns.
Engagement Mode
We maintain open and transparent communication with shareholders, investors and analysts on performance, strategy and ESG matters through:
- Financial results briefings
- Investor conferences and roadshows
- Annual General Meetings
- Analyst and Investor Day Shareholder, investor and analyst engagements
- ESG questionnaires
Media
Significance to Axiata
Media is a key channel for communicating Axiata’s strategy, performance and priorities, enabling clear, consistent and accurate articulation of the Group’s positioning, execution progress and long‑term value creation across its markets.
Engagement Mode
We engage proactively with the media to support timely and accurate dissemination of information through:
- Media releases and press kits
- Media briefings and interviews
- Media engagements aligned to key corporate milestones
- Media enquiries
Regulators & Government
Significance to Axiata
Telecommunication and fintech operate within highly regulated environments that shape licensing, compliance obligations, cost structures and long-term business viability. Policy stability and regulatory clarity shape investment decisions and customer outcomes. Changes in government, policy priorities and economic conditions can create uncertainty, affecting market dynamics and the pace of longterm strategy execution across our footprint.
Engagement Mode
We participate in ongoing dialogue with regulators and government stakeholders to support policy clarity, regulatory certainty and sector development through:
- Stakeholder engagements with country and state senior leadership, ministers, regulators and working-level teams
- Engagement with government agencies
- Industry meetings, regulatory platforms and capacity-building workshops
Industry Bodies
Significance to Axiata
As a regional industry player, we collaborate with global and regional industry bodies to align on shared priorities, advance sector sustainability and shape future-ready regulatory and technology frameworks.
Engagement Mode
We contribute to industry-wide discussions and collaboration to advance innovation, sustainability and policy development through:
- Industry meetings, discussions and roundtables
- One-to-one engagements with government stakeholders e.g. Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
- Keynote speeches and presentations
- Panel participation at national, regional and global forums
Employees, Management & Board
Employees
Significance to Axiata
Our workforce enables the delivery of digital experiences and execution of strategy. We foster a high-performing, accountable and inclusive culture to attract, develop and retain talent.
Engagement Mode
We foster ongoing dialogue and alignment across the Group to support performance, inclusion and talent development through:
- Updates via broadcast screens and Scoop (Axiata intranet platform)
- Townhalls
- Employee engagement survey
- Periodic cadence with Head of Departments (HODs) as change champions
Management & Board
Significance to Axiata
The Board provides direction, oversight and accountability for Axiata’s sustainability commitments.
Management is responsible for translating these commitments into policies, programmes and risk‑management practices, with progress monitored through clear accountabilities and regular reporting.
Engagement Mode
We ensure effective oversight and alignment across the Group through:
- Board and Board Committee meetings
- Strategy and risk reviews
- Management briefings
