Kuala Lampur, Aug. 8 -- In Malaysia, sustainability narratives often bring to mind images of large corporations reporting on environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. Public-listed multinationals dominate headlines because investors, regulators and international supply chains are pushing them to clean up their act. But meaningful, progress must start closer to home, for examples, among street vendors in Penang, mobile spa owners in Shah Alam and home bakers in Kuantan.

Micro-enterprises form the backbone of Malaysia's economy. SME Corporation Malaysia reports that they represent nearly 70 per cent of the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Their impact is especially visible in informal markets and lower-income co...